Emergency towing

Not every stopped vehicle needs to be towed. If the problem is a flat with a usable spare, an empty tank, or a battery that just needs a boost, roadside assistance may get you moving where you are. A tow makes sense when the vehicle will not start after a jump, is leaking fluid, has warning lights for overheating or oil pressure, or has damage that makes driving unsafe.

If you are not sure, describe the symptoms to dispatch. That conversation is what decides between a tow truck and a roadside service call, and it is why we ask what the vehicle is doing rather than just where it is.

Most everyday cars, SUVs, and pickups ride on light-duty flatbed towing. Larger work vehicles may need medium-duty flatbed towing, and electric vehicles have their own handling considerations covered on our EV and Tesla towing page. Telling dispatch the vehicle type up front avoids sending the wrong equipment.

• Exact location: address, mile marker, direction of travel, or a map pin
• Year, make, model, and whether it is all-wheel drive or electric
• Whether the vehicle rolls, steers, and is in park or neutral
• Where you want the vehicle taken: home, a shop, or another destination

On a highway, keep hazards on and stay away from moving traffic. If you broke down on the interstate, our guide for being broken down on I-25 walks through positioning and what to report. If a collision is involved, follow emergency guidance first and see accident recovery. For a short checklist when you need help immediately, read need a tow now.