When to Call a Tow Truck vs. Roadside Assistance

Feb 12, 2025 · 4 min read

Every tow costs more than a jump, tire swap, or fuel drop. If you can fix the problem on the spot, you should. Here's how to tell which one you actually need.

Call roadside (not a tow) when...

• The battery is dead but the car is otherwise fine.
• You have a flat and a usable spare.
• You ran out of fuel.
• The keys are locked inside.
• You need a quick winch out of mud, sand, or a snowbank.

Call a tow when...

• The engine cranks but won't start, or won't crank at all after a jump.
• Any warning light for oil pressure, temperature, or transmission is on.
• You were in a collision, even a minor one.
• The flat is a shredded tire or you have no spare.
• You smell gas, smoke, or hear grinding from the wheels.

Not sure? Just describe it

Tell dispatch exactly what the car is doing. A good dispatcher will send the cheapest solution that fixes it, not the biggest truck available. If a $75 jump makes the tow unnecessary, that's the call we'll make.