Fix It Where It Sits, or Haul It to a Shop?

Feb 12, 2025 · 4 min read

Roadside assistance aims to resolve a problem where the vehicle is parked. Towing transports the vehicle when an on-site service is not suitable. The right choice depends on the symptoms, your location, and the equipment available. Describe the situation before choosing a service.

Call roadside (not a tow) when...

• The battery is dead but the car is otherwise fine.
• You have a flat and a usable spare, or need mobile tire repair or replacement. Roadmate offers mobile tire replacement in Columbus even when you have no spare; dispatch confirms tire availability and access.
• 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 tire or wheel damage cannot be handled safely on site, or a suitable mobile replacement is unavailable.
• You smell gas, smoke, or hear grinding from the wheels.

Not sure? Just describe it

Tell dispatch exactly what the car is doing and what has already been tried. Ask whether an on-site service is appropriate, what equipment is needed, and whether service is available at your location. Confirm the quote before agreeing to a visit. A dispatcher can help assess the request, but the final diagnosis may require an inspection.

What to tell the dispatcher

Have your vehicle year, make, model, and exact location ready. Describe whether the engine starts, whether a spare tire is available, and whether the vehicle is accessible in a garage or parking lot. Mention any recent inspection or repair, and explain what happened immediately before the breakdown. If transport is needed, provide the destination address so the provider can confirm distance, equipment, and pricing.

Confirm the scope before booking

Ask what the quoted service includes and what happens if the vehicle cannot be made ready on site. Check the arrival estimate, any access restrictions, and whether another service would require a separate quote. Availability depends on the provider and location. For help choosing a request, review our roadside service options and explain your situation when you call.