When stranded with no battery charge to start the engine, wheels deflated beyond repair, or mechanical failures leaving the car immobilized, a tow truck arrives like a guardian angel lifting spirits from the side of the lone road. But how does towing assistance operate behind the scenes, and what awaits calling for help in times of need? How does a tow service work? We breakdown the details so you understand the process when requiring roadside rescue.
What Is Towing and When Is It Necessary?
Towing provides aid when the vehicle refuses to roll under its own power due to technical troubles, accidents causing damage preventing driving, or punctured rubber sealing air escape. Whether marooned in the garage or highways, tow operators complete intensive training transporting cars safely to auto shops, homes, or places chosen for repairs.
Common scenarios necessitating tow trucks embrace:
- Non-starting engines
- Flat batteries drained of power
- Out of gas tanks running on fumes
- Spareless tires deflated beyond inflation
- Crash incidents along the road
- Overheated machinery seizing function
- Stuck mud, sand, or snow traps
No matter why, understanding operations relieves anxieties during breakdowns.
How to Call for Assistance and Anticipate the Arrival
When towing is needed, initially phone for roadside help. With memberships like DriveSmart, 24/7 towing access exists. Here is the process:
- Contact Your Roadside Program – Dial the number on your membership card for subscribed plans.
- Give Your Whereabouts – Leverage phone GPS or surroundings to accurately pinpoint the location.
- Describe the Dilemma – Clarify what transpired prompting the tow request to dispatch suitable trucks.
- Confirm Your Contact Info – Ensure emergency services have accurate phone numbers on file should additional help be needed.
- Wait in a Safe Spot – For breakdowns along busy roads, stay inside your automobile with hazard lights flashing or seek shelter nearby.
As soon as the call connects, a tow truck will drive to your area, usually within half an hour to an hour.
Towing Truck Varieties and Functions
Not all tow trucks fulfill the same jobs. Based on a car’s condition and circumstances, a specific style of tow truck may be deployed:
Flatbed Tow Trucks
Flatbed tow trucks are the most common and safest choice for tows. They leverage hydraulics to lower a ramp, enabling the vehicle to roll onto the truck’s platform. Ideal for:
- Luxury or low-profile automobiles
- Vehicles with severe damage
- Long-distance transport
- Hook and Chain Tow Trucks
Mainly used for salvage cars or heavily damaged vehicles. The chains risk scratches or harm, making them less suitable for modern vehicles.
Wheel Lift Tow Trucks
A wheel lift truck employs a metal sling to hoist either the front or back wheels off the ground while the other set stays touching the road. Excellent for prompt tows over short spans.
Integrated Tow Trucks
Reserved primarily for heavy-duty transport, integrated tow trucks have extra axles and reinforcements to haul large vehicles like buses or tractor-trailers.
Knowing the potential tow truck type provides reassurance about how your vehicle may be handled.
How Much Does Towing Cost?
Towing fees vary depending on distance, vehicle type, and location. Here’s a general overview:
- Base Fee – $50 to $100 (includes hookup)
- Per Mile Charge – $2 to $7 per mile
- Additional Services – Jump-starting dead batteries, delivering fuel, and winching vehicles out of tricky situations may carry extra costs.
If you subscribe to a roadside assistance plan, many of these services could be covered at no cost beyond your regular fees.
The Difference Between Roadside Assistance and Calling a Tow Truck
It isn’t always necessary to dispatch a heavy-duty tow vehicle. Numerous roadside assistance programs offer rapid remedies to help motorists avoid towing entirely. Common help includes:
- Jump-starting lifeless car batteries
- Delivering fuel to vehicles that run out of gas
- Swapping out flat or blown tires
- Unlocking access to vehicles if the driver is locked out
If the problem can’t be addressed right there, that’s when a tow truck needs to hauled in.
Roadside assistance plans frequently supply an assortment of aid to assist drivers avoid requiring a tow truck. This help is intended to handle prevalent issues that can leave a vehicle stranded. For example, if a battery is dead, a roadside helper can wire jumpers to recharge it. For out of gas vehicles, they deliver more fuel. If a tire goes flat, they replace it. And for locked out drivers, they unlock entry back into the car. These fast fixes can save time and hassle over waiting around for a heavy tow rig to arrive.
However, there are situations where a tow truck may be necessary. If one’s car experiences mechanical problems that cannot be remedied promptly on the side of the road, or if it has been involved in an accident, a tow truck will be required to transport the vehicle to a repair shop or other destination. Roadside assistance programs commonly cover towing services as part of their offerings, so rest assured that help will be available to get your car to where it requires transport.
Tips to Facilitate a Smooth Towing Encounter
- Have Documentation Handy – Retain insurance credentials, registration papers, and roadside membership information in the glove compartment.
- Prioritize Safety – If on the highway, stay buckled up inside the auto until help arrives.
- Clarify the Destination – Confirm where the car will be delivered and any expenses before the tow commences.
- Capture Photos – If in an accident, photograph the car before towing for insurance purposes.
Why a Roadside Assistance Membership Makes a Difference
Towing can prove expensive and stressful, but subscribing to roadside assistance like DriveSmart removes these hassles. With constant support, emergency towing, and customized aid, you can travel with peace of mind understanding that help is a phone call away.
Unlock Tranquility with DriveSmart
Don’t wait until stranded on the road to explore roadside assistance coverage. With a DriveSmart membership, you’ll access:
- Nationwide roadside care
- Towing services in emergencies
- Fuel delivery and jump-starts
- Exclusive discounts on vehicle services
Enroll in DriveSmart today and drive free from worry, cognizant you’re protected in any roadside emergency. Click here to sign up immediately!