Should you call a tow truck or roadside assistance? - Here's how to know.
Breaking down on the side of the road is never convenient, but one of the first questions many drivers ask is whether they need a tow truck or if roadside assistance will solve the problem. In many cases, a quick roadside service can get you back on the road within minutes. In other situations, attempting to drive the vehicle could cause further damage and a tow is the safest option.
Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Here's a guide to help Ontario drivers decide which service they need.
What is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is designed to fix minor problems that prevent your vehicle from operating but don't require it to be taken to a repair shop. The goal is to get you safely back on the road without the need for a tow.
Common roadside assistance services include:
Minor roadside troubleshooting
If the issue can usually be resolved safely where your vehicle is parked, roadside assistance is often the best option.
When Should You Call a Tow Truck?
Some vehicle problems can't be safely repaired on the roadside. If driving your vehicle could cause additional damage or create a safety risk, it's best to have it professionally towed.
You should consider calling a tow truck if your vehicle has:
-Been involved in a collision
-Engine failure
-Transmission problems
-Overheated and won't restart safely
-Suspension or steering damage
-Brake failure
-Broken axle
-Severe tire or wheel damage
-Electrical issues that prevent the vehicle from starting
-Been stuck in a ditch or off the roadway
In these situations, towing your vehicle to a repair facility is usually the safest choice.
Don't Guess if You're Unsure
Modern vehicles are much more complex than older cars. A warning light or vehicle that suddenly won't start could indicate anything from a weak battery to a major mechanical issue.
If you're unsure whether it's safe to drive, it's usually better to avoid taking the risk. Continuing to drive a vehicle with serious mechanical problems can lead to more expensive repairs or even create dangerous driving conditions.
When you contact us, describe exactly what's happening. An experienced dispatcher can often recommend whether roadside assistance is likely to solve the problem or whether a tow truck should be sent instead.
Roadside Assistance Can Save You Time
Many common breakdowns are surprisingly simple to fix.
For example:
-A battery can often be jump started within minutes.
-A flat tire can usually be replaced with your spare tire.
-Running out of gas only requires enough fuel to reach the nearest service station.
-Locked keys can often be retrieved without damaging the vehicle.
Choosing roadside assistance for these situations can often get you moving again much faster than arranging a full tow.
Sometimes a Tow Is the Better Investment
Many drivers hesitate to request a tow because they hope the vehicle can make it to the repair shop under its own power. Unfortunately, driving with serious mechanical problems can turn a relatively inexpensive repair into a much larger one.
For example:
-Driving with an overheating engine can cause severe engine damage.
-A failing transmission may stop working completely.
-Brake or steering problems create a serious safety hazard.
-Collision damage may have affected components that aren't immediately visible.
If there's any doubt about the vehicle's safety or condition, towing is often the most cost-effective decision in the long run.
To Summarize
Roadside assistance is the right choice for smaller problems like dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and running out of fuel. A tow truck is the safer option whenever your vehicle has been involved in an accident, has major mechanical issues, or isn't safe to drive.
If you're ever unsure which service you need, don't guess. Contact us, explain the situation, and let an experienced dispatcher help determine the safest and most appropriate solution. Making the right decision early can save you time, prevent additional vehicle damage, and help you get back on the road as safely as possible.
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