When you are stranded on the side of the road due to car troubles, your first instinct might be to call your roadside assistance service for help. Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in many situations, but there are times when a tow truck is necessary, especially when the problem is beyond a simple fix. Knowing when to call a tow truck instead of relying on roadside assistance can save you time, frustration, and money. Citywide Towing Service would like to discuss the key differences between the two services and when you should consider calling for a tow truck.
What is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service typically offered by your car insurance provider, a third-party service, or as part of a car manufacturer’s warranty. It’s designed to help you with common issues that can occur while you’re driving, such as flat tires, dead batteries, or running out of gas. Roadside assistance is great for small issues that can be quickly fixed without the need to transport your vehicle. However, when a problem is more serious or your car is unsafe to drive, it’s time to call for a tow truck.
When to Call For a Tow Truck Instead of Roadside Assistance
While roadside assistance can be incredibly useful, there are situations where you will need a tow truck to get your car to a repair shop or safe location. Here are the top situations when calling for a tow truck is your best option:
Engine Problems or Mechanical Failure
If your car’s engine stops working completely, it’s usually not something that can be fixed on the side of the road. Roadside assistance might not be equipped to handle extensive mechanical failures like a blown engine, transmission failure, or major component issues. In these cases, a tow truck is your best option to get your vehicle to a repair shop for an in-depth diagnosis and repair.
Car Accidents or Collision Damage
If you’re involved in an accident and your car is too damaged to drive, calling a tow truck is your best option. Roadside assistance typically doesn’t have the ability to deal with collision damage beyond providing a temporary fix, like securing a flat tire or jump-starting a battery.
Flat Tires that Can’t Be Repaired
While roadside assistance can change a flat tire, there may be instances where the tire is too damaged to be repaired or replaced immediately. For example, if your tire has a blowout or a puncture that can’t be fixed with a simple patch, your car will need to be towed to a tire shop for a replacement.
Fuel System or Exhaust Issues
Fuel system problems, such as running out of gas, may seem like something roadside assistance can easily handle. However, in some cases, the issue might not just be that your tank is empty. A malfunctioning fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or other issues can render the car inoperable, requiring a tow truck to transport it to a mechanic for proper repairs.
Broken or Failed Alternator
If your alternator fails, your battery won’t charge, and your car will eventually run out of power, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Roadside assistance can help jump-start your car if the battery is dead, but if the alternator is the problem, a jump-start will only work temporarily. A tow truck is needed to get your car to a shop for alternator repair or replacement.
Transmission Problems
Transmission failure is another situation where roadside assistance won’t be of much help. If your transmission is slipping or you can’t shift gears, it’s a clear sign that your car needs to be towed to a repair shop. Trying to drive with transmission issues can lead to further damage and could leave you stuck in the middle of the road.
Severe Overheating
Overheating can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a broken radiator, water pump failure, or low coolant levels. If your car has overheated and you’ve allowed it to cool down, but it continues to overheat when started again, this is a sign that something more serious is wrong. Roadside assistance may be able to add coolant temporarily, but if there’s a deeper issue, you’ll need a tow truck to take your car to a mechanic.
Non-Drivable or Unreliable Vehicles
If your car is unreliable and you’re not sure it will make it to a repair shop safely, it’s best to have it towed. For example, if you have persistent brake problems, steering issues, or electrical faults, driving the car could be dangerous. In these cases, calling for a tow truck can prevent accidents and additional damage.
Towing Service, Roadside Assistance & More in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
While roadside assistance is a valuable service for handling common car troubles, there are times when calling a tow truck is necessary. If you need towing or roadside assistance services, contact Citywide Towing Service today.
