How to Obtain a Towing Service
Obtaining towing services when you're stranded is vital. Even if you aren't stranded but are facing a repair that you can't do on your own you'll need to know how to have your vehicle towed to a shop. Getting a tow isn't difficult.
Whether you're stranded on the side of the road or have a vehicle broken down in your driveway, obtaining a towing service will become necessary. Fortunately the process is difficult.
What You'll Need:
- Phone
- Vehicle make and model
- Exact location
- Look around for road signs or landmarks if you're in an unfamiliar place. You may not need an exact address, but you'll need to know crossroads close by so the towing service can dispatch a truck to the right location.
- Call any roadside assistance programs you may belong to. These can be provided through your insurance carrier, your cell phone service provider or auto clubs. Roadside assistance programs usually offer discounts on towing service even if you aren't stranded. If you don't have roadside assistance you'll need to find a local towing company. Most new cell phones will allow you to use the internet to browse various services. Even calling information (411) is a good option.
- Tell the dispatcher where you are, what the problem is and what kind of car you have. They will need all of this information to dispatch the appropriate truck to your location. Some cars can't be towed behind a vehicle and will require a flatbed like truck that the car is pulled on top of.
- Wait for the tow truck near your vehicle. Once the truck shows up you can either call a friend for a ride or see if the tow truck driver can give you a ride to the shop.