When your vehicle breaks down or gets into an accident, the first decision you need to make is how to resolve the situation. In many cases, the two most common options are towing and roadside assistance. While they may seem similar, each service has its own benefits and is suited to different types of situations. Understanding when to call for towing and when roadside assistance is the better choice can save you time, money, and frustr
What Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service that helps drivers with minor issues that don’t require a tow to a mechanic or repair shop. It is typically provided by insurance companies, car manufacturers, or dedicated roadside assistance services. Roadside assistance can handle a wide range of issues, including:
- Flat tire repair or replacement
- Jump-starting a dead battery
- Providing emergency fuel
- Locking and unlocking car doors
Minor mechanical issues (such as a broken belt or overheating)
Roadside assistance is usually fast, cost-effective, and designed for situations where the vehicle can be quickly repaired or temporarily fixed on-site. It’s especially useful for minor breakdowns or inconveniences that don’t require specialized attention or heavy equipment.
What Is Towing?
Towing involves transporting your vehicle to a repair shop, auto body shop, or another location. This service is typically needed when a vehicle is unable to function properly due to a major breakdown, accident, or mechanical failure. Towing services are more extensive and require professional equipment, such as flatbeds or tow trucks, to safely transport a disabled vehicle.
Towing is the right choice when the problem is severe, and your car cannot be driven or temporarily repaired on-site. Examples of situations where towing is necessary include:
- Major accidents where the car is not drivable
- Severe engine failure
- Transmission or axle issues
- Damage to the vehicle’s frame or suspension
- Flat tires on vehicles without a spare
In these cases, towing ensures that your vehicle is safely transported to a location where it can be properly diagnosed and repaired.
When to Choose Roadside Assistance
Choosing roadside assistance is the best option when you are dealing with minor issues that can be resolved quickly and efficiently on-site. Roadside assistance services are fast, relatively inexpensive, and allow you to get back on the road without having to wait for a tow truck. Here are some common situations where roadside assistance is the best choice:
Flat Tire
If you get a flat tire and have a spare, roadside assistance can help you replace it, getting you back on the road within a short time. Many roadside assistance services can also provide temporary tire repair if you don’t have a spare or if you need help re-inflating a low tire.
Dead Battery
When your car battery dies, roadside assistance can help jump-start your vehicle. This is a quick and easy fix that allows you to continue your journey without the need for a tow to a mechanic.
Lockouts
If you accidentally lock your keys inside the car, roadside assistance can send a technician to help you gain access to your vehicle. In most cases, this can be done quickly, without the need for a tow.
Running Out of Gas
If you run out of gas, roadside assistance can bring you enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. This saves you from the hassle of waiting for a tow truck to transport your vehicle.
In any of these cases, roadside assistance is a quick and convenient solution that minimizes your downtime and keeps costs lower than towing.
When to Choose Towing
There are situations where roadside assistance simply won’t be enough, and towing is necessary. If your vehicle has suffered significant damage or a major mechanical failure, you’ll need to call a towing service to transport it to a safe location for repair. Here are some scenarios where towing is the better option:
Major Accidents
If your car has been involved in a serious accident and is no longer driveable, you’ll need a tow truck to transport it to a repair shop. This is especially true if the car has structural damage, like a bent frame, or if the airbag has been deployed and it’s unsafe to drive.
Engine or Transmission Failure
If your vehicle’s engine or transmission fails completely, it may not be safe or feasible to attempt to repair it on the side of the road. In these cases, towing ensures that your vehicle can be safely transported to a mechanic for repairs or further diagnostics.
Frame or Suspension Damage
If your car’s suspension or frame is damaged (for example, in a collision or from heavy wear), it may not be safe to drive. A tow truck will be required to safely transport your vehicle to a repair shop for necessary fixes.
Severe Weather Damage
In some cases, severe weather (like flooding, hail, or snow) can cause significant damage to your vehicle, rendering it unsafe to drive. In these situations, towing is necessary to get your vehicle to a safe location for repairs.
Mechanical Failures Beyond On-Site Repair
When your vehicle experiences a major mechanical issue, like a broken axle or transmission failure, roadside assistance may not have the tools or expertise to fix it on-site. In these cases, a tow is the only option to get the car to the proper facility for repairs.
Deciding Between Towing and Roadside Assistance
The decision between calling for towing or roadside assistance boils down to the severity of the issue. Start by assessing the situation:
Is the problem minor and temporary (like a flat tire, dead battery, or lockout)? If so, roadside assistance is likely the best choice.
Is the vehicle unable to function, or has it suffered major damage? In that case, towing is necessary to transport the vehicle to a repair facility.
Always remember that your safety is the most important consideration. If you’re unsure whether your issue requires towing or roadside assistance, it’s better to err on the side of caution and call for towing. A professional towing service can provide a safer and more secure option if you’re in doubt.
Conclusion
Both towing and roadside assistance are valuable services that can help you when your vehicle breaks down. By understanding the difference between the two, you can make a more informed decision when an issue arises. Roadside assistance is perfect for minor issues that can be quickly fixed on-site, while towing is necessary for more serious breakdowns or accidents. Knowing when to choose each option ensures that your vehicle is handled properly and that you’re able to get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
Fawkner Towing
18 Emma St, Fawkner VIC 3060
(03) 4050 4989
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