Towing vs. Roadside Assistance: What’s the Difference?

Towing vs. Roadside Assistance: What’s the Difference?

Towing vs Roadside Assistance What’s the Difference? When your car breaks down or you’re stranded on the side of the road, you might wonder: Should I call for a tow or roadside assistance? While both services help get you back on the road, they serve different purposes.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between towing and roadside assistance, when to call each service, and how to save money on both.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is designed for minor vehicle issues that can be fixed on the spot—helping you get back on the road quickly without towing your vehicle.

Common Roadside Assistance Services:

✅ Jump-Start – If your battery is dead, a professional can jump-start it.

✅ Flat Tire Change – A technician can replace your flat tire with your spare.

✅ Lockout Service – If you’re locked out of your car, they can unlock it.

✅ Fuel Delivery – If you run out of gas, they bring fuel to you.

✅ Minor Repairs – Quick fixes like tightening loose battery cables.

When to Call Roadside Assistance:

🚗 Your car won’t start, but you think it’s a battery issue.

🚗 You have a flat tire but don’t have a spare or tools.

🚗 You locked your keys in your car.🚗 You ran out of gas and need a quick refill.

⚠️ When NOT to Call Roadside Assistance:

• If your car is completely undrivable (engine failure, major accident).

• If your vehicle needs major repairs.

• If your car is stuck in a ditch or deep mud/snow (you may need a tow).

What Is Towing?

Towing involves transporting your car to a repair shop, home, or another location when it can’t be fixed on-site.

Common Towing Services:

✅ Flatbed Towing – Best for all-wheel drive, luxury, or severely damaged vehicles.

✅ Wheel-Lift Towing – More affordable, used for short-distance tows.

✅ Heavy-Duty Towing – Used for large vehicles like RVs and trucks.

✅ Winching Services – If your car is stuck in mud, snow, sand, or a ditch.

When to Call for a Tow Truck:

🚨 Your car won’t start and a jump-start didn’t work.

🚨 You were in a major accident and the car isn’t drivable.

🚨 Your engine overheated or failed while driving.

🚨 Your car is stuck in deep mud, snow, or a ditch.

🚨 You need a long-distance tow to a repair shop or another city.