Common Roadside Problems and What to Do When They Happen

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Roadside Assistance & Towing
Common Roadside Problems and What to Do When They Happen

Not every roadside problem requires the same solution. A dead battery may be resolved where the vehicle is sitting, while a mechanical failure, collision, or severely disabled vehicle may require professional towing.

Knowing how to respond can help you avoid making the problem worse or putting yourself in an unsafe position. McKinney’s Towing provides 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, allowing drivers to get the type of help their situation requires.

One of the most useful things a driver can do is describe the problem rather than immediately deciding which service is needed. Explain whether the vehicle starts, whether it can move, what happened before it stopped working, and whether any warning lights or unusual symptoms appeared. This information can help determine whether roadside assistance is worth attempting or whether the vehicle should be transported.

  • TL;DR
  • Dead batteries and lockouts may be handled with roadside assistance.
  • Vehicles that cannot be safely driven should be towed.
  • Don't attempt roadside repairs when traffic or surroundings make them unsafe.
  • Explain the symptoms when requesting assistance so the appropriate service can be sent.

Learn What To Do
When to Call for Roadside Assistance or Towing

Roadside problems can happen unexpectedly, but knowing how to respond can help keep you safe. Learn what to do during battery failures, vehicle lockouts, and breakdowns, when towing may be necessary, and how McKinney’s Towing can help.

Our Services

What Should You Do If Your Battery Dies?

A dead battery is one of the situations where a tow may not immediately be necessary. McKinney’s provides jump-start assistance for vehicles with dead batteries.

If the vehicle starts and can be driven safely afterward, additional towing may not be required. If it still will not start, repeatedly loses power, or has another problem, towing it to a repair facility may be the safer option.

A successful jump-start also doesn’t necessarily explain why the battery died. If you experience repeated starting problems, the vehicle should be properly evaluated rather than relying on repeated jump-starts.

What Should You Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Vehicle?

If your keys are locked inside your vehicle, roadside lockout assistance may be able to resolve the problem without moving the vehicle.

Provide your location and vehicle information when requesting service. Avoid trying to force your way into the vehicle, which could cause additional damage.

What If Your Vehicle Suddenly Won’t Start?

A no-start condition can have several possible causes, and a dead battery is only one of them. If roadside assistance cannot get the vehicle running safely, it may need to be transported for diagnosis and repair.

Tell the towing company what happens when you attempt to start the vehicle. Any information you can provide may help determine what type of assistance is appropriate.

What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Loses Power While Driving?

If possible, move away from active traffic and stop in a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and avoid continuing to drive if the vehicle is behaving unpredictably or cannot maintain normal operation.

Once safely stopped, contact roadside assistance or a towing company. If the problem cannot be corrected safely at the roadside, arrange for the vehicle to be transported.

When Should You Stop Driving and Call for a Tow?

If a vehicle cannot be operated safely, towing is generally preferable to trying to reach a repair shop on your own. Significant accident damage, unusual noises, loss of power, serious steering problems, or other major changes in how the vehicle operates can indicate that continuing to drive is not a good option.

Towing prevents the vehicle from having to travel under its own power while a potentially serious problem is present. Continuing to drive simply because the vehicle is still moving can potentially leave you stranded farther from a safe location or create additional problems.

Basic Emergency Supplies
How Can You Prepare for a Roadside Problem?

Keep important contact information available and know where you are whenever possible. Basic emergency supplies can also be useful if you need to wait for assistance. When calling McKinney’s, be ready to provide your location, vehicle information, what happened, and where you want the vehicle taken if towing becomes necessary. Drivers who regularly travel longer distances may also want to think ahead about preferred repair facilities and emergency contacts. Having that information readily available can eliminate one decision when an unexpected roadside problem occurs.

FAQs

Have A Question? We Are Here To Help!
Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about roadside assistance? McKinney’s Towing explains when roadside assistance may be enough, what happens if a jump-start fails, and how our 24/7 services can help get you back on the road.

Does every roadside problem require a tow?

No. Problems such as a dead battery or vehicle lockout may be resolved with roadside assistance. If the vehicle cannot be safely driven afterward, towing may then be necessary.

What happens if a jump-start doesn't work?

If the vehicle still will not start, it may have another electrical or mechanical problem. McKinney’s can tow it to a repair facility or another requested destination.

Can I request roadside assistance at night?

Yes. McKinney’s provides 24/7 roadside assistance and towing.