24/7
Towing & Roadside Assistance
What To Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down
A vehicle breakdown can happen without much warning. Your car may suddenly lose power, refuse to start, develop an electrical or mechanical problem, or become unsafe to drive. When this happens, your first priority should be getting yourself and your vehicle into the safest position possible.
McKinney’s Towing provides 24/7 towing and roadside assistance throughout Delaware. Whether the problem can be handled roadside or requires transportation to a repair facility, knowing what to do during the first few minutes of a breakdown can make the situation safer and easier to manage.
It is also important not to assume that you need to diagnose the problem yourself before calling for assistance. Describing what happened, what the vehicle is currently doing, and where you are located can provide the towing company with useful information. From there, the appropriate roadside assistance or towing equipment can be dispatched based on the situation.
- TL;DR
- Move away from active traffic if your vehicle can be moved safely.
- Turn on your hazard lights and avoid standing near passing vehicles.
- Provide your location, vehicle information, and a description of the problem when calling for help.
- If the vehicle cannot be safely driven, have it professionally towed.
Learn What To Do
Essential Steps to Take When Your Car Breaks Down
Vehicle breakdowns can happen unexpectedly, making it important to know how to respond safely. Learn what to do when your vehicle breaks down, how to stay safe while waiting for assistance, and when to call McKinney’s Towing for roadside assistance or towing services.
What Should You Do as Soon as Your Vehicle Starts Having Problems?
Move as far away from active traffic as conditions allow and turn on your hazard lights. Avoid stopping in travel lanes whenever you have a safe alternative.
If the vehicle is still moving, avoid making sudden maneuvers simply to reach a particular parking lot or exit. Your immediate goal should be reaching the closest reasonably safe location rather than continuing farther than necessary with a potentially serious vehicle problem.
How Can You Stay Safe on the Side of the Road?
Don’t attempt roadside repairs if doing so requires you to stand in or near moving traffic. Keep your phone available after requesting assistance in case the tow truck operator needs additional information about your location.
At night or during poor weather, visibility can create another concern. Keeping your hazard lights activated and clearly communicating your exact location can make it easier for the responding operator to locate you.
What Information Should You Provide When Calling for a Tow?
You should also mention anything unusual about the vehicle’s condition. For example, tell the dispatcher if the vehicle cannot shift into neutral, has accident damage, is off the roadway, cannot roll normally, or is positioned somewhere difficult to access. This helps determine which truck and equipment should be sent.
How Do You Know Whether You Need Roadside Assistance or a Tow?
If the vehicle cannot be safely driven after roadside assistance, towing is usually the appropriate next step. McKinney’s can transport the vehicle to a repair shop, dealership, storage facility, or another requested destination.
What If Your Vehicle Cannot Move Normally?
Let the towing company know about these conditions before the truck arrives. Providing accurate information helps the operator prepare for the situation rather than discovering additional complications after reaching the vehicle.
Local & Long-Distance Towing
Where Should You Have a Broken-Down Vehicle Towed?
If you already have a trusted repair facility or dealership, you can request that your vehicle be transported there. Depending on the circumstances, another repair facility or storage location may also be appropriate.
McKinney’s provides both local and long-distance towing, so drivers can discuss their destination when arranging service. If you are away from home when the breakdown occurs, long-distance towing may also provide an option for getting the vehicle where it ultimately needs to go.
FAQs
Have A Question? We Are Here To Help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about towing services? McKinney’s Towing answers common questions about response times, towing disabled vehicles, and 24/7 availability so you know what to expect when you need assistance.
McKinney’s average response time is typically around 20–45 minutes, although traffic, weather, location, accessibility, and current call volume can affect arrival times.
Let us know when you call. Vehicles that cannot start, roll normally, or shift into neutral can still be towed using appropriate equipment and techniques.
Yes. McKinney’s Towing provides towing and roadside assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
