Quick Answer: What to Do During an I-196 Breakdown Near Covert
If you break down on I-196 near Covert, Michigan, immediately move your vehicle to the shoulder if possible, activate hazard lights, stay inside your vehicle with seatbelts fastened, and call Gardner Towing LLC at 269-519-0528 for rapid emergency response service throughout Van Buren County with guaranteed arrival times under 30 minutes.
Understanding I-196 Emergency Situations in Covert Township
Interstate 196 serves as a vital transportation artery through Van Buren County, connecting South Haven to the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area. For residents and visitors in Covert Township (49043), this highway represents both convenience and potential hazard when vehicle troubles strike unexpectedly.

The I-196 corridor near Covert presents unique challenges that local drivers should be prepared for. With limited shoulder space in some sections and high-speed traffic, breakdowns here require specific safety protocols and quick professional response. During Michigan’s notorious winter months, which we’re thankfully past as of May 2025, this stretch can become particularly treacherous with lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan creating sudden whiteout conditions.
As Covert’s premier towing service, Gardner Towing LLC has responded to hundreds of I-196 emergencies, from simple flat tires to complex accident recovery situations near Exit 13 and the CR-378 interchange. Our experience has taught us that proper preparation and immediate action are essential for ensuring safety during highway breakdowns.
Essential Safety Steps for I-196 Breakdowns
When your vehicle malfunctions on I-196 near Covert, following these critical steps can protect you and your passengers until professional help arrives:
1. Move to Safety If Possible
Michigan follows the “Clear It or Steer It” protocol, meaning you should attempt to drive your disabled vehicle to the shoulder or nearest exit if it’s safe to do so. This reduces the risk of secondary collisions on this busy interstate.
2. Activate Emergency Signals
Turn on your hazard lights immediately to increase visibility to other drivers, especially crucial during evening hours or adverse weather conditions common to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
3. Stay in Your Vehicle with Seatbelts Fastened
The safest place during a highway breakdown is inside your vehicle with seatbelts secured. This protects you from passing traffic, which can be particularly dangerous on I-196’s curves near the Covert Township limits.
4. Call for Professional Assistance
Contact Gardner Towing LLC at 269-519-0528 for immediate response. Our dispatch center specializes in I-196 emergencies, with GPS-tracked trucks strategically positioned for rapid deployment to highway incidents.
5. Share Precise Location Details
When calling, provide specific location information such as the nearest mile marker, exit number, or recognizable landmark like the Covert Township Fire Department entrance or the Blue Star Highway overpass. This helps our drivers reach you faster.
Seasonal Considerations for I-196 Emergencies in Covert
Spring and Summer Readiness (May-September 2025)
As we’re currently in May 2025, it’s the perfect time to prepare for summer travel on I-196. During these warmer months, the highway sees increased traffic from tourists heading to Lake Michigan beaches in Covert Township. Common spring and summer breakdowns include:
- Overheated engines from stop-and-go traffic
- Flat tires from road debris
- Dead batteries from extended use of vehicle accessories
- Fuel system issues from ethanol-blend fuels common in summer months
Gardner Towing LLC offers specialized summer services including free winch-out recovery for vehicles stuck in Lake Michigan shoreline sand – a service other companies typically charge $150+ for. Our EV-certified technicians also provide expert assistance for electric vehicles frequently seen on I-196 during tourist season.
Preparing for Fall and Winter (October-April)
Though we’re in spring now, it’s never too early to prepare for the challenging conditions that will return to I-196 later this year. Winter breakdowns on I-196 near Covert require additional precautions due to the area’s heavy lake-effect snow and freezing temperatures. Gardner Towing LLC recommends:
- Keeping emergency blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable snacks in your vehicle
- Maintaining at least half a tank of gas during winter travel to prevent fuel line freezing
- Having a fully charged mobile phone and portable charger
- Requesting our specialized “Night Rescue Kit” when calling for assistance during cold weather emergencies
Our winter recovery teams are equipped with specialized equipment for extracting vehicles from snowbanks and ditches along I-196, particularly in the rural stretches between Covert and South Haven.
Case Study: Weekend Recovery on I-196 Near Covert
In April 2025, just a few weeks ago, the Johnson family from Chicago was traveling to their vacation home in South Haven when their SUV experienced transmission failure on I-196 just north of the Covert exit. With their three children becoming anxious and traffic whizzing by at high speeds, they called Gardner Towing LLC on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Our dispatcher immediately deployed our closest truck, which was monitoring the I-196 corridor near Exit 13. Despite heavy weekend traffic heading to Lake Michigan beaches, our driver arrived within 18 minutes, provided the family with complimentary water bottles and snacks, and safely transported them and their vehicle to their destination in South Haven.
“Gardner Towing rescued us when we were stranded with our kids on I-196 near Covert,” Mr. Johnson later wrote in his Google review. “Their driver arrived faster than we expected on a busy weekend and even helped us arrange temporary transportation. We’re keeping their number saved for all our Michigan trips.”
Why Gardner Towing LLC is Covert’s I-196 Recovery Specialist
When selecting emergency towing services for I-196 breakdowns near Covert, local expertise makes all the difference. Gardner Towing LLC stands apart as Van Buren County’s most trusted towing provider for several reasons:
Unmatched Response Times
We guarantee under-30-minute arrival for emergency towing requests along I-196 in the Covert area, with an average response time of just 24 minutes – verified by 60+ Google reviews from satisfied clients in 2025.
Comprehensive Service Area
Our headquarters in Covert positions us perfectly to serve the entire I-196 corridor from South Haven to Benton Harbor, including all exits and access roads in Van Buren County and Berrien Counties.
Specialized Equipment for Any Situation
Our fleet includes flatbed towing vehicles specifically designed for safe highway recoveries, winch-equipped trucks for off-road extractions, and specialized equipment for motorcycle transport – common during summer rallies that travel I-196.

Transparent, Competitive Pricing
We offer the area’s most competitive rates for I-196 towing services at $3.25/mile compared to competitors’ average of $4.50/mile. We also provide direct billing to nine major insurance providers, including State Farm and Allstate.
Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
Our drivers know every inch of I-196 through Covert Township, including alternative routes during construction or accidents, locations of safe extraction points, and the fastest ways to reach stranded motorists during peak traffic times.
Preparing Your Vehicle for I-196 Travel Through Covert
Prevention is always preferable to emergency response. Before traveling on I-196 through Covert Township this spring and summer of 2025, consider these maintenance tips:
- Regular Tire Inspections: Check tire pressure and tread depth, especially before long trips on I-196
- Battery Testing: Michigan’s temperature fluctuations can strain batteries; have yours tested regularly
- Fluid Level Monitoring: Ensure proper levels of oil, coolant, and transmission fluid
- Emergency Kit Assembly: Pack essentials including reflective triangles, flashlights, and basic tools
- Fuel Management: Keep your tank at least quarter-full when traveling I-196’s rural stretches near Covert
For Covert residents who regularly commute on I-196 to Benton Harbor or South Haven, Gardner Towing LLC offers preventative vehicle inspections and maintenance recommendations to help avoid highway breakdowns.
How to Access Emergency Towing on I-196 Near Covert
When you need immediate assistance on I-196 in the Covert area, Gardner Towing LLC offers multiple convenient contact options:
- Direct Emergency Line: Call 269-519-0528 for immediate 24/7 dispatch
- Text Updates: Request real-time ETA tracking via text message once service is dispatched
- Online Request: For non-emergency towing needs, visit our request form
- Insurance Coordination: We work directly with major insurers to minimize out-of-pocket expenses
Remember that during summer holiday weekends on I-196, demand for towing services increases dramatically. Gardner Towing LLC maintains consistent pricing without surge charges during peak times – unlike many competitors in the Covert area.
Beyond I-196: Comprehensive Towing Services Throughout Covert Township
While I-196 emergencies represent a significant portion of our service calls, Gardner Towing LLC provides comprehensive assistance throughout Covert Township and surrounding communities:
- Beach Area Recovery: Specialized equipment for extracting vehicles from Lake Michigan shoreline sand
- Rural Road Assistance: Service to remote areas like CR 376, CR 378, and other unmarked county roads
- Agricultural Support: Heavy-duty towing for farm equipment during the upcoming harvest season
- Accident Recovery: Professional management of collision scenes on both highways and local roads
- Long-Distance Transport: Affordable long-distance towing between Covert and destinations throughout Michigan
Our commitment to the Covert community extends beyond emergency services to include support for local events like the upcoming Covert Township Park Summer Festival and youth sports programs.
Conclusion: Your Trusted Partner for I-196 Emergencies
Highway breakdowns are stressful experiences that require prompt, professional response – especially on busy corridors like I-196 near Covert. Gardner Towing LLC combines local expertise, rapid response times, and comprehensive services to ensure your safety and peace of mind during roadside emergencies.
Don’t wait until you’re stranded on I-196 to find reliable help. Save our emergency number (269-519-0528) in your phone today, and remember that Gardner Towing LLC is standing by 24/7 to provide immediate assistance throughout Covert Township and all of Van Buren and Berrien Counties.
For more information about our services or to request a quote for planned vehicle transport, visit our website or explore our specific service offerings for emergency towing, flatbed towing, and roadside assistance.
When I-196 troubles strike near Covert in 2025, trust the local experts at Gardner Towing LLC – your neighbors, your advocates, and your fastest path back to safety.