You’re driving through Southwest Michigan, and suddenly, your vehicle breaks down. Whether you’re near Benton Harbor, South Haven, or driving through the rural roads of Van Buren County, the situation can be frustrating and stressful. When this happens, the first question that comes to mind is: Should I call roadside assistance or request a full towing service?
Understanding when to choose between roadside assistance and towing services can save you time, money, and unnecessary hassle. In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between the two services, the types of situations each one handles, and how Gardner Towing can help you make the right choice during an emergency.
When Should You Call for Help?
While it may seem like a straightforward decision, many motorists find themselves in a dilemma when deciding whether to call for roadside assistance or a full tow. The confusion often arises due to overlapping services and the pressure of needing immediate help, especially when you’re stranded in rural or unfamiliar areas.
Common Roadside Emergency Scenarios:
- Flat tires
- Battery jumps
- Lockouts
- Fuel delivery
- Minor mechanical breakdowns
On the other hand, you may need full towing services for more severe situations such as:
- Major mechanical failures
- Accidents
- Vehicle stuck in an off-road location
- Heavy-duty towing for large vehicles
Roadside Assistance vs. Towing Service
To make the right decision during stressful situations, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between roadside assistance and full towing services.
Roadside Assistance Services
Roadside assistance is designed to help you with minor, quick-fix issues that can be resolved on-site, typically without needing to tow your vehicle. These services are aimed at getting you back on the road quickly, allowing you to avoid major delays and expenses.
Common Services Offered:
- Flat Tire Changes: A technician can replace your flat tire with your spare.
- Battery Jump-starts: If your battery is dead, a technician will jump-start your car.
- Fuel Delivery: Ran out of gas? Roadside assistance can bring you enough fuel to get to the nearest station.
- Lockouts: If you’re locked out of your car, roadside assistance can unlock your doors.
When to Call Roadside Assistance:
- You have a flat tire, but you have a spare.
- Your car won’t start, but it’s a simple battery issue.
- You’ve run out of gas on a busy road or highway.
- You’ve locked yourself out of your car.
Learn More About Our Roadside Assistance Services: Roadside Assistance Services.
Full Towing Services
Full towing is typically needed for more serious issues, particularly when your vehicle cannot be fixed on-site. Towing services are also used when your vehicle is in a hazardous or hard-to-reach location, such as after an accident or in areas that a roadside technician cannot access.
Common Services Offered:
- Accident Recovery: If you’ve been involved in a car accident, full towing is necessary to move your vehicle to a safe location.
- Vehicle Stuck in Mud or Snow: Winch-out recovery and towing are required to move a vehicle trapped in difficult terrain.
- Heavy Duty Towing: Larger vehicles, such as trucks and RVs, require special tow trucks and equipment for safe transport.
- Mechanical Failures: If your vehicle has a major breakdown that can’t be repaired on-site, towing is your best option.
When to Call for Full Towing:
- Your vehicle is involved in an accident.
- Your vehicle is stuck in a ditch, mud, or snow, and cannot be moved.
- Major mechanical failure requires your car to be taken to a repair shop.
- Your vehicle is too large for roadside assistance to handle.
Explore Our Full Towing Services: Emergency Towing Services.
Roadside Assistance vs. Full Towing
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide when to call for each service:
| Service | Roadside Assistance | Full Towing Service |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Tire | ✔️ Tire change with spare | ❌ |
| Dead Battery | ✔️ Jump-start | ❌ |
| Out of Fuel | ✔️ Fuel delivery | ❌ |
| Lockout | ✔️ Unlock car doors | ❌ |
| Accident Recovery | ❌ | ✔️ Towing to a safe location |
| Vehicle Stuck in Snow/Mud | ❌ | ✔️ Winch-out recovery and tow |
| Major Mechanical Failure | ❌ | ✔️ Towing to repair shop |
| Heavy Duty Towing | ❌ | ✔️ Towing for larger vehicles |
When to Choose Roadside Assistance or Towing
Let’s explore some real-life scenarios to help clarify the decision-making process:
Scenario 1: Flat Tire on I-94
You’re driving along I-94 in Benton Harbor, and you notice your tire is flat. You can easily replace the tire with a spare—no need for a tow truck. Call for roadside assistance to have someone come to you and change the tire quickly.
Scenario 2: Your Car Won’t Start on a Cold Michigan Morning
It’s a cold winter morning, and your car won’t start due to a dead battery. Roadside assistance can help with a jump-start and get you moving again, so you can avoid paying for a tow if your vehicle is otherwise functional.
Scenario 3: Your Car is Stuck in a Ditch
While driving through rural Van Buren County, your car gets stuck in a muddy ditch. This is where winch-out recovery and full towing services come in. A tow truck will pull your car out and take it to a safe location.
Scenario 4: A Major Mechanical Breakdown
Your engine shuts down on a remote country road. If your vehicle can’t be repaired on-site, a full towing service is needed to take your vehicle to the nearest mechanic or service center.
Michigan’s Weather and Rural Areas
Southwest Michigan weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. Snow, ice, and rain can create dangerous driving conditions, and roads can become slick or treacherous. In rural areas, like Paw Paw or Coloma, your vehicle might get stuck in mud or snow. In these cases, full towing is often the better choice for recovery.
On the other hand, if you’re in a more urban setting, like Benton Harbor or South Haven, roadside assistance may suffice for simple issues like dead batteries or flat tires.
Transparency in Pricing
When you’re in an emergency, the last thing you want is a surprise bill. At Gardner Towing, we offer transparent pricing for both roadside assistance and towing services. Our team will provide an accurate estimate based on your specific situation before any service begins.
For a detailed breakdown of costs, please feel free to Request a Quote.
The Local Experts for Both Services
At Gardner Towing, we handle both roadside assistance and full towing services with the same level of care and expertise. Our goal is to ensure that you get the right help for your situation, whether it’s a simple tire change or a major recovery.
We provide 24/7 service, so you can count on us no matter the time of day or weather conditions.
Need help deciding which service is right for you? Contact Gardner Towing today, and our friendly team will guide you through the process!
