When your vehicle has an issue and stops working, it may literally leave you stranded on the side of the road. While this is a clear sign that you have a problem, if your car, truck, or SUV won’t drive, having the issue resolved usually starts with getting your vehicle to a Phoenix automotive repair shop, but how do you do that when it won’t move? This is a time when most vehicle owners need to call for a tow. While this may not be something you’re not looking forward to, having your car towed shouldn’t be daunting at all. There are a few things you can do to prepare your vehicle for a tow to make it a less stressful experience.
Things you can do to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Tow
When it comes to needing a tow for your car, truck, or SUV, it can be a hectic and taxing time, especially if unexpected. While all towing services are different, there are things you can do to prepare your vehicle for a tow and make the experience a little less unenjoyable. We review some tips below.
- Remove Personal Items: Think about things that you will need while your vehicle is being serviced or any valuables you have in your car, truck, or SUV. You will want to remove these things, so you have access to them, and to ensure they are at less risk of ending up missing or lost. Be sure to take your vehicle title and any other important documents that you store in your car.
- If Leaving Your Vehicle, Notify the Proper Authorities: If your vehicle broke down on the side of a road and you are going to leave it for the towing company to get it later, be sure to notify the local authorities. Contacting them will ensure your vehicle is not impounded or ticketed, and will provide you with a record to refer to if something damages your vehicle while it is there.
- Make Your Vehicle Visible: Whether you are waiting by your vehicle for the tow or not, make sure other drivers can notice your vehicle sitting where it is. Turn on your car’s hazard lights, hang a bright shirt or cloth from a window, and leave the headlights on. If you are with the car, truck, or SUV, popping the hood while you wait will signal to other drivers that there is an issue and to slow down.
- Take Pictures of Your Vehicle: While most towing companies are careful not to damage your car, truck, or SUV, if it will make you feel more comfortable, take photos of your vehicle while you wait for the tow. These pictures can give you piece of mind and proof that damage was not there before the tow.
- Ask How Long Before the Tow Arrives: While many people know to call for a tow, they tend not to ask how long the tow will take. Know how long you will be waiting, so you can prepare. It’s recommended to stay with your vehicle while you wait for a tow, but in some circumstances, you may not be able to do so, so know the timing in advance, so you can let the tow company know if you will be there or not.
While having to have your vehicle towed is usually less than ideal, there are things you can do to prepare your vehicle for a tow to make the experience less overwhelming.
If you find yourself with a Phoenix vehicle issue, Advanced Transmissions & Emissions can help. We proudly offer free towing within a 30-mile radius of our shop for all major repairs of $1000 or more. Contact us and we can tow your vehicle to our shop and get it back on the road as soon as possible.
Our technicians understand cars, trucks, and SUVs inside and out, enabling them to address all makes and models’ problems. Most importantly, our team works quickly when we bring a car into our shop. We understand your time is valuable, and we want to get you back on the road quickly.
