When To Call A Tow Truck? 8 Situations You Shouldn’t Ignore

Introduction

No one plans to get stranded on the side of the road, but when it happens, knowing when to call a tow truck can save you time, stress, and even money. Whether it’s a breakdown, accident, or getting stuck in an inconvenient spot, calling a professional towing service ensures your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently.

At Benny’s Towing Service, we provide 24/7 towing across Sutherland Shire and beyond, helping drivers in all kinds of emergencies. In this guide, we’ll walk you through eight key situations where calling a tow truck is the best decision.

1. Your Car Won’t Start

Few things are more frustrating than turning the key (or pressing the start button) and nothing happens, leaving you in need of car towing services. If your car won’t start, here are a few common reasons:

• Dead battery – Try jump-starting, but if that fails, towing may be needed.
• Starter motor issues – If you hear a clicking sound but no engine turnover, it could be a faulty starter.
• Fuel system problems – A clogged fuel filter or pump failure can prevent your car from starting.
• Electrical issues – Modern cars rely on complex electronics, and a wiring issue can leave you stranded.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If jump-starting doesn’t work or you’re unsure about the issue.
• If your car stalls frequently or won’t stay running.
• If you’re in a remote area or unsafe location where DIY troubleshooting isn’t ideal.

If troubleshooting doesn’t get the car running, a tow truck can safely transport it to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis.

2. You’ve Been in an Accident

Car accidents happen when you least expect them, and even minor collisions can leave your vehicle unsafe to drive. Whether it’s a small fender bender or a major crash, it’s crucial to assess the damage before attempting to drive away.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If your car has visible damage to the wheels, axles, or engine.
• If airbags have deployed – this usually indicates significant impact.
• If fluids (oil, coolant, transmission fluid) are leaking from your vehicle.
• If your vehicle feels unsafe to drive due to alignment or braking issues.

Important Note : In Australia, if an accident involves injuries, blocked roads, or suspected DUI, police must be notified before the vehicle is moved.

If there’s any doubt about whether a car is safe to drive after an accident, it’s always better to have it towed rather than risk further damage or danger on the road. Most tow truck companies will provide 24 hour accident towing if you need a tow outside of daylight hours.

3. Overheating or Engine Failure

An overheating engine is a serious issue that can lead to costly repairs if ignored. If you notice steam coming from the bonnet, the temperature gauge rising rapidly, or strange burning smells, it’s best to pull over immediately.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If your car continues to overheat even after adding coolant.
• If you see steam or smoke coming from the engine.
• If the temperature warning light stays on.
• If the engine stalls and won’t restart.

Driving an overheating car can lead to blown head gaskets, warped cylinders, and complete engine failure. Instead of risking further damage, it’s safer to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for inspection.

4. Flat Tyre with No Spare or Tools

A flat tyre is one of the most common roadside issues, but not everyone has the tools—or the confidence—to change it themselves. Many modern cars no longer come with a full-size spare, making it difficult to get back on the road without assistance.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If your car doesn’t have a spare tyre or jack.
• If you’ve experienced multiple flat tyres at once.
• If the wheel itself is damaged and a simple tyre change won’t help.
• If you’re on a busy highway or unsafe area where changing a tyre isn’t practical.

It’s always important to prioritise safety. If a tyre goes flat in high-traffic areas, at night, or in extreme weather, waiting for professional assistance is often the best choice.

5. Stuck in Sand, Mud, or a Ditch

Driving on beaches, dirt roads, or unsealed tracks can be risky, especially after heavy rain. If a vehicle gets stuck in soft sand, deep mud, or slides into a ditch, trying to accelerate often makes things worse, causing the tyres to sink deeper.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If the wheels are spinning without traction and the car won’t move.
• If the car is tilted at an unsafe angle or at risk of tipping over.
• If you’ve already attempted self-recovery and the vehicle remains stuck.
• If you’re in a remote area with no nearby help available.

Using improper recovery techniques—like excessive acceleration or makeshift towing methods—can damage the suspension, transmission, or undercarriage. A professional tow truck has the right equipment to extract the vehicle safely.

6. Running Out of Fuel

Running out of petrol or diesel happens more often than people realise, especially on long drives where fuel stations are few and far between. While some roadside services provide fuel delivery, in certain cases, towing may be the better option.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If you’re too far from the nearest petrol station to walk.
• If you’re in a dangerous location, such as on a freeway shoulder or isolated road.
• If the car won’t start after refuelling, which could indicate a deeper issue like fuel pump failure.

If running out of fuel leads to the vehicle stalling in a hazardous spot, such as an intersection or highway, towing it to safety is often the best solution.

7. Transmission or Brake Failure

If a vehicle’s transmission fails, it may get stuck in a single gear, refuse to shift, or suddenly lose power. Brake failure, on the other hand, is even more dangerous, making it nearly impossible to stop safely. In either case, driving further isn’t worth the risk.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If the car won’t shift gears or gets stuck in neutral.
• If you hear grinding, clunking, or unusual noises when changing gears.
• If the brake pedal feels soft or unresponsive when pressed.
• If warning lights for the transmission or braking system appear on the dashboard.

Driving with a faulty transmission can lead to severe mechanical damage, while brake failure could put you and others in danger. If either system isn’t functioning properly, it’s safest to have the vehicle towed to a qualified mechanic.

8. Illegal or Abandoned Vehicle Removal

There are times when a vehicle needs to be towed not because it’s broken down, but because it’s illegally parked, abandoned, or blocking access.

When to Call a Tow Truck:

• If a vehicle is illegally parked on private property and needs to be removed.
• If a car has been abandoned for an extended period in a residential or commercial area.
• If an unauthorised vehicle is blocking driveways, loading docks, or fire exits.

Property owners, businesses, and local councils often require authorised towing services to remove vehicles in compliance with NSW towing laws. Before arranging a tow, it’s important to check legal requirements to avoid disputes.

In Summary

Knowing when to call a tow truck can save you time, stress, and prevent further damage to your vehicle. Whether it’s due to a breakdown, accident, mechanical failure, or getting stuck, professional towing ensures your car is transported safely and efficiently.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where driving isn’t safe or possible, calling a reliable tow truck service is the best decision. With 24/7 availability across Australia, towing professionals are always ready to assist—whether you’re on a highway, at the beach, or in a remote area.

By understanding these eight common scenarios, you’ll be better prepared next time you or someone you know needs a tow. Stay safe on the road, and always prioritise vehicle and personal safety when unexpected problems arise.