We've all been there – stuck on the side of the road with car trouble and unsure of what to do. While some issues seem minor, other times your vehicle just won't move an inch no matter how much you try to will it. As frustrating as broken-down cars are, at least there's help available 24/7 from trusty towing services. According to Lookup A Plate, every day in America, an estimated 55,000 vehicles are towed. But when exactly should you swallow your pride and phone one of these companies for assistance? Read on for 12 common situations where calling a professional tow truck is usually the smart decision.

1. Overheating Engine on the Highway

One hot summer day you're cruising down the interstate when suddenly your temperature gauge is deep into the red zone. With steam billowing from under the hood, it's clear there's no saving this overheated engine. While it's tempting to just open the hood and wait for a miracle, tow trucks are equipped to haul your now-useless car safely off the busy highway. The last thing you want is to become a roadside obstacle causing congestion or worse – an accident. Getting towed to the nearest shop spares you from trouble and puts your mind at ease.

2. Flat Tires

You make it through your week fine until the day you run over a nail or pothole and come face-to-face with a flat tire. As much as you'd like to make it home, the reality is you're stranded on the shoulder until help arrives. Driving on a flat tire can be very dangerous since you have much less control of the vehicle. Towing services save you from hours spent changing each individual tire or risking further damage trying to drive. A quick hitch and they'll tow your tireless self to the closest repair shop with no problem.

3. Electrical Issues

One day the battery was fine, the next your car stubbornly refuses to turn on no matter what combination of pleading, cursing, or kicking you try. It's time to throw in the towel and let the professionals take over from there. Tow trucks have jump boxes and the know-how to properly diagnose electrical faults, whether it's something minor like a loose connection or a major component that needs replacement. Either way, they can get your car to a trusted mechanic while you catch the bus or call for a ride.

4. Stalled on Train Tracks

You've all heard of it happening or even seen a video online – a panicked driver jumps from their stalled vehicle mere seconds before an oncoming train comes crashing into it. It's a true nightmare scenario that can end in tragedy within moments. While hoping mechanical failures don't strand us on rails, calling a towing service in that event could be what saves your life. They have the proper hazard lights, positioning techniques, and speedy response to clear any car off the tracks as a top priority before disaster strikes. It's much better to spend money on peace of mind than mourning the loss of life.

5. Vehicle Accidents

Even minor fender benders can damage wheels, axles, or control arms to the point driving is unsafe if not impossible. While exchanging insurance info is essential, the fastest solution is requesting a tow from the scene. These professionals have collision experience removing all vehicle debris promptly without blocking traffic or endangering recovery workers. Their flatbeds safely transport wrecked autos for repairs or salvage accordingly. Let the towing service handle the manual labor aspect so you can focus on the next steps.

6. Out-of-Town Breakdowns

There's nothing worse than car troubles sabotaging a special getaway trip miles from home. When bad luck strikes in unfamiliar places, calling a local towing service is crucial. They know the lay of the land and can tow you promptly to reliable repair shops in the area without any lengthy wait times or stressed internet-searching required. Even better, some services offer round-the-clock towing services for emergency situations that can happen at any hour of the day. It spares the hassle of worrying about what to do if your car were to ever let you down when you're far away from home.

7. Blown Engine

While an overheated engine may have some chance of being saved, a completely blown engine signifies serious damage. It can leave even the most mechanically inclined people stumped and stuck on the shoulder. While your vehicle may technically still roll (albeit sounding like it’s being tortured), tow trucks are necessary for safe transport. Their wheel-lift platform securely hauls your dead motor away without the risk of anything falling off en route. The last thing anyone wants is engine chunks littering the highway behind them like a trail of breadcrumbs.

8. Illegally Parked Vehicle Transportation

Many people have made the mistake of parking where they shouldn’t. Whether ignoring “no parking” zones too long or street sweeping schedules, sometimes vehicles can get towed as enforcement of those parking laws. If you're ever dealing with a situation where a vehicle keeps illegally parking in front of your house, blocking your driveway, or blocking a space that is rightfully yours, contacting a towing service is a great way to take care of this issue.

9. Unwanted Vehicles

If you have a vehicle that you're ready to part ways with, some towing services even purchase unwanted cars in return for cash. Sometimes the process of selling a car can be tricky and time-consuming. If you're looking to make a quick sale and get a decent chunk of money for your vehicle, you can find a towing company that provides cash for cars.

10. Sold Vehicle Transportation

If you've recently sold a vehicle that needs to be transported to the new owner without bumping up the mileage, towing services are the way to go. They can easily and safely bring your vehicle wherever it needs to go, ensuring it makes it to its new driver without any damage. Since most towing services offer quick response time, you can get that vehicle delivered as soon as it has sold, quickly making more space in your driveway or garage.



11. Heavy Equipment Transportation

If you work with a lot of heavy equipment such as construction machinery, you probably rely on towing services to get your equipment to and from different sites. A reliable towing service will have all the right tools to transport even the largest construction vehicles. They can ensure you get everything you need transported exactly where it needs to go.

12. Relocating for Seasonal Storage

Come winter, many tow their boats, campers, or high-end vehicles to seasonal storage facilities rather than leave them exposed to the elements year-round. Tow trucks make the transport seamless with trailers that precisely load all types of recreational vehicles safely for the off-season. Come spring, they'll retrieve everything and have it back in your driveway just as conveniently.

Whether it’s a simple roadside jump start, accident recovery, or more involved transportation jobs, towing services are always worth considering. Specialized equipment along with certified, insured operators means help is just a call away for timely assistance that frees up your schedule. Save yourself additional stress by trusting towing professionals to handle any of your vehicle emergency or transportation needs. If you need to have a vehicle towed, reach out to Bad Day Towing Company today.