In most automobile emergencies, calling the tow truck is not necessary. However, when the vehicle fails while driving on the highway, knowing the difference between roadside assistance and emergency towing is paramount.
Emergency Towing vs. Roadside Assistance
This article explores the Emergency Towing vs. Roadside Assistance – What’s the Difference? . The main points of this guide are what you can expect from each service, the situations in which to call for help, and how they can best help you while you are stranded by your vehicle.
What is Emergency Towing?
Emergency towing is a contingency plan for vehicles that cannot drive safely. This service typically includes a professional tow truck picking up your car and transporting it to a repair shop, home, or another destination of your choice. Being towed guarantees that your vehicle will be off the road safely, whether due to a significant accident or a complete mechanical failure.
Towing becomes unavoidable in particular situations, such as a wrecked car, a blown engine, or even significant damage that prevents the car from being driven. It is usually a ‘last resort’ when the mechanic cannot fix the problem. Tow truck services are indeed a reliable lifeline in such moments of need.
What is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service that helps with minor problems that make your vehicle unable to function correctly. It could be called a quick-fix service because it generally allows you to get back on the road without towing your car. Roadside assistance services usually include jump-starting a dead battery, changing your flat tire, or bringing you fuel when you run out.
Such a service intended to help you with more straightforward issues and is extremely useful for drivers facing common problems on the road. Roadside assistance reduces the hassle of interruptions throughout your day caused by minor car troubles by dealing with them right on-site, quickly and efficiently.
When to Request Emergency Towing
Although not all car issues necessitate a car towing service, there are certain situations when one’s vehicle will need towing the most. For instance, one should have emergency towing services readily available after getting into a serious accident to get their non-drivable vehicle to a safe location. This is also applicable in cases where there are critical mechanical failures.
Additionally, if your car gets stuck because of the weather or becomes immobilized in situations like snow or mud, it may need to be towed. Otherwise, if your vehicle gets to the point where it can’t move or operate safely, it’s time to start looking for towing services.
When to Use Roadside Assistance
When dealing with your car, you can think of roadside assistance as one of those “oops” moments. If your battery is completely dead, a helper can revive it through jump-starting, getting you going again with no trouble. Similarly, if you lock yourself in, roadside assistance can help safely get you back in your car.
Flat tires or empty gas tanks are the most common reasons for roadside assistance calls. If you don’t have a spare tire available or the nearest gas station is far away, the service is the fastest and easiest way to fix these problems and keep going.
Key Differences Between Towing and Roadside Assistance
The most significant difference between the two is the magnitude of the problem they tackle. When you need emergency towing, that means serious trouble that brings your car to a halt, but once it is an easy fix, roadside assistance is available. While both services are dedicating to helping car owners, they are different and have different objectives.
The difference lies in the equipment and expertise required to do the job. Towing requires specialty equipment and trucks to transport your car safely, while roadside assistance uses simple tools and quick fixes to remedy little mishaps. Knowing the difference can help you choose exemplary service.
How to Prepare for Roadside Emergencies
Organizing all the related information required for roadside emergencies in a way that allows you to access it easily can reduce your anxiety. You should keep a list of contacts for a reputable towing company or a roadside assistance provider in your vehicle. You may be unable to predict when you need the contacts, and having them handy saves you time you would otherwise waste while trying to find help during a busy period.
Moreover, belonging to a roadside assistance plan offered by an automobile club or your insurance provider can be advantageous. These memberships often cover towing and roadside assistance services, so you do not have to worry about becoming a victim of any eventuality of your trip on the road.
The Costs of Towing vs. Roadside Assistance
Both services stand apart from one another. Emergency towing generally requires special equipment and a lot of time; thus, it usually costs more. The longer your car’s journey, the more you should prepare for expenses. It will add to your total costs if you need a repair shop to fix your vehicle far from you.
Best Towing and Roadside Assistance Provider
On the other hand, roadside assistance generally costs less because it involves more significant problems that one can fix quickly. Most policies providing roadside assistance include in membership plans or insurance packages, which is a cheaper way to repair minor car troubles.
Conclusion
Roadside emergencies can be stressful, but knowing when to call for towing or roadside assistance helps you handle the situation efficiently. Towing is the only solution for severe car problems, while roadside assistance offers a fix for less serious problems, helping you get back on track quickly.
You could opt for a service that offers both for peace of mind. After all, being prepare is the best way to enjoy the road, knowing that no matter what happens, help is just a phone call away.