When Should You Call for a Tow? Common Scenarios That Require Roadside Assistance
June 30, 2025
Car trouble never waits for a convenient moment. Whether you’re stuck on a busy road in Bucks County or parked in your driveway in Frenchtown, NJ, knowing when to call for a tow can make all the difference. At Rob’s Automotive & Collision Center, our 24/7 roadside assistance and towing team is ready to respond when you need help the most.
Here, we’ll break down the most common situations where calling a tow truck is not just helpful — it’s essential.
🔧 1. Your Vehicle Won’t Start
If your engine won’t turn over or the battery is completely dead, it’s time to call for help. Jump-starts may work in minor cases, but if the issue is more serious (like alternator failure), towing to a professional mechanic is the safer option.
✅ Need diagnostics? Learn more about our auto repair services.
🚗 2. After an Accident or Collision
Even a seemingly minor fender bender can cause internal damage to your car’s engine, radiator, or suspension. If there’s any doubt about your vehicle’s condition, avoid the risk and call for a tow.
✅ We offer full collision repair and can transport your vehicle directly to our shop for inspection.
🔥 3. Overheating or Smoking Engine
A smoking hood or overheating engine is a red flag. Pull over immediately, turn off the vehicle, and don’t try to keep driving. This could cause major damage or even lead to an engine fire.
✅ Trust our technicians to handle engine issues with complete auto diagnostics.
🛞 4. Flat Tire Without a Spare or Tools
Changing a tire on the shoulder of a highway is dangerous — especially without the right tools or if you’re in a high-traffic area. We can either help you change it or tow your vehicle to safety.
⚡ 5. Battery, Starter, or Electrical Failure
If you turn the key and all you get is a click, the issue could be more than a dead battery. When in doubt, call for towing rather than attempt repeated starts, which can drain your battery or damage the starter.
⛽ 6. Ran Out of Gas
Running out of fuel may feel embarrassing, but it happens more often than you’d think. If you’re in an unfamiliar area or a stretch of road without nearby gas stations, calling for roadside assistance can help you avoid walking in unsafe conditions.
🧭 7. Vehicle Stuck in Mud, Snow, or a Ditch
Weather in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can be unpredictable. If your car slides off the road into snowbanks or mud, spinning your wheels will often make things worse. Our heavy-duty recovery vehicles are equipped to safely pull you out — day or night.
✅ Learn more about our 24/7 towing and recovery services.
🚨 8. Unusual Noises or Driving Issues
If your steering suddenly feels loose, your brakes grind loudly, or you hear clunking under the hood, it’s best not to risk driving further. Pull over and contact a tow service to avoid potential breakdowns or accidents.
Why Choose Rob’s for Towing & Roadside Assistance?
At Rob’s Automotive & Collision Center, we operate one of the largest and most trusted towing fleets in the region:
- ✅ 24/7 Availability, including holidays and weekends
- 🚛 Light, Medium & Heavy-Duty Towing
- 📍 Covering Bucks County, Chester County, Philadelphia, and parts of NJ
- 🧑🔧 Backed by ASE-Certified technicians and full-service auto repair
Whether you drive a commuter car, commercial vehicle, or classic muscle car, you can rely on Rob’s to get you back on the road safely.
📞 Need a Tow Right Now?
Don’t wait until the situation gets worse. Whether you’re stranded on a backroad, stuck in traffic, or dealing with a breakdown, Rob’s Automotive & Collision Center is just a phone call away. Our 24/7 emergency towing service operates across the region — even on nights, weekends, and holidays.
With a fleet of over 150 tow and recovery vehicles and a team of experienced dispatchers ready to assist, help is always within reach. We’ll get you off the road safely and transport your vehicle directly to one of our trusted repair facilities or a location of your choice.
Contact our team today. Your safety is our priority — and we’re always ready when you need us most.