Roadside trouble can surprise anyone, and no wonder roadside assistance calls are so common. Many drivers call for help because of accidents, dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, running out of fuel, overheating, etc.
Below, I’ll cover the most common roadside assistance calls and how to handle them so you can act fast and stay safe on the road.
6 Most Common Roadside Assistance Calls
In 2024, the U.S. roadside assistance market was worth about $6 billion (with towing leading the service mix). Understanding these calls helps you spot problems early, avoid trouble, and know when to get help quickly.
1. Vehicle towing (accident or mechanical breakdown)
One of the biggest reasons for roadside assistance is a car that can’t be driven due to a crash or breakdown. According to industry reports, towing makes up the largest share of the roadside assistance market in recent U.S. data. When a vehicle is severely damaged or has a mechanical failure, you’ll need emergency roadside towing. A tow truck will then transport the car to a shop or a safe location. The U.S. towing sector is sizable, with an estimated 35,000+ towing companies operating 200,000+ towing vehicles nationwide. Since many roadside emergencies involve undriveable vehicles, towing is a core service in 24/7 roadside assistance.
2. Battery problems/jump-starts
Dead or weak batteries are a frequent reason for emergency roadside calls. Roadside assistance providers commonly offer battery jump-starts, giving you a boost so you can drive again. They usually send a professional/technician to your location after they’ve confirmed a few things from the call.
They are very common in winter or after headlights are left on overnight. Because of that, many 24/7 roadside plans include jump-starts as part of the services they offer. It’s usually cheaper to send someone to jump-start the vehicle instead of towing it to a repair shop.
iTOWu tip: The iTOWu app offers battery jump-starts by connecting you with the nearest professionals who can arrive at your location ASAP.
3. Flat tires/blowouts
Flat tires or blowouts are classic roadside emergencies, and they can happen for several reasons. Some of them are:
- Running over nails or debris
- Poor road conditions (potholes, sharp edges)
- Sudden tire failure (blowout)
Drivers often call for emergency roadside service to change the tire or arrange a tow if there’s no usable spare. Also, not every flat is a blowout; it could just be a slow leak. Roadside service providers who respond to these calls carry tire-change or repair tools, and they can fix or change your flat tire and get you moving in no time.
4. Lockouts (keys locked in / lost)
Locking your keys in the car or losing them is a common reason for roadside assistance. A lockout call dispatches a pro to unlock your vehicle or help you retrieve the keys. This service is often included in higher-tier roadside plans; it doesn’t require towing, but remains a significant pain point and a frequent request. When help is nearby, lockout service is quick, and most drivers prefer it to breaking a window or arranging a locksmith themselves.
5. Out of fuel (or EV charge)
Running low on fuel is another common reason people call for help. If a vehicle runs out of gas, then roadside providers will deliver just enough fuel to get you to the nearest station. Many services are also doing the same for EVs with mobile charging or “top-up” stations. For EVs, “out of fuel” can mean a low or no battery.
iTOWu tip: The iTOWu app can deliver fuel for gas cars and provide on-site charge top-ups for EVs.
6. Overheating or minor roadside fixes
Another important reason to call for roadside help is when your car is overheating or has a minor mechanical issue that doesn’t require towing but is too serious to ignore. While these calls are less dramatic, they are still very common. In such situations, the roadside technician/professional might bring a coolant, check the engine, or perform a minor fix. Often, the fix is enough so that you can drive yourself to the nearest repair shop. This kind of help is why a 24/7 roadside assistance service is so valuable. It isn’t just for big emergencies, but for more minor, urgent repairs too.
What to Do When You Need Help
When you call for roadside assistance, make sure you provide clear information:
- Your location (mile marker or GPS)
- Your issue (flat tire, lockout, battery, etc.)
- Your vehicle details (make, model, or color)
- Companions: whether someone else is with you
If you’re on a service plan, have your membership number ready to speed up dispatch. Many companies also support app-based requests, which help send help faster.
The iTOWu app covers all six services in this guide (towing, battery jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, fuel/EV top-ups, overheating/minor fixes) and more, including scheduling add-ons like a car wash, all from your phone.
Last Note
Roadside assistance calls cover a wide variety of emergencies. In the U.S., the most common roadside assistance calls are towing, battery jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, fuel delivery or EV charge top-ups, and overheating. Understanding these helps you plan and know when to call for help. A 24/7 roadside service plan can make a big difference when these issues strike. Knowing what’s likely to go wrong helps you stay calm and stay safe when you need help most.