Car problems never come with a warning. One minute you are driving fine and the next minute, your car stops working. In these moments, your brain goes into “help” mode. But do you need roadside assistance or a full vehicle towing service? Choosing the wrong one can cost you extra time and money.
If you are looking for the fastest roadside assistance option, the iTOWu app is the easiest way to get help right now. But first, let’s break down the difference between these two services, so you know exactly what to ask for.
Roadside Assistance vs Towing: What’s the Difference
What is Roadside Assistance?
You can think of roadside assistance as a mobile repair service that comes to you. This service handles minor mechanical issues that can be fixed on-site. The main goal is to get your car moving again so you can continue your day without needing a trip to the mechanic. Most emergency roadside service providers focus on quick fixes. Common roadside assistance services include:
- Battery jump start: If you left your lights on and need to jump-start your car battery.
- Roadside assistance for a flat tire: A technician arrives to replace your flat tire with your spare.
- Car lockout: Professional help to get you back inside your vehicle if you locked your keys in the car.
- Fuel delivery: If your tank runs empty, they bring enough gas to help you reach the nearest station.
What is Vehicle Towing?
Vehicle towing is the heavy-duty side of roadside assistance. People usually call for a tow when their car can’t be fixed where it’s parked. Instead of a mechanic with basic tools, a tow truck arrives to lift your vehicle and haul it to a repair shop or your home. Towing is usually more expensive than a simple roadside fix and is only used for more serious situations.
Roadside Assistance vs. Towing: When to Call Which
You can save your time, money, and plenty of headaches if you know when to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck.
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.
Call Roadside Assistance If:
- You have a flat tire, but your spare is in the trunk
- Your engine won’t turn over, but the electronics still work (likely a dead battery)
- You are out of gas
- You are locked out of your car
- Your car is parked somewhere safe, like a parking lot or a wide shoulder
Call a Tow Truck If:
- You were in an accident, and the car is damaged or leaking fluids
- The engine is smoking or making loud knocking noises
- Your brakes or steering feel loose or unresponsive
- Roadside help has already attempted a fix, but the car won’t start
- Your car is stuck in a dangerous spot, like the middle of a highway lane
How to Get Roadside Assistance Fast?
When you are stranded, you don’t want to spend your time searching and talking to different service providers, negotiating things like price and such. After that, worry about whether they will come or not, and when they will come. What you need is immediate roadside assistance. With the iTOWu app, you can get faster roadside assistance. This app connects you directly with the nearest available service provider in your area.
With the iTOWu app, you can:
- Track your helper in real time using GPS
- See transparent pricing before you confirm
- Request 24/7 roadside assistance with just a few taps
Sum Up
Roadside assistance vs towing, the difference is simple: roadside assistance fixes your car on the spot, while towing moves it to a location where repairs can be made. For issues like a flat tire or a dead battery, roadside help is usually the fastest and most cost-effective choice. For serious accidents or engine failures, towing is the safer option. No matter the situation, having the right solution ready makes all the difference.