Frequently Asked Questions

When a tow truck arrives, you can expect the following process:

Identification: The tow truck driver will typically approach your vehicle and introduce themselves. They may ask for identification or verify the situation, especially if you’re the one requesting the tow.

Assessment: The driver will inspect your vehicle to determine the best way to load it onto the truck. If it’s a non-operational car, they may need to ensure the tow hooks or straps are applied to the proper areas to avoid damage.

Tow Method: Depending on the type of tow truck (flatbed, wheel-lift, or hook and chain), the driver will either:

Flatbed Tow Truck: Your vehicle will be driven or winched onto a flat surface, which is the safest method for towing.

Wheel-Lift Tow Truck: A pair of arms lifts the front or rear wheels of your car, while the rest of the car stays on the ground, or it’s lifted onto a ramp.

Hook and Chain Tow Truck: A hook or chains are attached to the car’s undercarriage or bumper. This method is less common now as it can cause damage.

Loading: The driver will carefully load your car onto the truck. If it’s not operational, the truck may use a winch to pull the vehicle up.

Paperwork: You may be asked to sign documents if you’re the owner of the vehicle. This could include paperwork for the tow, proof of payment, or authorization if the vehicle is being towed due to a violation (such as a parking ticket).

Please ensure all belonings are removed from the vehicle before being towed.

Tow to Destination: The tow truck will then transport the vehicle to a specified location, such as a repair shop, impound lot, or another destination, depending on your request or the reason for towing.
Charges: Depending on the situation, there may be charges for the tow, which can include a base fee, mileage, or storage if the vehicle is impounded.

Throughout the process, the tow truck driver will usually be professional and try to avoid causing any further damage to the vehicle. If you’re unsure of anything, feel free to ask questions while they’re there.

The Compound is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Please call 1 hour prior to arrival to ensure someone is available to assist you. 

Photo ID will be required to enter the premises. 

If you experience a popped tire while on the highway, it’s important to remain calm and follow these steps to stay safe:

1. Stay Calm and Maintain Control

Keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control of the vehicle. Do not panic or abruptly brake.

Gradually reduce speed by easing off the accelerator. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as it could cause loss of control.

Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that you’re in distress.

2. Steer Your Vehicle to Safety

Find a safe spot to pull over. If you are driving in a lane, signal and carefully steer toward the shoulder or the right side of the highway.

Try to exit the highway if it’s possible and safe to do so, or move to an area with more space, such as a parking lot or rest area.

Avoid stopping in a location that could put you in danger, such as in a curve or at the base of an incline.

3. Stop and Assess the Situation

Once safely stopped, turn off the engine to prevent any further damage to the car.

If it’s safe and you have the necessary tools, you can begin to change the tire yourself, otherwise, consider calling for roadside assistance.

4. Check Your Surroundings

Be aware of traffic conditions. If you’re on a busy highway, stay inside your vehicle until help arrives if it’s too risky to change the tire yourself.

5. Change the Tire (If Safe to Do So)

If you decide to change the tire, follow these steps:

Use the emergency brake to prevent the car from rolling.

Retrieve the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from your trunk.

Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the car with the jack.

Lift the car and remove the flat tire.

Place the spare tire on the car and tighten the lug nuts by hand.

Lower the car and fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern for even pressure.

6. Call for Roadside Assistance

If you’re unable or unwilling to change the tire yourself, or if you lack the necessary tools, call roadside assistance. Many insurance policies or car manufacturers offer this service, and it can provide help with tire changes.

7. Ensure the Spare is Properly Installed

If you managed to change the tire, drive cautiously with the spare until you can replace it with a full-sized tire, if needed. Spare tires are usually not meant for long distances or high speeds.

8. Drive Carefully

After replacing the tire, continue driving cautiously, especially if you’re using a spare, and head to the nearest repair shop to get your flat tire fixed or replaced.

Staying calm, pulling over safely, and addressing the issue correctly can help prevent accidents and ensure you’re safe while handling a popped tire on the highway.

If your engine blows out on the highway, it’s a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Here’s what you should do to stay safe and handle the situation effectively:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Do not panic: It’s important to keep a clear head.

Check for warning signs: If you experience unusual sounds, loss of power, or smoke, your engine may be failing.

2. Pull Over to a Safe Location

Signal early: Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you notice something is wrong.

Move to the shoulder: Get your vehicle off the road as far as possible to avoid being in the path of traffic.

If possible, drive to the next exit or a rest area. If not, slow down and pull onto the shoulder.

3. Turn Off the Engine

Stop the engine immediately: This can prevent further damage and avoid fire hazards.

4. Call for Help

Roadside assistance: Call your insurance company for towing or roadside assistance.

Tow truck: If you don’t have roadside assistance, call a tow service to transport your vehicle to a mechanic.

Emergency services: If you feel unsafe, or if there’s a fire, call 911.

5. Assess the Situation

Look for visible signs: Check for smoke, oil, or coolant leaks under the hood, but do not attempt to open the hood if there’s smoke or fire.

Don’t attempt repairs: A blown engine is a serious issue that likely requires professional attention.

6. Stay Inside the Vehicle (if safe)

Avoid traffic: Stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened, especially if you’re on a busy highway or interstate.

If you’re in a hazardous location (like a narrow shoulder or high-speed lane), exit the vehicle and move to a safe spot behind a guardrail or away from traffic.

7. Wait for Assistance

Stay visible: Use your hazard lights and, if it’s dark, a flashlight to make sure other drivers can see you.

8. Consider the Next Steps

Determine the repair: Once the vehicle is safely off the road, you’ll need to figure out whether you can repair the vehicle (if you have the skill and tools) or whether it will need to be towed to a mechanic.

9. File an Insurance Claim (if needed)

If your engine failure is covered under your car insurance policy, reach out to file a claim.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of injury and help get your vehicle to safety quickly. Always prioritize your safety first.