Winter Roadside Assistance Tips

Winter Roadside Assistance Tips

Winter weather can turn a simple roadside issue into a dangerous emergency. From dead batteries to icy roads, cold temperatures add a whole new set of challenges for drivers — and for roadside assistance professionals.

Here are essential winter roadside assistance tips to keep you and your customers safe, prepared, and on the move when the snow starts falling:

1. 🔋 Check the Battery Before It Fails

Cold weather drains battery power faster. A weak battery in the summer might leave you stranded in the winter.

Tips:

• Have your battery tested before winter hits.

• If the vehicle cranks slowly or struggles to start, replace it immediately.

• Keep jumper cables or a jump pack in your vehicle — or call for a mobile jump-start service when needed.

2. 🚗 Keep a Winter Emergency Kit

Being stranded in freezing temperatures without supplies can be dangerous.

Pack these items:

• Blanket or thermal sleeping bag

• Ice scraper and small shovel

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Hand warmers

• Non-perishable snacks and water

• Portable phone charger

• Reflective triangles or flares

Bonus Tip: Add sand or kitty litter for traction if you’re stuck in snow.

3. ❄️ Drive with Cold-Weather Awareness

Many winter roadside emergencies can be avoided with defensive driving.

Reminders:

• Slow down in snow, ice, or rain.

• Keep at least 3x the normal distance between cars.

• Avoid cruise control on icy roads.

• Brake gently and early.

4. 🛻 Know When to Call for Help

Sometimes it’s safer to wait for professional help than to try fixing a problem yourself in freezing weather.

Call a roadside professional if:

• You have a flat tire and it’s dangerously cold or dark

• You’re stuck in snow or off-road

• Your battery is completely dead

• You run out of fuel far from a gas station

• You’re locked out in sub-freezing temps

5. 📍 Stay With Your Vehicle If You're Stranded

If you break down in winter conditions:

• Stay inside your vehicle unless it’s unsafe.

• Run the engine occasionally for heat — but crack a window and check the exhaust pipe for blockages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Keep your phone charged and call for assistance immediately.

6. ☎️ Have a Roadside Assistance Number Saved

Winter is not the time to be searching online for help. Know who to call before you're stuck.

Pro Tip: Save our number in your phone as “Roadside Help – [Your City]” so it's easy to find fast.

Winter Roadside Services You Can Count On

We provide 24/7 roadside assistance during winter, including:

✅ Jump-starts

✅ Lockouts

✅ Tire changes

✅ Fuel delivery

✅ Emergency towing

✅ Snow winch-outs

Top 5 Roadside Emergencies & How to Handle Them

Top 5 Roadside Emergencies & How to Handle Them

Top 5 Roadside Emergencies & How to Handle Them Whether you’re driving across town or on a long trip, roadside emergencies can happen when you least expect them. The key is knowing what to do — and who to call — when things go wrong.

Here are the top 5 most common roadside emergencies and exactly how to handle them safely:

1. 🚗 Flat Tire or Blowout

What to Do:

• Turn on your hazard lights immediately.

• Pull over to a safe, flat area away from traffic.

• If you have a spare and the tools, you can try changing it yourself — but only if it’s safe.

• If not, call a professional roadside assistance provider.

Avoid This: Driving on a flat can damage your rim and make the repair more expensive.

👉 Best Option: Call a mobile tire change service for fast help, especially if you're on the highway or at night.

2. 🔋 Dead Battery

What to Do:

• If you have jumper cables and a second car nearby, you may be able to jump-start the battery.

• If not, avoid turning the key over repeatedly — it’ll only drain the battery further.

• Keep your lights and radio off to preserve power.

Avoid This: Trying to jump a severely drained battery without knowing the proper method.

👉 Best Option: Call for a jump start or battery replacement service. Many providers can bring a new battery to you on the spot.

3. 🔑 Locked Out of Your Car

What to Do:

• Check all doors (including trunk or hatchbacks).

• Avoid using wire hangers, screwdrivers, or breaking a window — it could cost more in damages.

Avoid This: Calling a tow truck if all you need is a lockout service.

👉 Best Option: Contact a roadside locksmith or emergency lockout service. It’s fast, safe, and usually cheaper than the dealership.

4. ⛽ Ran Out of Gas

What to Do:

• Safely pull over and turn on your hazards.

• Don’t try to walk miles to the nearest station, especially in bad weather or on busy highways.

Avoid This: Running your car until it completely dies — this could damage your fuel system.

👉 Best Option: Call for fuel delivery. Most roadside providers can bring 1–2 gallons to get you to the nearest station.

5. 🛻 Vehicle Won’t Start / Unknown Issue

What to Do:

• Don’t panic — check for obvious problems (lights left on, clicking sounds, etc.).

• Look for warning lights on your dash.

• If the car won’t turn over at all, it could be electrical or mechanical.

Avoid This: Guessing and wasting time under the hood without knowing the cause.

👉 Best Option: Call a mobile mechanic or towing service to assess the issue or take your car to a repair shop.

Final Tip: Be Prepared Before It Happens

• Keep a phone charger, flashlight, and roadside kit in your vehicle.

• Save the number of a trusted roadside assistance provider in your phone.

• Know your coverage area and who you can call when you're stuck.

Need Fast, Reliable Roadside Help?

We offer 24/7 services including:

✅ Flat tire changes

✅ Battery jump-starts

✅ Lockouts

✅ Fuel delivery

✅ Emergency towing

Call Now and get back on the road fast.

How Long Can a Car Be Parked on the Street Before Getting Towed?

How Long Can a Car Be Parked on the Street Before Getting Towed?

How Long Can a Car Be Parked on the Street Before Getting Towed? Ever left your car parked on the street and returned hours — or days — later to find it gone? Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or someone running a roadside or towing business, understanding how long a vehicle can be parked before it gets towed is important to avoid fines, towing fees, and headaches.

The rules vary by city and situation, but this guide covers the common regulations, towing triggers, and how to avoid getting your car towed — especially in urban and residential areas.

⏱️ General Rule: 72 Hours (But It Depends)

In most cities across the U.S., including places like Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the general rule is:

A vehicle cannot be parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours without being moved.

This is meant to prevent abandoned vehicles, street clogging, and long-term storage on public roads.

🚨 Situations That May Lead to Faster Towing

Even if you haven't hit the 72-hour limit, your car can still be towed much sooner under certain conditions:

1. Illegally Parked

• In front of driveways

• In no-parking or fire zones

• Blocking fire hydrants or intersections

• In handicap spots without proper permits

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: Immediate

2. Street Sweeping or Construction Zones

Cities often have scheduled street cleaning or temporary no-parking due to road work.

If signs are posted (even temporarily), your car must be moved before the specified time.

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: As early as 30 minutes after restrictions begin

3. Expired Registration

In many jurisdictions, vehicles with expired plates or no visible registration tags are considered inoperable and subject to towing.

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: Usually after 24–72 hours

4. Reported Abandoned Vehicle

If a neighbor or passerby reports your car as abandoned (especially if it’s dusty, damaged, or hasn’t moved), city code enforcement can tag it for removal.

Typically, you’ll get a warning notice, and if the car is not moved...

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: 48–72 hours after notice

🅿️ Local Example: Indianapolis, IN

In Indianapolis, city ordinance allows tows under the following conditions:

• Vehicles left on public property more than 72 hours without movement

• Inoperable or unregistered vehicles on public streets

• Immediate tow for blocking roads, fire hydrants, or parked during active street maintenance

Hot tip: IMPD and code enforcement patrol high-traffic areas like Broad Ripple, Downtown, and residential zones during complaint sweeps.

🚗 What Counts as “Moving” a Vehicle?

To reset the clock on a 72-hour rule, the car must be moved a meaningful distance, not just a few feet forward or back. Some cities require at least 1 block or relocation to a different zone.

If you're trying to avoid a warning sticker or being flagged as abandoned, make sure to actually drive the vehicle around the block or park in a new spot.

📄 What Happens When Your Vehicle Gets Tagged?

If a city official believes your car has overstayed its welcome:

1. They tag it with a warning notice

2. You’ll typically have 48–72 hours to move it

3. If not moved, it’s towed to an impound lot

4. You’ll owe towing + storage fees (which can pile up quickly)

💰 Towing Fees You Might Face

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Tow charge	$100–$250+
Daily storage	$25–$60 per day
Administrative fee	$20–$50
Late retrieval fee	$50+ (in some cities)

In some cities, failing to retrieve your car within 15–30 days can result in auction or scrapping.

✅ How to Avoid Getting Towed

Here are some simple ways to prevent your car from being towed while parked:

• ✔️ Move your car at least once every 2–3 days

• ✔️ Keep your tags and registration up to date

• ✔️ Avoid parking near signs indicating street cleaning or construction

• ✔️ Don’t park in the same spot on long trips — ask someone to move it

• ✔️ Watch for seasonal or emergency restrictions (snow routes, etc.)

📞 What to Do If Your Car Gets Towed

If you suspect your vehicle has been towed:

1. Call your local police department’s non-emergency line

2. Check the city or tow company’s online locator tool

3. Bring your ID and proof of ownership

4. Be prepared to pay with cash or card (some tow yards are cash-only)

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Final Thoughts: Know the Rules, Keep Your Ride Safe

Knowing how long a car can be parked on the street before getting towed can save you from major inconvenience and fees. If you're ever unsure, it’s safer to move the vehicle, even just a few blocks, and avoid risky zones.