Roadside Assistance 101: A Guide to the Different Types of Services
Most drivers have a vague idea of what roadside assistance is. We usually think of it as “the number you call when the car breaks down.”
While that is true, modern roadside assistance is actually a suite of distinct services designed to handle specific emergencies. Knowing exactly what is available can save you a lot of stress (and money) when you are stranded on the shoulder of the highway.
Here is a breakdown of the most common types of roadside services and how they work.
1. Emergency Towing
This is the “heavy lifting” of roadside assistance. If your vehicle has suffered a major mechanical failure (like a blown transmission) or has been involved in an accident, it cannot be driven safely.
Towing isn’t one-size-fits-all, though.
- Standard Towing: Usually involves a wrecker lifting the front or rear wheels of the car.
Flatbed Towing: This is safer for All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, luxury cars, or classic vehicles. The entire car sits on the bed of the truck, preventing wear on the transmission. If you are unsure which one you need, a professional Towing Service will usually ask about your car type to send the right truck.
2. Battery Boosts (Jump Starts)
This is the most common service request during Canadian winters. When a battery dies due to cold weather or leaving the lights on, the vehicle is physically fine; it just needs a spark.
A roadside technician will arrive with a portable power pack or heavy-duty jumper cables to restart the engine. It is generally safer to have a professional handle this than to ask a stranger, as improper connections can damage modern car electronics.
3. Flat Tire Service
Hearing that “thump-thump-thump” sound while driving is a sinking feeling. While many drivers know how to change a tire, doing it on the side of a busy highway can be dangerous and difficult, especially if lug nuts are seized or the spare tire is buried under luggage.
Roadside assistance for tires typically covers:
- Removing the flat tire.
- Installing your spare tire.
- Inflate the spare to the correct pressure.
4. Lockout Services
It happens to the best of us. You step out to grab a coffee, the door clicks shut, and you realize your keys are still in the ignition.
Modern cars are difficult to break into by design. Using a coat hanger or a stick can damage the weather stripping or scratch the paint. Professional Vehicle Unlock Services use specialized wedges and long-reach tools to unlock the door from the inside without causing damage to the vehicle’s body or locking mechanism.
5. Fuel Delivery
Running out of gas is embarrassing, but it is also a major inconvenience. If you are miles from the nearest station, walking isn’t always an option.
Most roadside assistance providers offer emergency fuel delivery. They will bring enough fuel (usually a few litres) to get you to the nearest gas station so you can fill up properly. This service often includes diesel delivery for trucks as well.
6. Winching and Recovery
Sometimes, the car runs fine, but it is simply stuck. This is common in winter when vehicles slide into ditches, snowbanks, or mud.
“Winching” refers to pulling a vehicle back onto a solid, drivable surface. This is different from towing because the goal is to get the car free so you can drive it away yourself (assuming it isn’t damaged).
Why Use Professional Roadside Assistance?
You might be tempted to call a friend with a truck, but professional services offer safety.
- Proper Equipment: They have the right lights and cones to warn oncoming traffic.
- Insurance: Reputable companies are insured, meaning if something goes wrong during the tow or unlock, you are covered.
- 24/7 Availability: Breakdowns rarely happen at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday. They happen at midnight or during a snowstorm.
The Bottom Line
Roadside assistance is your safety net. Whether it is a dead battery in your driveway or a flat tire on the Anthony Henday, these services are designed to get you safe and mobile as quickly as possible.
If you ever find yourself in need of help, Maxim Towing’s Roadside Assistance covers all these categories with fast response times across Edmonton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While many large auto clubs require an annual subscription, many local towing companies Like Maxim Towing and Recovery offer “pay-per-use” roadside assistance. This means you don’t need a membership card; you can just call when you have an emergency and pay for that specific service.
Typically, the service fee covers the driver’s time and travel to reach you. You will usually be charged a separate small fee for the actual fuel provided (usually at current market rates).
Roadside assistance technicians can only install a spare tire if you have one available in your vehicle. If your car didn’t come with a spare, or if your spare is flat too, the service will likely change from a “tire change” to a “tow” to get you to the nearest tire shop.
Yes. Professional lockout services use specialized tools that can safely unlock electric locks without damaging the vehicle’s computer or window seals. It is much safer than trying to pry the door open yourself.
It depends on the provider. If you have a membership (like CAA), it usually follows the driver (you). If you are calling a local towing company for immediate help, the service applies to the vehicle that needs help, regardless of who is driving it.
24/7 Towing and Roadside Assistance Services in Alberta
Contact us for fast and dependable towing and roadside assistance, available 24 hours a day. We help with car lockouts, battery jump starts, flat tires, and accident recovery, so you can get back on the road safely.