Breaking down on the side of the road is stressful enough without the added uncertainty of figuring out what to do next. Knowing when to call a tow truck — and when you might be able to handle the situation yourself — can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
At Tow Tempe, we’ve responded to thousands of roadside calls across Tempe, the East Valley, and Maricopa County over the past 30 years. Here are seven situations where calling a professional tow service is the right move.
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1. Your Engine Won’t Start and a Jump Doesn’t Help
A dead battery is one thing — a quick jump start usually gets you moving again. But if your engine refuses to turn over even after a jump, the problem is likely deeper. A failed starter motor, a seized engine, or a broken timing belt all require a shop visit, and driving isn’t an option. In these cases, a flatbed tow is the safest way to transport your vehicle without causing further damage.
We carry portable jump packs on every truck, so our drivers will attempt a jump first. If the battery isn’t the issue, we’ll get your vehicle loaded and transported to the repair shop of your choice.
2. You’ve Been in an Accident
After a collision, your vehicle may look drivable, but hidden damage to the frame, suspension, or cooling system can make it dangerous to operate. Bent components, leaking fluids, or misaligned wheels can cause a second incident within minutes of the first.
After any accident — even a minor fender bender — it’s worth having a tow truck bring your vehicle to a certified mechanic for inspection. Your insurance typically covers towing after an accident, and the peace of mind is worth it.
3. You Have a Flat Tire With No Spare
Modern vehicles increasingly ship without full-size spare tires. Some come with compact temporary spares, and others rely solely on tire repair kits that only work for small punctures. If you’ve got a sidewall blowout or a large puncture and no usable spare, you’re stuck.
Our roadside assistance team handles flat tire changes daily. If you have a spare, we’ll swap it on the spot. If not, we’ll tow you to the nearest tire shop so you can get back on the road with a proper replacement.
4. Your Vehicle Is Overheating
When your temperature gauge climbs into the red, pull over immediately. Continuing to drive an overheating engine — even for a few miles — can warp the cylinder head, crack the engine block, or blow a head gasket. These repairs can run into the thousands.
Overheating often stems from a coolant leak, a failed water pump, or a broken thermostat. While some drivers try to limp to a shop with the heater on full blast, this only works in mild cases. If steam is rising from the hood or your temperature light is on, shut the engine off and call for a tow.
5. You’ve Run Out of Gas
It happens to everyone eventually. You thought you could make it to the next station, and the fuel gauge disagreed. Running out of gas on a busy road like the I-10, Loop 101, or Rural Road in Tempe isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a safety hazard.
Our fuel delivery service brings enough gas directly to your location to get you to the nearest station. No need to walk along the highway or leave your vehicle unattended. We typically arrive within 25 to 35 minutes anywhere in the Tempe metro area.
6. You’re Locked Out of Your Car
Locking your keys inside your vehicle is one of the most common roadside calls we receive. Before you try to force a window or use a coat hanger — both of which can damage your vehicle’s weather stripping, paint, or electronic locking system — call a professional.
Our technicians carry lockout tools designed to open your vehicle without causing damage. The process usually takes just a few minutes, and it’s far cheaper than replacing a broken window or repairing a damaged door panel.
7. Your Vehicle Is Stuck
Arizona’s monsoon season brings flash floods that can sweep vehicles off roadways. Construction zones, unpaved shoulders, and desert terrain can also leave you stuck in mud, sand, or a ditch. Attempting to free your vehicle by rocking it back and forth can dig you in deeper or damage your transmission.
A professional tow truck has the winching equipment and experience to extract your vehicle safely, regardless of the terrain. We handle stuck vehicle recoveries across Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and the surrounding East Valley communities every week.
Save This Number Before You Need It
Roadside emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Save our number — 480-428-1921 — in your phone now, so you have it when you need it. Tow Tempe operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether you need a tow at 2 PM or 2 AM, we’ll be there.
With over 30 years of experience serving the Tempe and Maricopa County area, we’ve built our reputation on fast response times, fair pricing, and professional service. When you’re stranded, you deserve a team that shows up quickly and handles your vehicle with care.