Roadside Assistance vs. Towing—Which Do You Need?

Posted on Jan. 22nd, 2025

When your car breaks down, figuring out the best solution can be overwhelming. Do you need a tow to a repair shop, or can the problem be fixed on the spot? Many drivers aren’t sure whether they should call for roadside assistance or a tow truck, and making the wrong choice can cost time and money. Understanding the difference between these services can help you get the right kind of help faster. In this guide, we’ll break down when you need roadside assistance and when a tow truck is the better option, so you’re never stuck wondering what to do when car trouble strikes.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a quick fix for minor car troubles that don’t require towing. These services are designed to get your vehicle running again without the need for transport. If your battery dies, your tire goes flat, or you run out of gas, roadside assistance can handle the problem on the spot. This is the go-to service for common breakdowns that don’t involve serious mechanical damage. Instead of towing your car to a shop, the goal is to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

However, roadside assistance has its limits. If your vehicle has engine failure, transmission issues, or heavy damage, it’s not something that can be fixed on the side of the road. In those cases, a tow is the only option. If you're unsure, the best move is to call a towing company that provides both services, like Orlando’s Towing, so they can assess the situation and send the right help.

When Do You Need a Tow?

Towing is necessary when your vehicle is undrivable or unsafe to operate. If your car won’t start after multiple attempts, has major mechanical failure, or has been in an accident, it needs to be transported to a repair shop. Driving a car that’s experiencing serious issues can be dangerous, both for you and other drivers on the road. A tow ensures your vehicle gets where it needs to go safely without causing further damage.

Another sign that towing is required is when your car suffers wheel or axle damage. If your car isn’t rolling correctly, attempting to drive it could make the problem worse. It’s always better to play it safe—if you’re not sure whether your car is fit to drive, call for a tow and let the professionals handle it.

Dealing With a Dead Battery

A dead battery is one of the most common reasons people call for roadside assistance. If your car won’t start and you hear a clicking noise, it’s usually a sign that your battery doesn’t have enough charge. A quick jumpstart can often solve the issue, getting you back on your way without the need for a tow.

But not every battery issue can be fixed on the spot. If your battery keeps dying, refuses to hold a charge, or shows signs of corrosion, you may need a replacement. If the jumpstart doesn’t work, it’s best to call for a tow to a trusted repair shop to get a new battery installed.

Flat Tire Fixes—Roadside or Tow?

A flat tire doesn’t always mean you need a tow. If you have a spare and the tools to change it, roadside assistance can take care of it quickly. A trained technician will remove the damaged tire and replace it with your spare, allowing you to drive to a tire shop for a full replacement.

However, not every flat tire is an easy fix. If your spare tire is missing, damaged, or unusable, towing is the safer option. Driving on a completely flat tire can ruin your wheel and cause further issues, so it’s always best to let professionals handle it if you’re unsure.

Locked Out of Your Car?

Getting locked out is frustrating, but it’s something roadside assistance can help with. Professional lockout services can unlock most vehicles quickly and safely, so you can get back inside without causing any damage. Instead of trying to force your way in, which can break your window or scratch your door, calling for help is the smartest choice.

That said, if your keys are lost or broken, roadside assistance won’t be able to help beyond unlocking the door. In that case, you may need to have your car towed to a dealership or locksmith to get a new key programmed.

Winch Services—Getting Unstuck the Right Way

Sometimes, your car doesn’t break down—it just gets stuck. If your vehicle is trapped in mud, sand, snow, or a ditch, a winch service can pull it back onto the road. Roadside assistance is great for light recoveries when your car still runs but just needs help getting free.

However, if your car has sustained damage while getting stuck, it might need a tow. Attempting to drive after a deep ditch recovery could result in unseen damage to your undercarriage. When in doubt, have your car checked by a professional before getting back on the road.

Running Out of Gas—Roadside or Tow?

It happens—you misjudge your gas level, and suddenly your car sputters to a stop. Roadside assistance can deliver fuel to your location, saving you a long walk to the nearest gas station. This is a quick and simple fix, and within minutes, you’ll be back behind the wheel.

But if your car won’t start even after refueling, you could have a bigger problem. In cases where an empty tank caused mechanical issues, a tow to a repair shop may be necessary. Running out of gas doesn’t usually require towing, but if your car refuses to restart, it’s time to call for a tow truck.

How to Decide Which Service to Call

If your car still has the potential to run, roadside assistance is often the best choice. Services like jumpstarts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockouts can be resolved on the spot. But if your vehicle is completely undrivable, heavily damaged, or has a serious mechanical issue, towing is the safest solution.

If you’re not sure which service you need, it’s always best to call a professional towing company that offers both. Orlando’s Towing provides both roadside assistance and towing in Gainesville, GA, so no matter the situation, we’ve got the right solution for you.

Understanding the difference between roadside assistance and towing can save you time, money, and frustration when car trouble strikes. If you need a quick fix like a jumpstart, lockout service, or tire change, roadside assistance is your best bet. But when your vehicle is undrivable or unsafe, a tow truck is the way to go. No matter what the issue is, Orlando’s Towing is here to help. Call us at (678) 749-6073, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time!