Tow Truck Company Tips: What to Do Before They Arrive

Why Your Actions Before Help Arrives Matter

Waiting on a tow truck company is never part of anyone’s plan. Maybe your engine gave out. Or a tire blew in the middle of nowhere. Whatever happened, the next few minutes can set the tone for how fast and safe the recovery goes.

Here’s the good part: what you do while waiting can make a big difference. A bit of planning, a few smart moves, and some calm thinking can speed up the process and keep things smooth for you and the driver. Let’s break it down step by step.

Move to Safety First

If your car still runs and the spot feels safe, steer it toward the shoulder or side of the road. Keep your hazard lights on. At night, turn on your interior light too. That small glow helps us spot you fast.

If the road is busy or dark, don’t stand next to the vehicle. Step behind a guardrail or find a secure spot a few feet from the vehicle. The goal is to stay out of harm’s way while waiting.

Make Your Location Easy to Spot

The faster we find you, the sooner we can get you back on track. Switch on your hazard lights, especially if it’s dark out or the weather’s rough. If you have roadside triangles or flares, place them behind your vehicle to alert traffic.

Try to pin your GPS location. Share it with us directly if you called Jake’s Towing and Recovery. If you’re on your phone, look around for mile markers or road signs close to your spot. Even a landmark like a gas station or an exit ramp can speed things up.

Prep Your Vehicle for Pickup

Once you’re safe, think about your car. Remove personal items you’ll need. That includes your wallet, phone charger, house keys, and any work tools or gear. It’s best not to leave anything valuable behind.

If the car is stuck or not moving at all, don’t stress. We bring the right tools. Just let us know the issue when you call. If it’s something like a flat or the car is nose-first into a ditch, telling us upfront helps us send the right tow setup.

That’s why our towing service in Roseville keeps a wide range of trucks and gear. So we show up ready, not guessing.

Keep Your Details Handy

Time matters. The more details you share with us right away, the better we can help. We’ll ask for your car’s make, model, and color. We may also ask if the wheels are straight, if the car rolls, or if you have specialty parts underneath.

It’s also smart to have your license, insurance info, and any roadside service numbers handy. If a police officer is present, they may need those too.

Have all this info? Great. That helps us get to work fast the moment we arrive.

Stay Calm, Stay Ready

It’s easy to get flustered during breakdowns. But staying calm is one of the most helpful things you can do. If you’re with kids or pets, keep them close and comfortable. Drink water. Check the weather. If you’re low on phone battery, limit usage until we get there.

If someone offers help and you feel safe accepting, great. But don’t let anyone tow your vehicle unless you called them. Scams happen, and it’s best to wait for the trusted team you called—like Jake’s.

FAQs

1. What should I do if it’s raining or snowing when I’m waiting?

Stay inside the vehicle with the windows cracked slightly. Keep the hazard lights on. Avoid walking around the car. Cold, wet roads get slick and make it tough for other drivers to spot you.

2. Can I ride in the tow truck?

Most of the time, yes. We have space for one passenger. If you’re traveling with more people, ask a friend or family member to meet you at the drop-off point.

3. What if I don’t know what’s wrong with my vehicle?

No worries. Just describe what happened. For example: “It made a loud sound and stopped,” or “It won’t start after I filled gas.” We’ll figure out the best way to help based on that.

4. Should I try to fix something while I wait?

Unless it’s safe and simple—like checking tire pressure or adding coolant—it’s better not to tinker. You could make it worse or risk injury. Let us take a look first.

5. How long will it take for the tow truck to get to me?

It depends on traffic and distance. But we’ll give you a solid ETA when you call. We’ll also keep you updated if anything changes along the way.

Final Notes

We know breakdowns are never fun. But when they happen, knowing what to do next makes a big difference. A few smart steps before the tow truck company arrives help us help you faster, and safer.

If you’re ever stuck or need a quick and safe tow, give us a ring at Jake’s Towing and Recovery. We’ve got your back across Roseville and beyond.

We don’t just show up. We show up ready. Call us at 916-726-5447 for fast, local, no-nonsense service. We’ve helped thousands of drivers get moving again, and we’re always just one call away. Let’s get you home safe.