Written by the Pro-Tow Team
Providing roadside assistance and towing in Spokane, Washington.
A vehicle can leave you stranded for many reasons. Sometimes the problem is something simple, such as a dead battery or an empty fuel tank. Other times, a flat tire, mechanical problem or electrical issue makes the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Pro-Tow’s 24-hour roadside assistance will help with these situations. Depending on what has happened, a roadside operator may be able to get you moving again without a tow. If the vehicle cannot be safely driven, we arrive with a tow truck in Spokane to get your vehicle to the shop.
Here are some of the most common reasons drivers call for help and what you should do when they happen.
Your Battery Is Dead
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons a vehicle won’t start, especially on cold winter days. You might notice the engine cranks slowly, hear clicking when you turn the key, or get no response at all. Leaving lights on, extreme temperatures, an aging battery or an electrical problem can all contribute to a no-start situation.
If your vehicle won’t start, avoid repeatedly trying the ignition. Repeated attempts won’t fix a battery that has lost its charge and can leave you with an even bigger problem if another issue is involved.
If you are in a safe location, roadside assistance may be able to provide a boost and get the vehicle running again. Once it starts, however, the problem isn’t necessarily solved. A battery that repeatedly goes dead may need to be tested, replaced or checked for an underlying charging or electrical issue.
You Have a Flat Tire
A flat tire can happen almost anywhere. You may pick up a nail or other road debris, have an older worn tire or discover a flat when you return to your parked vehicle.
If you notice a flat while driving, reduce your speed and move to a safe location if you can. Avoid stopping somewhere that puts you or the person helping you close to moving traffic. If you can’t, Pro-Tow will ensure the area is marked off with traffic cones to create a safer space to work.
If your vehicle has a usable spare tire and you’re in a safe place, you may be able to change it yourself. However, not every vehicle has a spare, and changing a tire on the shoulder of a busy road can put you in a vulnerable position.
Roadside assistance can help when you need a tire changed or need help deciding what to do next. If the tire or vehicle has sustained damage that makes driving unsafe, a tow in Spokane may be necessary.
You Locked Your Keys in the Vehicle
A lockout is another situation that can happen to anyone. You close the door while the keys are still inside, the vehicle locks automatically, or you simply lose track of where you left them.
It can be tempting to try to force a door open or use an improvised tool to get inside. That can cause damage to the vehicle, including damage to weather stripping, locks, windows or other components.
Professional lockout assistance from Pro-Tow is a safer option. A roadside operator can assess the situation and help you regain access without turning a simple mistake into an expensive repair.
You Ran Out of Fuel
Running out of fuel can leave you stranded in an inconvenient or potentially unsafe location. If your vehicle runs out of gas, pull as far off the roadway as safely possible and turn on your hazard lights.
Walking to a gas station isn’t always a practical or safe option, particularly if you are on a busy road, outside the city or dealing with poor weather. Fuel delivery is one of the roadside services that can help in this situation. Getting enough fuel delivered to the vehicle may allow you to continue your trip without requiring a tow.
Your Vehicle Won’t Start
Your vehicle may have power but still refuse to start. You could hear the engine turning over without it actually starting, or the vehicle might start briefly and then shut off. There are many potential causes, including problems with the electrical system, starter, fuel system or other components.
Trying to diagnose the problem yourself can become frustrating. If a boost doesn’t solve the issue, continuing to try to start the vehicle may not accomplish anything.
Our roadside assistance team can assess the situation and determine whether a basic repair service may get you going. If the vehicle still won’t run or cannot be safely driven, towing it to a repair facility may be the appropriate next step.
When a Roadside Problem Needs a Tow Truck in Spokane
One of the important things to understand about roadside assistance is that not every breakdown can be fixed where the vehicle sits.
A boost may reveal a larger charging problem. A flat tire may be accompanied by wheel or suspension damage. A vehicle that won’t start may have a mechanical problem that requires shop equipment to diagnose and repair. Trying to drive a vehicle that isn’t operating properly can make the original problem worse and can create a safety risk for you and other drivers.
That’s when towing becomes part of the roadside solution. Rather than trying to get a disabled vehicle back on the road when it isn’t safe to do so, a tow operator can transport it to a repair shop or another location.
What to Do When You Need Roadside Assistance
Whatever has caused the problem, start with your safety. If you can move the vehicle to a safe location without creating another hazard, do so. Turn on your hazard lights and be aware of surrounding traffic.
When you call for roadside assistance, provide as much information as you can about your location and the problem. Your exact location, the type of vehicle you’re driving and what happened can help the operator understand what kind of assistance you need.
If you’re unsure whether you need a roadside service or a tow, explain what is happening. An experienced dispatcher from Pro-Tow can help determine the appropriate response and send you the help you need.
Roadside Assistance and Towing in Spokane
Pro-Tow provides roadside assistance and towing services for drivers in Spokane and the surrounding area. Whether you’ve locked your keys in your vehicle, have a dead battery, need fuel or have a vehicle that simply won’t start, getting professional help can keep a frustrating roadside problem from becoming a bigger one.