Nobody plans to break down on the side of the road, but it happens more often than you’d think. Maybe the battery dies on your morning commute, maybe you blow a tyre on the freeway, or maybe the engine just gives up at the worst possible moment. In these situations, knowing what to do before the tow truck arrives can make all the difference—not just for your safety, but for everyone else on the road too.
Here are some practical, easy-to-follow emergency towing tips that every driver in Melbourne should have up their sleeve.
1. Get to a Safe Spot First
The first priority is always safety. If your car is still moving when you notice a problem, try to steer it off the road and into a safe area—like the emergency lane, a quiet side street, or a parking bay. Avoid stopping on blind corners or the crest of a hill where other drivers won’t see you until it’s too late.
Think of it like this: your broken-down car becomes an obstacle. The sooner you move it out of traffic, the safer you’ll be.
2. Make Your Vehicle Visible
Once you’re stopped, you want other drivers to know you’re there. Switch on your hazard lights immediately, even in daylight. If you have them, set up reflective triangles a few metres behind your car, and wear a reflective vest if you’re stepping out—especially at night or in poor weather.
A driver we helped recently in Richmond told us she had a flat tyre on a busy road. She switched on her hazards but didn’t have triangles, so cars were flying past dangerously close. Our tow truck arrived quickly, but those few extra minutes would’ve been far less stressful if she’d had some reflective gear in her boot. A small investment can go a long way.
3. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Breaking down can feel stressful, especially if you’re running late or in an unfamiliar area. Take a deep breath, check your surroundings, and avoid panicking. If you’re in a risky spot—like a freeway shoulder—stay inside your car with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
On quieter streets, you can step out if it feels safe, but always keep an eye on traffic.
4. Call for Professional Help
Once you’re safe, it’s time to ring a tow truck service. When you call, be ready to give clear details: your location, the type of vehicle, and what went wrong (for example, “engine overheated,” or “tyre blowout”). The more detail you share, the faster the right help can arrive.
If you’re in Melbourne, tow truck operators like us are trained to handle all kinds of emergencies—whether it’s a small hatchback or a heavy-duty 4WD.
5. Follow Safety Regulations While Being Towed
If your vehicle needs towing, the operator will take care of most of the heavy lifting (literally). Still, there are a few safety basics worth knowing:
- Ensure the correct towing equipment is used.
- Don’t overload a tow rope or chain if a temporary tow is required.
- Always follow the instructions of the tow truck driver—they know the safest procedures for your vehicle.
6. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
One of the smartest things any driver can do is keep a small roadside emergency kit in the boot. Include:
- Reflective triangles
- A reflective vest
- Torch with spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Phone charger or power bank
It doesn’t take up much space, but it can make an emergency breakdown far less stressful.
Before the Tow Truck Arrives
At the end of the day, towing emergencies don’t have to be chaotic if you know what steps to take. Move to a safe location, make your vehicle visible, stay calm, and then call in the professionals. With a few simple precautions and the right mindset, you’ll keep yourself and other road users safe until help arrives.
If you are in Fawkner, and looking to sell your car, this is the best way to find us.
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0437 773 905
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