When your car suddenly breaks down or you’re involved in an accident, one of the first things you’ll need is a car towing service you can rely on. Whether you’re in Calgary or anywhere else, knowing how to prepare your vehicle for towing can make the process smoother, safer, and less stressful. From calling the right towing service Calgary to ensuring your car is ready for transport, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Proper Preparation Matters Before Towing
Preparing your vehicle before a tow truck arrives isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety, protecting your vehicle, and saving time. A poorly prepared car could suffer more damage during towing, and you may end up paying more for repairs.
For instance, if you’ve searched for towing services near me and booked one quickly, the tow truck operator will still expect that your vehicle is ready to be hooked up and transported. The better prepared you are, the faster and smoother the towing process will be.
Move to a Safe Location
If your car is still drivable after a breakdown or minor accident, carefully move it to a safe spot away from traffic. This could be:
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- A parking lot
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- The side of a less busy road
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- A wide shoulder
Safety is the first priority — especially if you’re in a busy area of Calgary. If your car won’t move, switch on the hazard lights to alert other drivers until the emergency towing Calgary service arrives.
Call a Reliable Towing Service
Once you and your passengers are safe, call a trusted towing service Calgary. In an emergency, speed matters, so look for 24 hour towing Calgary providers. These companies operate day and night, ensuring help is available when you need it most.
When contacting the towing company, provide:
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- Your exact location
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- The type of vehicle you have
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- The issue you’re facing (engine failure, accident, flat tire, etc.)
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- Any special requirements (e.g., flatbed towing)
Remove Valuables and Personal Items
Before the tow truck arrives, remove all personal belongings from your vehicle, such as:
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- Wallets and purses
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- Electronics (phones, laptops, GPS devices)
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- Important documents
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- Bags or clothing
Towing companies are not responsible for personal items left in your car, so it’s better to keep them with you.
Document Your Vehicle’s Condition
Take a few photos or videos of your car before it’s towed. This includes:
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- Exterior shots (all sides)
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- Interior shots (dashboard, seats)
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- Any existing damage
This documentation can be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim later.
Secure Loose Parts
If your car has loose parts — like bumpers, mirrors, or spoilers — secure them with tape or rope to prevent them from falling off during transport. This also applies to items inside the car that could move around during the tow.
Release the Parking Brake
When preparing for towing, especially with a flatbed truck, releasing the parking brake is essential so your wheels can move freely. If you’re unsure whether to do this, ask the tow truck driver when they arrive.
Keep Keys and Documents Ready
Have your car keys, registration, and insurance information ready for the towing operator. This helps speed up the process and ensures there are no delays once they arrive.
Additional Tips for Towing in Calgary
Calgary’s weather and road conditions can sometimes make towing more challenging. Here are a few extra tips:
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- In winter, clear snow and ice from your car before towing.
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- If stuck on ice or snow, don’t keep spinning your tires — it could cause more damage.
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- For long-distance towing, confirm the destination with the tow truck operator before leaving.
The Role of Roadside Assistance
Sometimes you may not need a full tow — just quick roadside assistance Calgary can get you moving again. Common roadside services include:
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- Jump-starting a dead battery
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- Changing a flat tire
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- Delivering fuel
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- Unlocking car doors
This can save you time and money if the problem is minor.
Choosing the Right Towing Service in Calgary
Not all towing companies are the same. When you search for towing services near me, look for providers with:
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- 24 hour towing Calgary availability
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- Competitive and transparent pricing
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- Positive customer reviews
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- A fleet of modern tow trucks
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- Experienced and trained operators
Final Thoughts
Being prepared when your vehicle needs towing can make a stressful situation far easier to handle. From finding the right car towing service to taking simple steps like securing loose items and removing valuables, every action helps protect your vehicle and ensure a smooth process.
If you’re in Calgary and need emergency towing Calgary or roadside assistance Calgary, always choose a trusted provider who offers 24 hour towing Calgary so you’re never left stranded. Preparation today can save you from bigger headaches tomorrow.