Deciding whether to keep driving or stop and call for a tow often comes down to one question: could driving it make things worse — for the vehicle or for you? When the answer is yes, or even maybe, transporting it can be the better choice. Below are ten situations that often point toward a tow.

These are general guidelines rather than fixed rules. Vehicles differ, and your owner's manual and a professional towing operator can help with the right approach for your specific vehicle and situation. RST provides towing and roadside assistance, not mechanical diagnosis, so anything involving the cause of a problem is best confirmed by a shop.

1. It Won't Start Again After a Boost

A boost that gets you going is a good sign. A boost that doesn't hold — or a vehicle that dies again soon after — may point to something beyond a discharged battery. In that case, a tow to a shop is often more useful than repeated jump attempts. This is where the line between a battery boost and a tow gets crossed.

2. The Engine Is Overheating

A temperature gauge climbing into the red, steam, or a hot smell are signs the engine may need to stop. Continuing to drive an overheating engine can risk further damage, so once it's stopped, it may be better transported than driven.

3. The Brakes Don't Feel Right

A brake pedal that feels soft, sinks toward the floor, or a brake warning paired with reduced stopping power is not something most drivers will want to test in traffic. When braking is in question, a tow may be the more cautious option.

4. The Steering or Suspension Feels Off

If the vehicle pulls hard to one side, a wheel sits at an odd angle, or it feels loose or unstable, steering or suspension components may be involved. Because these affect control, transporting the vehicle may be appropriate.

5. It Won't Shift or Won't Move Properly

A vehicle that won't go into gear, slips, or makes unusual noises when moving may have a transmission or driveline issue. Depending on the vehicle, driving it — or towing it the wrong way — can add to the problem, which is why the towing method matters. It's worth checking the owner's manual, and a towing operator can advise on equipment.

6. There's a Significant Fluid Leak

A small drip may be minor. A noticeable puddle of oil, coolant, or transmission or brake fluid is worth taking seriously. Depending on the fluid, continuing to drive may cause further damage, and a tow may be the safer path while you have it looked at.

7. The Vehicle Has Collision Damage

Even a vehicle that seems driveable after a collision can have damage that isn't visible from the driver's seat. When there's doubt about whether it should be driven, towing is often the more cautious call. For breakdowns and collisions where a truck is needed as a priority, that's what emergency towing is for.

8. A Flat Tire With No Usable Spare

If there's no spare, the spare is also flat, or the tire can't be changed where you are, driving on it may damage the wheel. A tow to a tire shop is often the better move. If you do have a sound spare, flat tire assistance may be all you need instead.

9. It's Stuck or Immobilized

A vehicle stuck in snow, mud, or a ditch, or otherwise unable to move under its own power, may need recovery equipment rather than a standard tow — which is where a winch-out and vehicle recovery comes in.

10. It's an AWD or 4WD Vehicle That May Need a Specific Method

Some all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles have manufacturer-specific towing requirements and may need all four wheels kept off the road to avoid drivetrain strain. Whether that applies depends on the vehicle, so the owner's manual is worth checking, and the towing company can bring appropriate equipment — often a flatbed.

What Information to Give the Tow Truck Operator

A few details help get the right truck to you the first time:

  • Your exact location — address, intersection, or landmark.
  • The vehicle's make, model, and approximate year.
  • What's happening and what the vehicle is doing now.
  • Whether it can roll and steer.
  • Where exactly the vehicle is sitting — including if it's in a garage or parkade. This matters for access: RST does not provide towing from underground or low-clearance locations, so it's important dispatch knows this up front to arrange the right approach or advise on next steps.
  • The destination, if you know it.
  • Anything unusual — all-wheel drive, a low front end, modifications, or visible damage.

When in Doubt, Ask

If you're unsure whether any of these apply to your vehicle, a quick phone call beats guessing. RST Roadside Service & Towing operates across Calgary and surrounding communities, 24/7, and can help match the right response to your situation. Call (403) 458-6010 or read more about our towing services.