Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about RST's towing and roadside assistance services in Calgary and surrounding communities.
How do I know if I need a tow truck or roadside assistance?
If your vehicle can be safely fixed on the spot — a dead battery, a flat tire with a usable spare, a lockout, or an empty fuel tank — roadside assistance is usually enough. If the vehicle has mechanical damage, won't start after a boost, was in a collision, or isn't safe to drive, it likely needs a tow. If you're not sure, call and describe the situation and we'll help you figure out which applies.
Does RST provide 24/7 towing?
Yes. RST provides towing and roadside assistance around the clock, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Do you provide flatbed towing?
Yes. We provide flatbed towing for vehicles that benefit from having all four wheels off the road, including AWD/4WD vehicles, accident-damaged vehicles, and vehicles with driveline issues.
When should I request a flatbed tow?
Flatbed towing is generally appropriate for all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles, vehicles with a transmission or driveline problem, and vehicles with suspension or steering damage from a collision. If you're unsure, mention your vehicle type and the issue when you call.
Can you tow my vehicle to a mechanic?
Yes. We can tow your vehicle to a specific repair shop, dealership, or your home. Just let us know the destination when you call.
Do you provide accident towing?
Yes. We tow vehicles involved in collisions, and can work with the destination your insurance provider or repair shop requires when needed.
Can you help if my vehicle won't start?
In many cases, yes. A weak or dead battery can often be boosted on the spot. If the vehicle still won't start after a boost, we can arrange a tow to a shop for diagnosis.
Do you provide battery boosts?
Yes. Battery boosting is one of our most common roadside calls, especially during cold weather.
Can you help with a flat tire?
If your vehicle has a usable spare tire and safe access to it, we can help with the swap. If there's no usable spare, we can tow the vehicle to a tire shop instead.
Can you help if I lock my keys in my vehicle?
Yes, in most cases we can get you back into your vehicle without causing damage to the doors, locks, or trim.
Can you provide emergency fuel delivery?
Yes. If your vehicle has run out of fuel, we can bring enough to get you to the nearest gas station.
Can you recover a vehicle stuck in snow or mud?
In many cases, yes. Our winch equipment can help recover vehicles stuck in snow, mud, a ditch, or against a curb or barrier. Call and describe the situation so we can determine the right equipment.
Do you provide towing in Airdrie?
Yes. Airdrie is one of our primary service areas, along with Calgary, Chestermere, Cochrane and Okotoks.
Do you provide towing in Chestermere?
Yes, we provide towing and roadside assistance throughout Chestermere.
Do you provide towing in Cochrane?
Yes, Cochrane is part of our regular service area.
Do you provide towing in Okotoks?
Yes, we serve Okotoks along with the rest of our surrounding-communities coverage area.
How much does towing cost?
Towing and roadside costs depend on the type of service, distance, and vehicle involved. Call (403) 458-6010 and describe your situation, and we can talk through what's involved before a truck is dispatched.
What information should I provide when calling?
Your location (an address, cross streets, or highway marker), a description of your vehicle, what happened, and whether anyone is injured or the vehicle is blocking traffic. The more specific you can be, the faster we can dispatch the right truck.
How long will it take for a tow truck to arrive?
Arrival time depends on your location, current call volume, and traffic conditions at the time. We don't quote a fixed response time in advance, but our dispatcher can give you a general idea when you call.
What should I do while waiting for roadside assistance?
Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and stay visible. Avoid standing between your vehicle and moving traffic, and keep your phone accessible in case the dispatcher or driver needs to reach you.
Do you tow long distances outside Calgary?
Yes, we offer long-distance towing beyond our core service area for vehicles that need to reach a specific destination. Call to discuss the pickup and drop-off locations.
What's the difference between light duty and wrecker towing?
Light duty towing typically uses smaller trucks for everyday cars and small SUVs. Wrecker (wheel-lift) towing uses a boom and lift arm and can also assist with basic recovery situations, such as repositioning a vehicle before loading.
Is RST able to tow vehicles after normal business hours?
Yes, since we operate 24/7, after-hours and overnight calls are handled the same way as calls during the day.
Can you tow a vehicle involved in an accident to my insurance company's preferred shop?
Yes, tell us the required destination when you call and we can take the vehicle there directly.
Do you tow motorcycles?
Flatbed towing is generally used for motorcycles since they can't be wheel-lifted the way a car can. Mention your vehicle type when you call.
Still Have Questions?
Call us directly — a real person can walk you through your specific situation.