Towing Services in Calgary
RST Roadside Service & Towing offers a full towing service across Calgary and surrounding communities — light duty, flatbed, wrecker, emergency, local and long-distance towing. Here's how the different types compare, and how to choose the right one.
Our Towing Services, One Phone Call
Most people don't need to know the difference between towing methods until the moment they need one. That's fine — when you call RST, our dispatcher asks a few questions about your vehicle and situation and recommends the right type of tow. This page breaks down what each option involves so you know what to expect.
Light Duty Towing
For everyday cars, crossovers and small SUVs. The most common type of tow for straightforward breakdowns.
Learn More about Light Duty TowingFlatbed Towing
All four wheels off the road. Often the right call for AWD vehicles, accident damage, or driveline issues.
Learn More about Flatbed TowingWrecker Towing
Wheel-lift equipment with recovery capability for disabled vehicles and tricky positioning.
Learn More about Wrecker TowingEmergency Towing
Priority dispatch for breakdowns and collisions, day or night.
Learn More about Emergency TowingLocal Towing
Short-distance tows within Calgary and surrounding communities.
Learn More about Local TowingLong-Distance Towing
Transport beyond our core service area for a specific destination.
Learn More about Long-Distance TowingAccident Towing & Recovery
Collision towing, ditch and rollover recovery, and winch-outs after an accident.
Learn More about Accident Towing & RecoveryWhich Type of Tow Do I Need?
| Situation | Typically Appropriate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Car won't start, no other damage | Light Duty | Standard breakdown tow to a shop or home. |
| AWD/4WD vehicle, any tow | Flatbed | Keeps all wheels off the road to protect the drivetrain. |
| Vehicle in a collision | Accident Recovery | Collision-damaged vehicles are assessed on scene; a flatbed is often used to avoid further damage. |
| Vehicle needs repositioning first | Wrecker | Boom and lift arm can reposition before loading. |
| Stuck in snow, mud or a ditch | Wrecker / Winch-Out | Recovery capability to pull the vehicle free. |
| Roadside breakdown or crash, need a truck fast | Emergency Towing | Prioritized dispatch. |
| Moving a car across town | Local Towing | Short-distance transport within our core area. |
| Moving a car outside our core area | Long-Distance Towing | Scheduled transport to a farther destination. |
Not sure which row matches your situation? Call (403) 458-6010 and describe what's happening — we'll sort out the right equipment.
Not Sure Which Tow You Need?
Call and describe your situation — our dispatcher will help you decide.
Available Throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between light duty and flatbed towing?
Light duty (wheel-lift) towing lifts one end of the vehicle while it rolls on the other set of wheels. Flatbed towing loads the entire vehicle onto a trailer deck so no wheels touch the road. Flatbed is generally preferred for AWD vehicles, accident damage, and driveline problems.
Can RST tow my vehicle to a specific shop?
Yes. Tell us the destination when you call and we'll take your vehicle there, whether it's a dealership, an independent shop, or your home.
Do you tow outside Calgary?
Yes, we serve Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane and Okotoks as part of our regular coverage area, and offer long-distance towing beyond that for specific destinations.
Related reading: When Should You Call a Tow Truck? 10 Situations When You May Need a Tow