If your vehicle is stopped in a traffic lane, you cannot safely reach the shoulder, or anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
Get to a Safe Location
If possible, carefully move your vehicle onto the shoulder, into a parking lot, or to the next freeway exit. Turn on your hazard lights and put the vehicle in park.
On a busy Michigan road, it is generally safest to remain inside your vehicle with your seat belt fastened while waiting for help. Do not stand between your vehicle and passing traffic or attempt repairs next to an active traffic lane.
If you see smoke or flames, leave the vehicle when it is safe to do so, move away from the roadway, and call 911.
Common Reasons Vehicles Break Down
Flat or Damaged Tire
- Slow down gradually and move to a safe location. Avoid driving on a flat tire because it can damage the wheel and make the vehicle harder to control.
- If the vehicle is safely away from traffic and has a usable spare, roadside assistance may be able to change the tire. A tow may be necessary if there is no spare, the wheel is damaged, or the vehicle is in an unsafe location.
Dead Battery
- If the engine does not start and you hear clicking or notice dim lights, the battery may need a jump-start. Roadside assistance can often get the vehicle running again.
- If the vehicle will not start after a jump or repeatedly loses power, it may need to be towed for diagnosis and repair.
Overheating
- Turn off the air conditioning and move to a safe location. Shut off the engine if the temperature gauge is in the red or you see steam coming from under the hood.
- Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot. An overheating vehicle usually needs to be towed to avoid serious engine damage.
Out of Fuel
- Turn on your hazard lights and move as far away from traffic as possible. Roadside assistance may be able to deliver enough fuel to reach a nearby gas station.
Mechanical Problems or Warning Lights
- Pull over if the vehicle is shaking, making loud noises, losing power, leaking fluid, or displaying an oil-pressure, brake, or temperature warning light. Do not continue driving if steering, braking, visibility, or vehicle control is affected.
When to Request Roadside Assistance
Call Goch & Sons Towing for roadside assistance when the vehicle can likely be made operable at its current location. Common roadside services include:
- Jump-starts
- Flat tire changes
- Vehicle lockout assistance
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Battery assistance
- Minor winch-outs and vehicle recovery
Roadside service should only be performed when the vehicle is in a location where the operator can work safely.
When to Request a Tow
Your vehicle should generally be towed when:
- It will not start after a jump-start
- It is overheating or leaking fluid
- The brakes, steering, wheel, or suspension may be damaged
- The tire cannot be safely replaced
- A warning light indicates that driving may damage the vehicle
- The vehicle cannot be moved away from traffic safely
- Roadside assistance cannot correct the problem
If you are unsure whether you need roadside assistance or a tow, describe the problem and your location when you call. Our dispatch team can help determine what type of equipment may be needed.
Waiting for Help on a Michigan Road
- Keep your hazard lights on.
- Stay inside the vehicle with your seat belt fastened when it is safest to do so.
- Keep children and pets inside the vehicle.
- Do not walk along a freeway or busy roadway.
- Conserve your phone battery and keep your phone available.
- During cold weather, keep the exhaust pipe clear before running the engine.
- Tell dispatch if you are in a traffic lane or another dangerous location.
Call Goch & Sons Towing
Goch & Sons provides 24-hour towing and roadside assistance throughout Detroit, Downriver, and Southeast Michigan.
Call (313) 382-2727 for assistance. Be prepared to provide your location, vehicle information, the problem you are experiencing, and whether you are safely out of traffic.
