Which roadside service do you need?
Say what the car is doing, not just “I need a tow.” The right request decides whether a small service truck can fix it or a tow truck has to come.
| Problem | What to ask for | Can it usually be fixed on the spot? |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start: slow cranking or just clicking | Jump start | Often, if the battery simply ran down |
| Starts with a jump, then dies again | A tow to a shop | No |
| Keys locked inside | Car lockout | Usually |
| Keys lost or broken | Key service if the provider offers it; otherwise a tow to a dealer | Only if the provider makes keys |
| Flat tire with a usable spare | Flat tire help | Usually |
| Flat with no spare, or a bent wheel | A tow to a tire shop | No |
| Out of gas or diesel | Fuel delivery | Usually |
| Wrong fuel in the tank | A tow; don’t start the engine | No |
| Electric car out of charge | A flatbed to a charger, unless mobile charging is offered | Usually not |
| Stuck in snow, mud or a ditch | Winch-out | Often, if nothing was damaged |
| Engine overheated | Let it cool; coolant may get you going | Sometimes; repeat overheating needs a tow |
| Crash damage, smoke, grinding or a car that won’t roll | Emergency towing | No |
Free and prepaid help to check first
Before you pay out of pocket, check whether someone else already covers the call.
- ODOT Freeway Safety Patrol. A free program sponsored by GEICO that changes flat tires, handles minor mechanical problems and provides small amounts of fuel. In Toledo it works Monday to Friday, 6 AM to 9 PM, on listed stretches of I-75, I-475, I-280 and US-23. It does not tow, and patrol drivers don’t handle insurance claims (ODOT).
- AAA. Under AAA Club Alliance terms, Classic and Plus members get 4 service calls a year and Premier members 5 (AAA Club Alliance). Terms vary by club, so check your card or app.
- Your insurer, credit card or vehicle warranty. Some include roadside help. Check before you call so you know what is covered.
- The Ohio Turnpike. Dial #677. In a 2025 procurement Q&A, the Turnpike Commission said outside vendors can come on through AAA for services such as lockouts and jump starts, but a passenger car that needs towing off must go with a contract garage (Turnpike Commission, OAC 5537-3-01).
Toledo winters bring the most roadside calls
AAA says battery problems often become the top reason members need roadside help during winter storms, and recommends testing any battery more than 3 years old before the cold arrives (AAA). The cold-weather battery guide explains why Toledo mornings are hard on them.
Cold also lowers tire pressure, and NHTSA suggests keeping the gas tank close to full in winter. Its winter car kit is worth keeping in the trunk from December to March (NHTSA):
- jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices such as flares or markers;
- a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper, plus sand or cat litter for traction;
- blankets, water, snacks and any medicine you need;
- a phone charger and a first aid kit.
Overheated engine: what to do first
AAA’s advice for an engine running hot (AAA Oregon/Idaho):
- If you see steam or the gauge reads hot, pull over when it is safe and turn the engine off.
- If you can’t stop right away, turn off the A/C and turn the heat on as a short-term measure.
- Don’t touch the hood or the front of the car until it cools.
- Never remove the radiator cap until the engine is completely cool. Hot coolant can spray out and burn you.
If it overheats again after cooling and a top-up, ask for a tow to a shop.
Staying safe while you wait
In a busy store lot in Maumee or Sylvania, stand away from moving cars and keep the hazards on so the provider can spot you. On a narrow residential street, tell the dispatcher where a service truck can park. The I-75 breakdown guide covers highway stops in detail.
How a request works
- Call (419) 329-4502 or send a request.
- Say what happened, in as much detail as you can: “clicks but won’t crank,” “keys on the seat,” “rear tire flat, spare in the trunk.”
- Give your exact location and the year, make, model and color of the car.
- Ask the price before anyone is sent, and mention any AAA or other coverage.
- If the fix doesn’t hold, the next step is a flatbed tow or a ride to a shop.
The dispatcher checklist lists what helps most on the first call.