If your car breaks down or won’t start, your first instinct might be to grab your phone and search for a tow truck. But once you’re connected to a dispatcher, what do you actually need to tell them?
At Arndt’s Auto Towing, we’ve helped thousands of Michigan drivers across Benton Harbor, Saint Joseph, Stevensville, Paw Paw, and nearby towns. To make your towing experience quick and smooth, here’s exactly what you should be ready to share when you call us — or any professional tow company.
Your Exact Location
This is the most critical detail. GPS coordinates are great, but if you’re unsure, here are some ways to describe where you are:
- Closest street names or highway exit
- Nearby landmarks (gas station, store, intersection)
- Direction of travel (“heading east on I-94 near Exit 30”)
- Parking lot name or building address
We recommend pulling up Google Maps and dropping a pin if you’re lost — then you can share that directly with our contact team.
Vehicle Information
We’ll ask for the basics so we know what kind of equipment to bring:
- Year, make, and model of your vehicle
- Color and license plate (to find it easily)
- Whether it’s front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel, or 4WD
- If the car has any damage or is missing wheels
This info helps us decide if we’ll send a flatbed tow truck or use a wheel-lift towing method.
What’s Wrong with the Vehicle
Letting us know why you need a tow gives us a head start. For example:
- Does the car start at all?
- Is the battery completely dead?
- Are the tires flat or damaged?
- Has the car been in an accident?
- Is it stuck in a ditch or snowbank?
If the issue is battery-related, we may be able to help you right on the spot with our battery services instead of towing it.
Is the Vehicle Accessible?
Let us know if:
- It’s parked in a garage or tight space
- It’s on a slope, blocked, or off-road
- It’s locked and you’re not there
- It’s loaded with cargo or passengers (we don’t transport people, only vehicles)
Knowing these details helps us avoid delays or bring the right recovery gear, especially during vehicle recovery scenarios.
Where You Want It Towed
We’ll ask for your drop-off address or location:
- Home
- Auto repair shop
- Dealership
- Storage lot
If you’re unsure where to take it, we can recommend local trusted repair shops in Southwest Michigan.
Your Contact Info
This might sound obvious, but we’ll need your:
- Full name
- Phone number we can call back
- Alternate number (if available)
- Best way to reach you if you’re not near the vehicle
Optional but Helpful Details
- Insurance or roadside coverage info (in case we need to speak with your provider)
- Any time constraints (“I need it towed before 5 PM”)
- Weather or road conditions in your area
Why Giving Good Info Matters
Providing clear, accurate info helps us:
- Dispatch the right tow truck fast
- Avoid delays due to hidden problems
- Give you an upfront cost estimate
- Prevent damage to your vehicle
- Communicate better with police or property owners if needed
And if you need emergency towing, the faster we understand your situation, the sooner we’re on the road.
What If You Can’t Be There?
No worries. Read our blog on do you need to be present when your car is towed — you’ll learn how to give remote instructions and how we can safely tow your vehicle even if you’re not on-site.
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Final Thoughts
Calling for a tow doesn’t need to be stressful. When you know what information to give, it makes everything faster, smoother, and safer. At Arndt’s Auto Towing, we’re here 24/7 to help drivers across Southwest Michigan — from a simple battery boost to full-service light-duty towing. Need help right now? Contact us now — we’ll get you moving.