Roadside Assistance vs. Towing:
What's the Difference?

You're stuck on the side of I-15 with a dead battery, a flat tire, or a car that simply won't start. You pull out your phone and face the first decision: do you call for roadside assistance or a tow truck? Many drivers use these terms interchangeably — but they're meaningfully different services, and calling the wrong one can cost you time and money.

This guide breaks down exactly what each service does, when you need which, and how to make the right call the first time.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a on-location service where a technician comes to your car and attempts to fix the problem right there. The goal is to get you back on the road without towing. Common roadside assistance services include:

• Jump starts — Dead battery? A jump start takes under 10 minutes and costs nothing if you have coverage.
• Flat tire changes — The technician swaps your flat for your spare. You need a usable spare for this to work.
• Fuel delivery — Run out of gas? They bring you enough to reach the nearest station (usually 2–3 gallons).
• Lockout service — Locked your keys inside? A technician can usually open most cars with slim jim tools or a lock pick.
• Winching — Slid off the road or stuck in mud/snow? They can winch you back onto solid ground — if conditions allow.

Roadside assistance does NOT include moving your vehicle to a repair shop. If the problem can't be fixed on the spot, you then need a tow.

What Is Towing?

Towing is the transportation of your vehicle from where it broke down to somewhere else — usually a repair shop, dealership, or your home. Towing does not attempt to fix your car. The driver hooks it up and hauls it.

There are several types of towing equipment:

• Flatbed tow trucks — Your car rides on a flat platform, fully off the ground. Best for all-wheel drive, luxury, and damaged vehicles.
• Wheel-lift tow trucks — Two wheels are lifted while the other two remain on the ground. Less expensive but not appropriate for all vehicles.
• Hook and chain — Older style, rarely used anymore. Not recommended for modern vehicles.
• Integrated tow trucks — For heavy-duty vehicles, buses, and large equipment.

Key Differences at a Glance

When to Call Roadside Assistance

Call for roadside assistance first when:

• Your battery died and you need a jump start
• You have a flat tire and a usable spare
• You ran out of gas
• Your keys are locked inside the car
• You're mildly stuck in mud or snow (winching is possible)
• Your car won't start but you're not sure why (let the technician diagnose first)

The advantage: roadside assistance is faster (usually no loading required), cheaper (often free with coverage), and gets you back on the road in 15–30 minutes in many cases.

When to Call a Tow Truck

Call a tow truck directly when:

• Your engine seized, overheated severely, or is making grinding/knocking noises
• Your transmission failed
• You were in an accident and the car is damaged
• Your car has a major fluid leak (coolant, oil, transmission fluid)
• Your flat tire has no usable spare
• You're deeply stuck in a ditch or off-road (beyond what winching can handle)
• The car is unsafe to drive under any circumstances
• A roadside tech already tried to fix it and couldn't

Can the Same Company Do Both?

Yes — many tow companies in Salt Lake City offer both roadside assistance and towing. When you call, describe your situation clearly. A good dispatcher will tell you whether they'll send a service truck (to try fixing it first) or a tow truck (to move it directly). Sometimes they send both if it's unclear.

UDOT's FAST (Freeway Assistance Service Teams) on Utah's major highways also provides free roadside assistance on I-15, I-80, and I-215 — but only for minor issues. If your car needs a tow, they'll call a contracted towing company on your behalf.

Does Insurance Cover Both?

Most auto insurance add-ons for roadside assistance cover:

• Jump starts ✅
• Flat tire changes ✅
• Fuel delivery ✅
• Lockout service ✅
• Towing (often limited — e.g., up to $100 or 25 miles) ✅
• Long-distance towing (usually NOT covered or limited) ⚠️

AAA membership includes up to 4 free tows per year within 5 miles of your location (standard plan). Higher tiers extend the free towing distance. If you frequently drive in rural or canyon areas around SLC, a higher AAA tier may be worth it.

Practical Tips for SLC Drivers

• Save the number before you need it. When you're standing on I-15 in the dark, you don't want to Google. Save a 24/7 SLC towing number in your contacts now.
• Describe symptoms clearly. "Car won't start" could mean a dead battery (roadside fix) or a failed starter (tow needed). Tell the dispatcher everything you know.
• Ask upfront what they're sending. "Are you sending a service truck or a tow truck?" sets expectations and prevents surprises.
• Confirm the price before they hook up. Ask for the hookup fee and per-mile rate upfront. Get it in writing or at least verbally confirmed.
• Know your spare. Check now if your spare tire is properly inflated and usable. A flat spare means you'll need a tow even for a simple flat.