Understanding the difference between roadside assistance and towing services can save you time and money. Learn when to call for roadside help vs full towing service in Nashville.

Roadside Assistance Explained

What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance helps with minor vehicle problems that can be fixed on-site:

• Jump starts for dead batteries
• Tire changes (if you have a spare)
• Vehicle lockout service
• Fuel delivery
• Minor mechanical adjustments

Goal: Get your vehicle running again without towing.

Common Roadside Assistance Services

Jump Start Service

• Professional jump boxes
• Safe connection procedures
• Battery condition testing
• Average cost: $60-$100
• Average time: 15-20 minutes

Flat Tire Change

• Remove flat tire
• Install your spare
• Torque lug nuts properly
• Average cost: $75-$125
• Average time: 20-30 minutes

Vehicle Lockout

• Non-destructive entry
• Professional tools
• No damage to vehicle
• Average cost: $50-$125
• Average time: 15-25 minutes

Fuel Delivery

• 2-3 gallons delivered
• Enough to reach gas station
• All fuel types available
• Average cost: $80-$125
• Average time: 20-40 minutes

Towing Service Explained

When Full Towing is Needed

Towing means transporting your vehicle to a repair shop or destination:

• Engine failure or won't start
• Transmission problems
• Accident damage
• Major mechanical failure
• Cannot be safely driven

Goal: Safely transport your vehicle to repair facility.

Types of Towing Services

Emergency Towing

• 24/7 availability
• Fast response
• Any situation requiring vehicle transport

Flatbed Towing

• All 4 wheels off ground
• Best for luxury, AWD, damaged vehicles

Long Distance Towing

• Over 50 miles
• Interstate transport

Key Differences

Time and Cost

Roadside Assistance:

• Usually costs less ($50-$125)
• Faster service (15-30 minutes on-site)
• Back on road quickly
• No shop visit needed

Towing Service:

• Higher cost ($100-$300+)
• Longer process (hook-up + transport)
• Requires shop drop-off
• May need rental car

When to Choose Each

Choose Roadside Assistance When:

• Battery just died
• Simple flat tire with good spare
• Locked keys in car
• Ran out of gas
• Minor issues you can see

Choose Towing When:

• Engine won't start (after jump attempt)
• Transmission stuck in gear
• Strange noises or smoking
• Warning lights and no power
• After accident
• Major fluid leaks

Making the Right Call

Not Sure Which You Need?

Call us and describe:

• What happened?
• Any warning lights?
• Any unusual noises?
• Will engine turn over?
• Any visible damage?

We'll recommend roadside assistance or towing based on your situation.

We Offer Both Services

One phone call handles everything:

• Start with roadside assistance attempt
• Upgrade to towing if needed
• No additional dispatch fees
• Same professional service

Insurance Coverage

Many Policies Cover Both

Check your coverage:

• Roadside assistance often free with insurance
• Towing may have mileage limits
• Some policies cover both
• Reimbursement available

Conclusion

Knowing the difference helps you request appropriate service and manage costs. Our roadside assistance handles minor problems, while our towing service transports vehicles that can't be fixed on-site.

Need help now? Call (615) 756-5330 - we'll advise you on the best solution.