Surviving an Interstate Breakdown on Nashville's I-65

Your car just quit on I-65. Maybe the temperature gauge climbed, a tire failed, or the engine simply shut off with heavy traffic passing close by.

Wherever you are on I-65 in Nashville, the first minute matters. Here's what to do and who to call.

Step 1: Get Safe Before You Call Anyone

I-65 through Nashville is a busy interstate, so a disabled vehicle on the shoulder is exposed to fast passing traffic.

If your car is still moving at all, even limping, try to reach the nearest exit rather than stopping mid-lane. Pick whichever exit is closest and has room to pull off safely.

If your car is completely dead, get as far right as possible on the shoulder and turn on your hazards. Don't stand beside the car or under the hood near traffic. If staying inside feels unsafe, follow the 911 dispatcher's guidance.

If you feel unsafe or your car is in a travel lane, call 911 first. For breakdowns off the interstate, see our roadside assistance service.

Step 2: Who to Call (In Order)

Call 1: Us — (615) 756-5330

We respond to I-65 breakdowns in Davidson County. When you call, dispatch will give you a current arrival estimate based on traffic and truck location.

When you call, tell us:

• Which direction you're heading (north or south)
• Your nearest mile marker (green signs on the right shoulder) or the last exit you passed
• What happened (engine died, flat tire, overheating, accident, etc.)
• What you're driving (year, make, model — this determines which truck we send)

If you want to understand which kind of truck fits your vehicle, our tow truck types guide is worth a read once you're safely off the shoulder.

Also useful: TDOT HELP trucks

TDOT's HELP program patrols assigned interstate routes in the Nashville area, including parts of I-65, and its services are free. HELP operators patrol rather than take direct calls; inside the Nashville patrol area, TDOT says to call Metro's non-emergency number, (615) 862-8600, to request roadway assistance. HELP trucks operate on set daytime and evening hours, and they don't tow your car to a shop. Assistance isn't guaranteed, since HELP is often assigned to major incidents. Check TDOT's website for current routes and hours.

Call 3: Let someone know

Text your location to a family member or friend and send your GPS pin, especially if your phone battery is getting low.

What NOT to Do on I-65

Don't try to fix it yourself on the shoulder. Changing a tire on an interstate shoulder can put you within a few feet of passing traffic.

Be cautious about unsolicited help. If a tow truck arrives that you or police didn't call, you're not obligated to let them hook your car — ask for identification and a rate sheet first.

Don't walk along the interstate. If you must exit the vehicle, exit on the passenger side away from traffic and move well behind the car, past the guardrail if possible.

Spots That Need Extra Care

Interchanges and merge areas bring several lanes together, so a disabled vehicle there is more exposed to merging traffic.

Narrow shoulders, bridges, and construction zones may leave little room to get fully out of a travel lane. If any part of your vehicle is in a lane, call 911 so traffic can be managed.

South toward the county line, near Brentwood or Franklin, give your exact mile marker and direction when you call.

What Happens When We Arrive

The driver will position the truck to work as safely as possible beside traffic, then:

1. Quick assessment — determining whether it's a roadside fix (jump start, tire change, fuel delivery) or a full tow.
2. If it's a roadside fix, it can often be handled on-site.
3. If you need a tow, we secure the vehicle on the flatbed and confirm where you'd like it taken. Have your mechanic's address ready if you have one.
4. Ask dispatch about getting yourself to your destination so you have a plan before the car is loaded.

After-Hours Breakdowns on I-65

Late-night breakdowns bring their own challenges, including lower visibility and the fact that HELP patrols don't run overnight. We take calls around the clock at (615) 756-5330.

Save This Before You Need It

Put (615) 756-5330 in your phone now under "Towing" or "Hook Em' Up Towing." Getting in the habit of glancing at mile marker signs helps you give an accurate location if you ever need to call.

Nobody plans to break down on I-65. If it happens, you'll know who to call and what to do while you wait.

Hook Em' Up Towing — (615) 756-5330 — 24/7 I-65 Service