Nobody wakes up in the morning excited to call a tow truck. Most of the time, it happens on the worst days—when you’re running late, when the weather’s bad, or when your car decides it’s had enough. At Ron May Towing, we’ve been serving Snohomish County drivers for over 60 years, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: towing isn’t just about moving vehicles, it’s about helping people get through stressful moments safely.

So, let’s walk through the seven most common reasons you might need a tow truck—and what you can do if it happens to you.

1. Dead Battery

You hop in the car, turn the key (or press the start button), and… nothing. Maybe you hear a click. Maybe the dash lights flicker. Either way, you’re not going anywhere.

Dead batteries are one of the most common roadside problems, especially in the winter when cold weather drains them faster.

👉 What to do: If you’re somewhere safe, you can try jumpstarting the car with jumper cables—but not everyone has the tools or knows how to do it safely. That’s where roadside assistance comes in. A professional can jump your car in minutes. And if the issue is more than the battery (like the alternator), we’ll tow you to a shop.

2. Flat Tire or Blowout

You’re driving along, maybe even singing along to the radio, when suddenly—thump thump thump. A flat tire can be caused by nails, potholes, or sometimes just old, worn-down rubber.

👉 What to do: If you know how and it’s safe to do so, you can swap to your spare. But many drivers either don’t have a usable spare or don’t feel safe changing a tire on the side of a busy road. A tow truck can get you and your car to a tire shop quickly and safely.

3. Engine Trouble

Engines don’t always quit quietly. Sometimes they make noises you’ve never heard before. Other times, smoke pours from under the hood or the car just loses power.

👉 What to do: Don’t push it. If your engine is overheating or acting strange, it’s safer (and often cheaper in the long run) to shut it down and get a tow to a trusted repair shop before more damage happens.

4. Locked Out of Your Vehicle

We’ve all been there. You step out for “just a second” and the door locks behind you—with your keys still inside. It’s frustrating, but it’s also one of the most common reasons people call us.

👉 What to do: Don’t try to pry your way in—it can cause expensive damage. A roadside assistance professional can get you back into your car without leaving a scratch.

5. Accident or Collision

Accidents are stressful, whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious. After checking that everyone’s safe and calling emergency services if needed, the next step is figuring out what to do with your vehicle.

👉 What to do: If your car isn’t safe to drive, call for a tow. We’ll bring your vehicle to your home, a repair shop, or wherever you need it.

6. Out of Gas

Yes, it happens. Maybe the gauge was off, or maybe you just pushed it a little too far to the next station. Running out of gas can leave you stranded in places where walking isn’t an option.

👉 What to do: Call for roadside assistance. We can deliver fuel directly to you or tow you to the nearest station if that’s what you need.

7. Stuck Vehicle (Mud, Snow, or a Ditch)

If you live in Snohomish County, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. Between snow in the winter and slick roads in the rain, it’s easy to find yourself stuck in mud, ice, or even a ditch.

👉 What to do: Don’t spin your tires—it usually makes things worse. Instead, call a tow truck. We have the equipment to pull your vehicle out without causing extra damage.

Final Thoughts

Towing isn’t just about moving cars—it’s about getting people out of tough situations safely. Whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, or an accident, the best thing you can do is stay calm, stay safe, and know who to call.

At Ron May Towing, we’ve been keeping Snohomish County moving for 60 years. We offer 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, private property impounds, and fast towing service when you need it most.

📞 Call us anytime at (425) 259-9264
🌐 Visit us online: www.ronmaytowing.com