Dealing with car problems is never fun, especially when you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. If you’re wondering if your situation is bad enough to contact help, it probably is. Here are five times you should call for roadside assistance.

When to Contact Roadside Assistance

1. You Have a Flat Tire

Almost all vehicles have a spare tire, jack, and tire iron in the back. While these are all the items you need to change a flat, the act of safely changing a tire can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. If you want to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive, a roadside assistance service can come and change the tire for you. If you don’t have a spare, they can tow your vehicle.

2. You’re Out of Gas

While it seems easy to prevent, running out of gas is not uncommon. If you don’t have anyone close that can bring gas to you, roadside assistance can. This prevents you from trekking to the nearest gas station and hauling back gallons of gas in a can.

3. Your Battery Is Dead

It’s especially common in the winter to try and start the car only to discover that you have a dead battery. While it’s smart to carry jumper cables in your trunk and know how to use them, there may be times when no one is around to give you a jump.

4. You’re Locked Out of the Car

According to Consumer Reports, calling roadside assistance is one of the first steps you should take if you lock yourself out of the car. If you’re far from home with no one to bring a spare key, they can help you get back into your vehicle.

5. Your Car Broke Down

If your car has broken down for any reason, move it as far off the road as possible, but remain in a visible spot. After that, contact roadside service so that they can tow your vehicle home or to an auto repair shop.

If you live in or near Columbia County, WI, and need help on the road, call the helpful team at Blystone Towing & Radiator. They’ve been serving the area for over 50 years and offer 24-hour towing and roadside assistance. Visit their website to learn more about what they do, or call (608) 742-4228 to request service.