Roadside assistance vs. towing: when your car breaks down, picking the right one saves you time and money. The QuickMechs app makes it simple. Choose Instant Mechanic to fix it where you are, or Instant Towing to move it, Uber-style, in a few taps.
Your car just died. Mechanic or tow truck?
The engine overheats. The battery dies. Something under the hood gives out.
Now you’re on the side of the road with one big question: can this be fixed here, or does the car need to be towed?
Get it right, and you’re back on the road faster. Get it wrong, and you could wait hours for a tow you didn’t need, or try to drive a car that isn’t safe.
What is roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance fixes the problem where your car has stopped, so you can drive away.
Depending on the provider, it can include:
- Battery jump-starts
- Flat tire help
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout help
- Minor mechanical repairs
Some problems can be fixed on the spot. Others need a garage.
What is towing?
Towing moves your car on a tow truck to a repair shop or another safe destination.
You’ll likely need a tow when:
- The engine has serious damage
- The car is overheating badly
- There’s a major mechanical failure
- The brakes aren’t safe
- You’ve been in an accident
- A roadside fix isn’t possible
Roadside assistance vs. towing at a glance
| Roadside assistance | Towing | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Fixes the problem where you are | Moves your car to a shop |
| Best for | Dead batteries, flat tires, minor issues | Serious damage, unsafe brakes, accidents |
| Your car afterward | Usually drivable right away | Repaired at the shop |
| In the QuickMechs app | Instant Mechanic | Instant Towing |
Which one do you need?
Dead battery? A jump-start may be all you need. Request Instant Mechanic. (Here’s what to do when your battery dies.)
Flat tire? If the tire can be safely repaired or replaced where you are, roadside tire help is the way to go. (Here’s what to do with a flat.)
Engine overheating? Pull over and stop driving if it’s unsafe. Depending on the cause, a mechanic may fix it on the spot, or you may need a tow.
Serious damage or unsafe to drive? Don’t drive it. Request Instant Towing.
Not sure? Request Instant Mechanic. A verified mechanic can diagnose the problem where you are, and if the car needs a garage, you can book a tow from the same app.
If you’re in danger or on a busy highway, call 911 first.
One app for both: QuickMechs
When your car breaks down, you shouldn’t have to search for a mechanic, then a tow company, then explain the problem all over again. The QuickMechs app is your go-to for both:
- Instant Mechanic. A verified mechanic comes to you, Uber-style, and you track them live.
- Instant Towing. Enter your pickup and destination, then track the tow truck in real time all the way to your chosen garage.
- Upfront pricing. See the cost before you confirm either service.
- Verified providers. A network of about 9,000 vetted mechanics across the United States.
- Protected work. Eligible repairs include a 12-month or 12,000-mile workmanship warranty.
- Pay over time. Check whether Fix Now, Pay Over Time is available for a bigger repair.
How to get help with QuickMechs
- Open the QuickMechs app.
- Choose Instant Mechanic or Instant Towing.
- Share your location and your car’s make and model.
- Tell us what’s wrong and whether the car can safely move.
- See the price, confirm, and track help all the way to you.
Be ready before you break down
Make the QuickMechs app your go-to for breakdowns, dead batteries, flat tires and tows. Download it and register your free account today, so help is always one tap away.
- iPhone: Download QuickMechs on the App Store
- Android: Download QuickMechs on Google Play
- Website: quickmechs.com
Have questions? Book a call with the QuickMechs team.
Mechanic or tow truck? Open the QuickMechs app and get the right help fast.
In an emergency or if you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Service availability may vary by location. Fix Now, Pay Over Time is subject to eligibility, approval and availability. Warranty applies to eligible repairs completed through the QuickMechs platform.