A vehicle breakdown can be stressful and unpredictable, especially if it happens on a busy highway, in bad weather, or in an unfamiliar location. In these moments, knowing who to call and what steps to take can ensure your safety, prevent further damage to your vehicle, and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery, a flat tire, or an engine failure, having a plan in place can save time and frustration. In this guide, we explain who to contact for roadside assistance, what information you should have ready, and how to stay safe while waiting for help. Keep reading to make sure you’re prepared for any car emergency!
Who Do I Call for Immediate Assistance after a Car Breakdown?
Roadside Assistance Services
If you’re stranded on the road due to a breakdown, getting help quickly is crucial. At Norman Towing, we provide fast, reliable roadside assistance to get you back on track safely. Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, or towing need, our expert team is ready to assist you anytime, anywhere.
Here is a list of our services in Toronto and the GTA:
- Emergency towing services
- Motorcycle towing services
- Fuel delivery services
- Lockout services
- Winching services
- Scrap car removal services
- Roadside assistance services
- Car battery boost services
- Flat tire services
- Corporate towing services
- Vehicle recovery services
Emergency Services (911)
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, such as being stuck in heavy traffic or stranded on a busy road, it’s vital to call emergency services immediately. Operators can quickly dispatch police officers or highway patrol to manage traffic, secure your safety, and provide assistance if your vehicle breakdown is causing a hazard. Acting swiftly helps prevent accidents, minimizes risks, and ensures a faster resolution to the situation.
Your Insurance Company
In Canada, standard car insurance policies typically do not cover mechanical breakdowns or failures resulting from wear and tear, rusting, corrosion, freezing, or internal engine explosions. These exclusions apply unless the damage results from an insured peril, such as a collision or specific covered events.
Alternative Coverage Options:
- Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): This specialized coverage protects against unexpected mechanical failures not caused by accidents. MBI can cover repairs for issues like transmission or engine failures due to normal wear and tear. However, availability varies, and eligibility may depend on your vehicle’s age and mileage.
- Extended Warranties: Offered by manufacturers or third-party providers, extended warranties can cover specific mechanical components beyond the original warranty period. It’s essential to understand the terms, as coverage details can vary significantly.
- Roadside Assistance Add-Ons: Some insurance providers offer optional roadside assistance, covering services like towing, battery jump-starts, and flat tire changes. While this doesn’t cover repair costs, it can assist in getting your vehicle to a repair facility.
How much does it cost to tow a car in Toronto?
4 Immediate Steps to Take If Your Car Breaks Down
1. Recognize the Signs of Trouble
The best way to handle a vehicle breakdown is to identify potential issues early before they escalate into a more serious problem. If you notice unusual sounds, a rising engine temperature, or warning lights flashing on your dashboard, taking immediate action can help prevent further damage and keep you safe on the road.
Here are some key warning signs that indicate your car may be at risk of breaking down:
- Engine failure or sudden loss of power: Your car struggles to accelerate or shuts off unexpectedly.
- Weak or faulty battery: Difficulty starting the engine, dimming headlights, or electrical malfunctions.
- Unusual smoke or burning smells: Signs of overheating, oil leaks, or brake issues.
- Strange noises from the engine or starter motor: Clicking, grinding, or knocking sounds when trying to start the vehicle.
If you experience any of these warning signs, pull over safely and seek roadside assistance immediately to avoid a full breakdown.
Roadside assistance services in Toronto
2. Pull Over Safely and Secure Your Vehicle
The moment you experience a breakdown, turn on your hazard warning lights immediately to alert other drivers and reduce the risk of an accident. If possible, steer your vehicle toward a safe location, such as the nearest exit, the right-hand shoulder, or an emergency refuge area. Avoid stopping in dangerous spots like the middle of traffic, a high-speed highway lane, or blind curves where visibility is low.
3. Make Your Vehicle Highly Visible
Ensuring your vehicle is visible to other road users is crucial for preventing further incidents:
- Turn on hazard lights and emergency blinkers to signal distress.
- Place reflective triangles, markers, or traffic cones at least 50 meters behind your car to warn approaching vehicles.
- If safe, raise your radio antenna or open the passenger-side door as additional distress signals.
4. Stay Inside Your Vehicle If It’s Safe
If your car breaks down on a high-speed highway or a busy road, it is generally safer to remain inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened while waiting for assistance. Exiting the car in fast-moving traffic can be extremely dangerous.
- If you must leave the vehicle, wear a reflective vest to enhance visibility.
- Stand behind a safety barrier if available, keeping a safe distance from traffic.
Taking these precautions ensures your safety while waiting for roadside assistance.
Top Reasons for Car Breakdowns & How to Prevent Them
A vehicle breakdown can happen at any time, leaving you stranded and frustrated. While some issues are unavoidable, many can be prevented with regular maintenance and early detection. Below, we explore the most common causes of car breakdowns, how to identify warning signs, and what you can do to minimize the risk.
- Battery Issues: The Leading Cause of Breakdowns
A dead or faulty battery is one of the top reasons cars fail to start. Batteries can drain due to cold weather, frequent short trips, corrosion, or leaving lights on overnight.
Signs of a Weak or Failing Battery
- Dim dashboard or distress lights
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Requiring frequent jump-starts
How to Prevent Battery Failure
- Get your battery tested regularly, especially before winter.
- Avoid draining the battery by turning off lights, radio, and accessories when the car is off.
- Check for corrosion on battery terminals and clean them if necessary.
- If your battery is over 3-5 years old, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected failures.
How to know if your car battery is dead: Key signs and solutions
- Fuel Issues: Running on Empty
Running out of fuel may seem like an avoidable mistake, but it happens more often than you’d think—especially on road trips when drivers miscalculate fuel stops. Additionally, fuel leaks can cause serious mechanical damage or even fire hazards.
How to Avoid Running Out of Fuel
- Refuel before long trips and monitor fuel levels regularly.
- Know your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and plan fuel stops accordingly.
- Use emergency roadside assistance if you run out of fuel and need a delivery.
🚨 Warning: If you smell strong gasoline odors or notice puddles of fuel under your car, do not drive—you may have a fuel leak. Call for professional assistance immediately!
- Engine Overheating: A Costly Mistake
An overheating engine can lead to total engine failure if ignored. Low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a blocked radiator can cause the temperature gauge to rise dangerously high.
Prevention Tips
- Check coolant levels regularly and top off if necessary
- Watch for warning signs like steam or smoke from the hood
- Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot—the pressurized coolant can cause severe burns
What to Do If Your Engine Overheats
- Pull over immediately and turn off the engine
- Let the car cool down before checking coolant levels
- Call roadside assistance if the problem persists
- Flat Tires and Tire Damage
A flat tire can leave you stranded, especially if it happens on a highway or in bad weather. Common causes include sharp objects, potholes, under-inflation, and uneven tread wear.
How to Minimize Tire Issues
- Check tire pressure at least once a month
- Inspect tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear
- Keep a spare tire, jack, and repair kit in your car
How to Fix a Flat Tire
- Use a tire repair kit or sealant for minor punctures
- If you have a spare, follow your car manual’s instructions for changing the tire
- Call for roadside assistance if you don’t have the tools or experience to change a tire safely
- Brake Failures: A Critical Safety Concern
Brakes are one of the most important safety features in your car. Worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or malfunctioning emergency brakes can lead to accidents if left unchecked.
Warning Signs of Brake Issues
- Soft or unresponsive brake pedal
- Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
- Vibrations in the steering wheel while stopping
Preventative Steps
- Get your brakes inspected regularly as part of routine maintenance
- If the emergency brake fails, shift into a lower gear and slowly steer to a safe stopping point
- Check brake fluid levels and refill if needed
If your brakes stop working while driving, stay calm and act quickly to regain control. First, pump the brake pedal rapidly to build up pressure in the brake system. If that doesn’t work, shift into a lower gear to slow the car down gradually.
You can also carefully engage the emergency brake, but do so slowly to avoid skidding. Finally, look for a safe place to pull over, such as the shoulder of the road or an emergency stopping area, and signal to other drivers while bringing your vehicle to a stop. If possible, call for roadside assistance immediately.
- Transmission Problems: Expensive & Dangerous
Transmission failure can lead to dangerous driving conditions, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. Common issues include difficulty shifting gears, gear slipping, or strange noises while driving.
Preventative Measures
- Check transmission fluid levels and look for leaks
- Schedule routine maintenance and listen for grinding noises
- Avoid excessive strain on the transmission, especially in cold weather
If your car hesitates when shifting gears or you notice fluid leaks, get it inspected immediately—transmission repairs can be costly if ignored.
- Electrical System Failures: Modern Car Problems
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic components, and electrical system failures can cause serious breakdowns. Issues with the starter motor, alternator, or fuses can leave you unable to start your car.
How to Reduce Electrical Failures
- Check the center console for error messages and warning lights
- Inspect your alternator at every maintenance session
- Keep a portable battery charger in case of unexpected failures
- Clutch Problems (Manual Vehicles Only)
Clutch failure is a common issue in manual transmission vehicles. If you struggle to shift gears, hear grinding noises, or notice a burning smell, your clutch may be worn out.
How to Avoid Clutch Issues
- Avoid excessive clutch riding and unnecessary gear shifting
- Schedule regular checkups with a trusted mechanic
- Listen for changes in how the clutch engages—if shifting becomes rough, get it inspected
While car breakdowns are sometimes unavoidable, regular maintenance and early detection can prevent many issues. By keeping an eye on warning signs, conducting routine vehicle checks, and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can stay safe on the road and avoid costly repairs.
The most common questions about roadside assistance
Norman Towing: 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance in Toronto & GTA
At Norman Towing, we ensure that no driver is ever left stranded. Whether you need fuel delivery, a jump-start for a dead battery, flat tire services, or towing to a nearby mechanic, our expert team is always ready to assist.
We provide fast, reliable, and professional roadside assistance across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario, handling everything from winching services and accident recovery to heavy-duty towing and private property towing. When emergencies happen, you can trust Norman Towing to get you back on the road safely and efficiently!