Cars rarely fail at a convenient time. The alternator gives out on Stadium Drive during the evening commute, the transmission starts slipping on the US-131 on-ramp, or a check-engine light turns into a cloud of steam somewhere past the Westnedge exit at one in the morning. The emergency line at Towing Kalamazoo exists for exactly those moments. Call (269) 218-8728, tell us where you are, and a truck is dispatched to you, day or night, weekday or holiday.
What counts as an emergency tow
If the vehicle can't be driven safely, it's an emergency. You don't need to be sure what's wrong to call. Common reasons Kalamazoo drivers reach us:
- The engine quit while moving and won't restart
- Smoke, steam or a burning smell from under the hood
- A wheel, axle or suspension part that's clearly damaged after a pothole or curb strike
- Brakes that feel soft, grind loudly or pull hard to one side
- Warning lights for oil pressure or overheating that won't clear
- A car that slid off the road into a ditch, snowbank or median
If you're unsure whether it's safe to keep going, the honest answer is usually no. A short tow costs far less than an engine that ran another ten miles without oil.
Staying safe until we arrive
The minutes before the truck gets there are the riskiest part of a breakdown, especially on I-94, where traffic doesn't slow down for a car on the shoulder. A few habits make a real difference:
- Get as far off the travel lane as the shoulder allows, and turn the wheels away from traffic.
- Switch on your hazard lights straight away, and leave the headlights on after dark.
- On a highway, stay buckled in unless the car is in danger. If you do get out, exit on the side away from traffic and stand well behind the guardrail.
- Keep your phone on and charged so our driver can reach you if your location is hard to find.
Where our emergency trucks go
We cover the city of Kalamazoo and the communities around it, including Portage, Oshtemo and Texas Townships, Comstock, Parchment and Cooper Township, plus the stretches of I-94 and US-131 that run through the county. If you're not sure whether you're inside our area, call anyway. We'll tell you straight away, and if it's a long run we'll be upfront about it before a truck leaves.
What to tell the dispatcher
A quick, clear call gets the right truck moving faster. Have these ready if you can:
- Your location: an address, the nearest cross street, a mile marker or the last exit you passed
- The vehicle's year, make, model and color
- What happened and whether the car rolls, steers and is in neutral
- Where you want it taken, whether that's home, your own mechanic or a dealer
Not sure where to take it? Tell us, and we'll drop it somewhere secure until you decide.
Emergency Towing questions
Do you really answer at night and on holidays?
Yes. Emergency towing and roadside calls are answered around the clock, including weekends, Thanksgiving and the middle of a January snowstorm.
Can I ride in the tow truck?
In most cases one passenger can ride along in the cab. Let the dispatcher know how many people are with you so we can plan for it.
Will you tow to any repair shop?
Yes. We'll take your vehicle to the shop you choose, to your home, or to our secure lot if the shop is closed when we arrive.