When you're stuck on the side of the road, the last thing you want to do is comparison shop for the service that'll bring you home. While keeping yourself and your vehicle safe should be your top priority, that doesn't mean that your choice of towing service won't matter. The company you choose can significantly impact how safely and quickly you can resolve your roadside emergency.

Fortunately, choosing the right towing company doesn't have to be challenging, but it does require some knowledge of how towing works. You'll also need to evaluate your current situation so you can understand the type of service you need. This guide will get you pointed in the right direction so you can effectively resolve any roadside emergency you might face.

Choosing the Right Towing Company

In most cases, your first step will be selecting a towing service that caters to your specific needs. If you're towing your personal vehicle, you want a company that specializes in light-duty towing. As the name implies, light-duty tow trucks can handle most passenger vehicles, including larger SUVs and pick-up trucks.

You should also consider the types of tow trucks the company has available. Most companies use wheel-lift or flatbed trucks, as these designs are more modern and safer for the towed vehicle. If you need to transport your car over a long distance, flatbeds provide the most significant margin of safety and security, especially for highway travel.

On the other hand, wheel-lift trucks still serve many valuable purposes. If you're stuck in a tight parking lot or a narrow street, you might need a wheel lift truck for the extra maneuverability and smaller size. When you call your towing service, be sure to describe your situation and ask about the trucks they have available to ensure they can safely move your car.

Preparing for the Worst

Although not every towing company is the same, it's not always easy to find the perfect service when you're stuck on the side of the road. The best way to avoid this situation is to keep numbers for a few local towing services in your car or on your phone. While this may not help if you find yourself stranded far from home, most accidents tend to occur close to where you live.

Even if you're in an unfamiliar area, knowing what to look for in a towing company can help you find one to meet your needs much more quickly. By understanding what features you may need from a towing service, you'll be able to select one that can efficiently get your car off the side of the road and back to safety.