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Roadside FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing and Roadside Assistance in Baltimore
Common questions Baltimore drivers ask before — and during — a roadside emergency. Need an immediate answer? Call (410) 940-7999.
What should I do immediately after my car breaks down on a Baltimore highway?
Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you can, move your vehicle as far onto the right shoulder as possible, away from live traffic lanes. Turn your wheels away from traffic as an added safety measure. If you’re on I-83, I-695, or I-95 and cannot safely exit your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened — a moving car around you is less dangerous than being a pedestrian on a high-speed road. Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger, then call A&A Towing at (410) 940-7999 for dispatch.
How do I know if my battery just needs a jump or needs to be replaced?
A battery that is simply drained (from leaving lights on overnight, for example) will typically start normally after a jump and hold a charge for driving. A battery that is at the end of its life will either fail to start at all after a jump, or start and stall within minutes. A failing alternator (which charges the battery while driving) can mimic a dead battery — if your battery warning light comes on while driving, it’s usually the alternator, not just the battery. The definitive answer comes from a battery and charging system test, which most auto parts stores offer free of charge.
Is it safe to change a tire on the side of a Baltimore road or highway?
It depends on where you’re stopped. If you’ve pulled well off the road onto a flat, stable shoulder with good visibility, changing a tire yourself is generally manageable. On a highway shoulder with active traffic, it is considerably more dangerous — particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions. In those situations, staying in your vehicle and calling for a professional tire change service is the safer choice. Never change a tire on a bridge, in a tunnel, or in a traffic lane.
What warning lights mean I should not drive my car?
The warning lights that mean stop driving immediately are: oil pressure (looks like an oil can), engine temperature (thermometer in water), brake system warning (circle with an exclamation or the word BRAKE), and in some vehicles, the transmission temperature warning. These indicate conditions that can cause rapid, expensive, or irreversible engine or drivetrain damage within minutes of continued driving. Other lights — check engine, TPMS (tire pressure), battery — are serious but usually allow you to drive carefully to a nearby service location. When in doubt, stop and call.
Can I request that my car be towed to a specific repair shop?
Yes, absolutely. You have the legal right to direct your vehicle to any licensed repair facility of your choosing. No towing company can legally require you to use a specific shop or insist your vehicle go to a location you didn’t choose. A&A Towing will always transport your vehicle to whatever destination you specify — your regular mechanic, a dealership service center, or a body shop of your preference.
Will my auto insurance cover towing and roadside assistance?
Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance coverage as an optional add-on, and some comprehensive policies include it by default. Check your policy’s declarations page or call your insurer to confirm. Note that using your insurance’s roadside coverage may count as a claim in some policies — paying out of pocket for a tow is sometimes preferable to filing a claim. Also, insurance-dispatched towing often takes considerably longer than calling a local company directly, since coverage plans route calls through national dispatch systems.
