What to Expect When You Call for a Tow Truck in London, Ontario
Breaking down is stressful enough without wondering what happens next. If you've never called a tow truck before — or if it's been a while — you might be unsure what to expect when help arrives. Will they tow your car right away? How long will it take? What do you need to have ready?
At EMS Towing, we've been helping drivers across London, Ontario for years. Whether you're stuck in the Masonville parking lot, broken down on Highway 401, or dealing with a dead battery in Byron, we know what you're going through. Here's a straightforward guide to what happens when you call for roadside assistance or a tow.
How Quickly Will a Tow Truck Arrive?
One of the first questions people ask is: how long will I be waiting?
Response times depend on a few factors — time of day, weather, location, and how busy the service is. In London, most professional towing companies aim to reach you within 30 to 45 minutes during normal conditions. If you're on a busy highway like the 401 or 402, response can be faster because of priority dispatch protocols.
During winter storms, heavy traffic, or late-night emergencies, wait times can stretch a bit longer — but a good towing company will give you an honest estimate when you call. At EMS Towing, we provide real-time ETAs so you're not left guessing.
Pro tip: When you call, let the dispatcher know if you're in a dangerous location (like the shoulder of Highway 401) or if you have kids, pets, or medical concerns. Priority service can often be arranged.
What Information Will the Dispatcher Ask For?
When you call for a tow, the dispatcher needs a few key details to send the right truck and get to you quickly:
- Your exact location — street address, intersection, or highway mile marker
- Vehicle make and model — helps them send the right equipment
- What's wrong — dead battery, flat tire, won't start, accident, etc.
- Your contact number — so the driver can reach you en route
- Any special circumstances — AWD vehicle, low clearance, cargo, etc.
If you're not sure where you are, use your phone's GPS or describe nearby landmarks. "I'm on Highbury Avenue near the White Oaks Mall" works better than "I'm somewhere south."
Don't worry if you don't know what's wrong with the car. Just describe what happened — "it made a loud noise and stopped" or "the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree" is enough.
What Happens When the Tow Truck Arrives?
Once the driver gets to you, here's the typical process:
1. Quick Assessment
The driver will introduce themselves, confirm your details, and take a quick look at your vehicle. They'll ask what happened and check if it's something simple (like a dead battery or flat tire) that can be fixed on-site.
2. Roadside Fix or Tow Decision
If it's a minor issue — dead battery, lockout, flat tire, or empty gas tank — the driver may be able to help you right there without towing. At EMS Towing, our trucks carry jump-start equipment, spare fuel, tire-changing tools, and lockout kits for exactly this reason.
If the problem is more serious (engine trouble, transmission failure, accident damage), they'll prepare your vehicle for towing.
3. Safe Loading
The driver will position the truck, secure your vehicle using wheel straps or a flatbed, and double-check that everything is stable. If you have an AWD vehicle, luxury car, or low-clearance sports car, they'll use a flatbed to avoid drivetrain damage.
You don't need to do anything during this process — just stay clear and let the professional handle it.
4. Paperwork and Next Steps
Before heading out, the driver will confirm your destination (repair shop, home, or storage), give you a receipt, and explain the next steps. If you're riding along in the truck, they'll make sure you're comfortable.
Will I Need to Ride in the Tow Truck?
In most cases, yes — especially if your car is being towed to a shop or your home. Tow trucks in Ontario are equipped with passenger seats, and drivers are happy to give you a ride.
If you prefer, you can arrange your own transportation (a friend, family member, or rideshare). Just let the driver know your plan and where to take the vehicle.
If you have kids, pets, or mobility concerns, mention that when you book the tow. Most drivers are flexible and will help make the experience as smooth as possible.
Do I Need to Empty My Car Before It's Towed?
You don't need to empty your entire car, but it's smart to remove valuables, medications, and personal items before it's towed. While towing companies take care of your vehicle, it's better to keep important stuff with you.
If your car is headed to a repair shop, you can usually leave it as-is. If it's going into long-term storage or impound, remove anything you might need soon.
How Much Will It Cost?
Towing costs in London, Ontario typically range from $80 to $150 for a local tow (under 10 km), depending on the time of day, vehicle type, and service required. Longer distances, highway recoveries, or specialty towing (flatbed, heavy-duty) cost more.
Roadside services like battery boosts, tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery are usually less expensive than a full tow — often between $60 and $100.
Most companies accept cash, debit, and credit cards. If you have roadside assistance coverage through your insurance or CAA, check your policy — you may be covered.
At EMS Towing, we provide upfront pricing when you call. No surprises, no hidden fees.
What If I Break Down in a Dangerous Spot?
If you're stuck on the side of Highway 401, 402, or Highway 3, safety is the top priority. Here's what to do:
- Move to the shoulder if you can do so safely
- Turn on hazard lights so other drivers can see you
- Stay in the vehicle with seatbelts on if traffic is heavy
- Call for help immediately — mention you're on a highway so dispatch can prioritize
- Exit carefully only if it's safe and you're far from traffic
Tow trucks responding to highway breakdowns often have priority dispatch and flashing lights to alert other drivers. The driver will position the truck to shield you from traffic while they load your vehicle.
If you're in Lambeth, Westmount, Hyde Park, or anywhere in the city, the same rules apply: hazards on, pull over safely, and call for help.
Can I Choose Where My Car Goes?
Absolutely. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is towed — whether that's your preferred repair shop, your home, or a specific location.
If you don't have a shop in mind, the driver may suggest a nearby option, but the final decision is yours. At EMS Towing, we work with repair shops across London and can tow to St. Thomas, Woodstock, or surrounding areas if needed.
What If It's Just a Dead Battery or Flat Tire?
If your issue is a dead battery, flat tire, lockout, or empty fuel tank, you might not need a tow at all. Most roadside assistance providers — including EMS Towing — offer on-site fixes for these common problems.
- Dead battery? We'll boost it and get you running again. (Learn more about battery boosts)
- Locked out? We can unlock your car without damage. (Lockout service info)
- Flat tire? We'll swap it for your spare and send you on your way.
- Out of gas? We'll bring enough fuel to get you to a station.
On-site service is faster, cheaper, and less hassle than a tow. Always mention the problem when you call so the dispatcher can send the right equipment.
What Happens After the Tow?
Once your vehicle arrives at its destination, the driver will unload it safely and provide you with a receipt. If it's going to a repair shop, the shop will typically contact you to discuss diagnosis and repairs.
If it's headed to your home, you can arrange for a mobile mechanic or have it towed again later to a shop.
Make sure you get a copy of the tow receipt — you may need it for insurance claims or warranty work.
Common Questions About Towing in London, Ontario
Can I get a tow in the middle of the night?
Yes. EMS Towing operates 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Breakdowns don't follow a schedule — and neither do we.
What if I don't know what's wrong with my car?
That's okay. Just describe what happened, and the driver will assess the situation when they arrive.
Do I need to stay with my car?
If it's safe, yes. If you're in a dangerous location (like a highway shoulder), stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Will the driver damage my car?
Professional towing companies use proper equipment and techniques to avoid damage. Flatbeds are used for AWD, luxury, and low-clearance vehicles to prevent drivetrain or undercarriage issues.
Need a Tow? Here's What to Do
If you're stranded anywhere in London, Ontario — whether it's Byron, Masonville, White Oaks, Hyde Park, Westmount, Lambeth, or along the 401, 402, or Highway 3 — EMS Towing is here to help.
Call us at (226) 476-4176 for fast, professional roadside assistance or towing. We'll give you an honest ETA, clear pricing, and get you back on track as quickly as possible.
We also serve St. Thomas, Woodstock, and surrounding areas. (Service area details | Woodstock towing)
For highway breakdowns, battery boosts, lockouts, or any roadside emergency, we've got you covered. (Highway recovery info | FAQ)
EMS Towing – Fast, Reliable, Local
Serving London, Ontario and surrounding areas 24/7
(226) 476-4176