How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport by a Towing Service
You may need a towing service after a breakdown, collision or any situation that makes your vehicle unsafe to drive. Preparing a few details before the operator arrives can make pickup smoother and help you communicate your vehicle’s condition clearly.
Before arranging transportation, gather the information the towing provider may need and check your vehicle for personal belongings, removable accessories and visible problems. If the vehicle is damaged or near moving traffic, do not put yourself at risk trying to inspect or move it.
Confirm the Transport Details in Advance
When arranging the tow, explain where your vehicle is located and where it needs to go. Provide its make and model, along with a description of its condition. Tell the towing provider whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers and brakes normally.
Mention any circumstances that could affect access or loading, such as:
An underground parking garage
Low ground clearance
Collision damage
Locked or damaged wheels
A visible fluid leak
A vehicle stuck in snow, mud or a ditch
An electronic parking brake
A missing or unavailable key
Providing these details can help the towing provider assess the situation and arrive with the appropriate equipment. If you are unsure whether your vehicle requires on-site help or transportation, Remorquage Top Speed’s towing and roadside-assistance services outline the types of help available.
Remove Personal Belongings and Accessories
Take personal belongings out of the passenger compartment, trunk and other storage areas before the vehicle is transported. Remove important documents, money, electronics, medication, glasses, house keys and anything else you may need.
Check under the seats, inside the glove compartment and in the centre console. Remove loose items that could move inside the vehicle during transport.
You should also take off detachable exterior accessories when practical. These may include a bicycle rack, removable antenna or roof-mounted cargo carrier. If an accessory cannot be removed, mention it when arranging the service.
Record the Vehicle’s Condition
If you can approach the vehicle without entering traffic or another hazardous area, walk around it and note its condition. Take clear photographs of the front, back and both sides, along with closer images of existing scratches, dents, damaged panels, cracked glass or wheel damage.
These photos give you a record of the vehicle’s condition before transportation. Keep them until the vehicle has reached its destination. If the vehicle is in a dangerous position, move to a secure location instead of remaining nearby to take pictures.
Check for Visible Problems
You do not need to perform mechanical work before a tow, but you should identify visible concerns that may affect loading. Look for flat or damaged tires, loose parts and fluid beneath the vehicle. Do not touch or try to identify an unknown fluid.
Check whether the windows are closed and whether the hood, trunk and doors are secured. If collision damage prevents a component from closing, tell the operator rather than trying to force it.
Avoid starting or driving the vehicle if doing so could cause further damage. Describe any warning lights, unusual sounds or mechanical symptoms you noticed before the vehicle stopped. Remorquage Top Speed offers towing services in Montréal for vehicles that cannot be driven to their destination.
Prepare the Keys and Explain Special Features
Have the vehicle key or key fob ready for the operator. Remove house, office and other personal keys from the key ring before handing it over.
Mention any feature that could affect how the vehicle is moved, including keyless starting, an electronic parking brake, modified suspension or difficulty steering. If your vehicle requires a specific procedure to release the transmission, explain it to the operator.
Do not attempt to override a safety feature or place the vehicle in neutral unless instructed to do so. Because loading procedures vary by vehicle and condition, wait for the operator’s directions.
Keep the Vehicle Accessible
If the vehicle is on private property, remove obstacles that could prevent the towing vehicle from reaching it. Open a gate or garage door when appropriate and confirm that the operator has permission to access the property.
During a roadside breakdown, turn on your hazard lights if possible and stay away from moving traffic. Follow these steps to take during a roadside breakdown while waiting for help. Contact emergency services if the vehicle presents an immediate danger or someone requires urgent assistance.
Arrange a Tow in Montréal and Nearby Cities
Remorquage Top Speed serves Montréal and surrounding communities, including Laval, Boisbriand and Blainville on the Rive-Nord, as well as Longueuil, Brossard and Sainte-Julie on the Rive-Sud.
If your vehicle is disabled or unsafe to drive, call Remorquage Top Speed today to arrange towing in Montréal or a nearby community.
FAQs
How should I prepare my car before a tow truck arrives?
Remove valuables, document vehicle damage, gather your keys and inform the towing company about any mechanical issues or accessibility concerns.
Do I need to be present when my vehicle is towed?
Requirements vary by towing company and situation. Contact the provider in advance to confirm their procedures.
Should I remove personal belongings before a tow?
Yes. Important documents, electronics, medications and other valuables should be removed before transport.
What information should I provide to a towing company?
Provide your location, destination, vehicle make and model, and details about whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers and brakes properly.