If your vehicle breaks down, stalls out, or leaves you stranded — we know it’s not just frustrating. It can be overwhelming. Whether it’s the middle of a busy day or late at night on a quiet road, you need help. And fast.
That’s why knowing what to say when you call for a tow can make all the difference. It helps us reach you quicker, send the right truck, and take the right next steps without delays.
At Arndt’s Auto Towing, we’ve handled thousands of calls from drivers across Southwest Michigan. And we’ve learned: the more we know upfront, the faster we can help.
So, here’s what to have ready when you call us.
Start With Your Name and Best Call-Back Number
We’ll begin with the basics — your name and a number where we can reach you directly.
Seems simple, but it matters. If our driver can’t find your vehicle or needs to confirm a location detail, we’ll call you. So make sure your phone’s nearby and not on silent.
If you’re calling on someone else’s behalf — maybe your spouse or a family member is the one stranded — it helps to give us both your number and theirs. That way, we can coordinate with whoever’s closest to the vehicle.
Share Your Exact Location — As Best As You Can
The most important part of the call? Where you are right now.
If you’re at a business, a gas station, or a home — share the full address. If you’re on the highway, try to note:
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What highway or interstate you’re on
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Closest exit number or mile marker
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Which direction you’re headed (northbound, southbound, etc.)
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Any landmarks we might see from the road
Even if you’re not 100% sure, tell us everything you see around you. A fast-food restaurant, a billboard, a church, even a large tree — all those clues help.
And if you’re in a parking garage or private lot, let us know which level or area your car is in. Those small details can save time.
Describe the Vehicle — So We Know What to Look For
Let us know what kind of vehicle you have.
Think of this as the quick ID for our drivers.
Tell us:
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The make and model — like Ford Explorer, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry
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The color
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If it’s a sedan, SUV, pickup, or motorcycle
This lets us spot your vehicle when we pull up — especially if you’re not able to meet us on-site. And more importantly, it tells us what kind of truck to bring. Some vehicles need a flatbed tow, others a wheel-lift system, and larger trucks may need heavy-duty towing.
Tell Us What Happened — Just in Simple Terms
You don’t need to be a mechanic here.
Just tell us what’s going on with your vehicle.
Here are a few examples:
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“My car won’t start. Battery might be dead.”
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“I hit a curb and now the tire’s flat.”
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“Engine overheated and it started smoking.”
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“I slid into a ditch. Car is stuck in snow.”
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“Check engine light came on and now it’s shaking.”
Even if you’re not sure what the problem is, describe what you experienced. This helps us determine whether you need a full tow, a quick jump start, fuel delivery, or something else from our roadside assistance services.
Let Us Know the Condition of the Vehicle and Where It’s Positioned
Now’s the time to tell us how the vehicle is sitting and whether it’s safe to move.
Ask yourself:
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Is the vehicle still drivable, or completely disabled?
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Are the wheels damaged or turned sideways?
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Is it stuck off-road, in snow, or in mud?
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Is it in a tight space, like between two parked cars?
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Is it facing uphill on a driveway or slope?
If the vehicle is in a hard-to-reach area, we’ll bring recovery tools or winch-out equipment.
The more we know, the better prepared we’ll be.
Tell Us Where You Want the Vehicle Taken
When the vehicle is ready to go, where should we take it?
You’ve got a few options:
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Your home or driveway
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An auto repair shop of your choice
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A dealership or tire center
If you’re not sure yet, that’s okay too. We can tow the car to our lot temporarily, and you can decide from there. We also offer full auto and truck repair services, including brakes, engine diagnostics, transmission repair, and more — all in one place.
If You’re Not at the Vehicle, Let Us Know
Sometimes, the vehicle isn’t with you. That’s okay. Just give us:
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The location of the keys (in the gas cap, under a mat, with a friend, etc.)
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Any gate codes or entry instructions
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Contact info for someone else on-site if needed
We wrote a full guide on this here:
👉 Do I Have to Be There When My Car Gets Towed?
In many cases, we can tow your car even if you’re not there, as long as we have access and your permission.
We’ll Take It From There
Once we have this info, we’ll confirm the job and get moving fast. We dispatch local drivers in and around:
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And all of Southwest Michigan
Once we arrive, we’ll inspect, load up safely, and get your vehicle where it needs to go. You’ll be informed every step of the way.
Related Services You Might Need
Ready to Call? We’re Ready to Help
Save this for when you need it — or better yet, go ahead and call us now if you need towing help anywhere in Southwest Michigan.
We’re here 24/7.
📞 +1 (269) 925-8969
Or request service online
We’ll guide you through it — calmly, clearly, and without the runaround. Because when your car’s down, you’ve got enough on your plate. We’re here to make the rest simple.
