Michigan winters are unforgiving. As temperatures drop across Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, and surrounding Berrien County communities, road conditions deteriorate rapidly. Ice forms on highways, snow accumulates on secondary roads, and vehicles that ran fine in October suddenly fail in December.
Over 15+ years serving the Benton Harbor area, we’ve responded to thousands of winter towing calls. From icy I-94 emergencies to snow-packed roads in Fair Plain, from highway accidents near Bridgman to stranded drivers in remote areas like Paw Paw and Lawrence—we’ve seen every winter scenario imaginable.
This guide explains how to prepare your vehicle for winter, what to do if you break down on an icy road, and why winter towing requires specialized equipment and expertise. Whether you’re commuting daily on I-94, traveling between Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, or living in any community we serve, this information could save your life.
Understanding Winter Breakdown Risk: Why Cold Weather Causes More Towing Calls
Winter mechanics are different from summer mechanics. Your vehicle faces multiple simultaneous stresses:
Battery Failure: Cold weather reduces battery capacity by 50%. A battery that works fine at 70°F may not start your engine at 20°F. This single issue causes more winter towing calls than any other factor. Our battery service team responds to dozens of dead batteries weekly during winter months across all our service areas.
Oil Viscosity Changes: Engine oil thickens in cold, making it harder for your starter to turn the engine over. Synthetic oil handles cold better than conventional, but even premium oil has limits.
Fuel Line Freeze-Up: Moisture in fuel tanks can freeze, blocking fuel lines. This typically happens at the worst possible moment—when you’re far from help on a remote Berrien County road.
Transmission Fluid Issues: Automatic transmission fluid becomes sluggish in extreme cold. Shifting becomes delayed or difficult. This leads to calls for our transmission service team.
Tire Traction Loss: Winter tires are essential, but even quality winter tires lose grip on ice. Our tire replacement service helps drivers switch to proper winter tires before problems occur.
Electrical System Strain: Cold increases load on your electrical system while reducing battery output. Power windows, locks, and engine control systems all struggle in extreme cold.
Understanding these winter-specific issues helps you prepare your vehicle before winter arrives in Benton Harbor and surrounding communities.
Critical Pre-Winter Vehicle Maintenance: Preventing Breakdowns
The best winter towing call is the one that never happens. Here’s what actually prevents winter breakdowns:
Battery Testing and Replacement
Your battery is the single most critical winter component. A weak battery will fail the moment you need it most.
What to do before winter:
- Have your battery tested by a professional (not just with a voltmeter)
- Most batteries last 3-5 years; if yours is older, replace it now
- Clean corroded battery terminals
- Ensure battery cables are tight and not frayed
- Replace if testing shows less than 600 cold cranking amps (CCA)
Don’t wait until you’re stranded on I-94 in Stevensville in January to discover your battery is weak. Get battery service completed in November. If your battery does fail despite preparation, we provide 24/7 jump-start service across all Berrien County locations.
Oil Change to Winter Grade
Before winter arrives:
- Switch to the manufacturer’s recommended winter-weight oil
- Synthetic oil is worth the extra cost in Michigan winters
- Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations
- Consider 0W or 5W oils for extreme cold protection
For help with vehicle maintenance questions, visit our engine repair service page.
Coolant System Flush
Your cooling system must have proper coolant concentration:
- 50/50 water-to-antifreeze ratio for Michigan
- If you’re at 40/60 or worse, your coolant freezes solid in extreme cold
- Flush your system and refill with proper 50/50 mix
- Test with a hydrometer if you have one
A frozen cooling system can’t protect your engine. Engine damage can cost $3,000-$5,000. Professional maintenance costs $150-200. The choice is obvious.
Wiper Blade and Windshield Washer Fluid
Winter visibility is critical:
- Replace worn wiper blades with winter-rated blades
- Use winter windshield washer fluid rated to -20°F or lower
- Summer washer fluid turns to ice at 32°F and won’t spray
- Keep extra washer fluid in your vehicle
Tire Assessment
Your tires are your only contact with the road:
- Check tread depth (4/32″ minimum for winter, though 6/32″ is safer)
- Check tire pressure (cold reduces pressure by ~1 PSI per 10°F drop)
- Consider winter tires instead of all-season
- Inspect for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
If you need tire replacement service, our team handles tire changes across all communities from Benton Harbor to Lawrence to Paw Paw and every point in between.
Brake Inspection
Winter means harder braking and wet conditions:
- Have brakes inspected by a professional
- Worn brake pads reduce stopping power when you need it most
- Brake fluid can absorb moisture; have it checked
- Check for leaking brake fluid
For brake concerns, visit our brake repair service information.
Electrical System Check
Winter stresses every electrical component:
- Have your alternator tested
- Check starter function
- Inspect all battery cables
- Test lights, wipers, and heating system
Winter Driving Safety: Road Conditions Across Berrien County
Winter conditions vary significantly across our service areas. Understanding local road characteristics helps you drive safely.
I-94: Michigan’s Winter Challenge
I-94 through Benton Harbor is particularly treacherous in winter:
- High-speed traffic makes conditions dangerous
- Salt damage affects vehicles rapidly
- Wind exposure on bridges causes ice formation
- Multiple exit and lane changes increase accident risk
When I-94 ices over, we often respond to 10-15 towing calls in a single day. Use extreme caution when highway conditions deteriorate. Our emergency towing service operates 24/7 specifically for these situations.
US-31: Secondary Route Hazards
US-31 between St. Joseph, Bridgman, and Berrien Springs presents different challenges:
- Less traffic salt treatment
- More natural ice formation
- Narrower lanes than I-94
- Bridge approaches especially treacherous
We cover the entire US-31 corridor with specialized flatbed towing equipment specifically because accidents happen frequently on this route during winter.
County Roads and Residential Areas
Roads like Pipestone Road, Napier Avenue, and routes through Fair Plain and Bloomingdale receive less salt treatment:
- Ice forms faster on secondary roads
- Recovery is more difficult from ditches
- Fewer emergency services nearby
- Remote areas like Paw Paw and Marcellus particularly challenging
For these areas, we maintain heavy-duty towing capability and winch-out service for vehicles stuck in ditches or off-road.
What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on an Icy Road
Despite best preparations, breakdowns happen. Winter breakdowns are more dangerous than summer emergencies.
Immediate Safety
The moment you realize your vehicle won’t restart or won’t drive safely:
- Turn on hazard lights immediately
- If on a highway, carefully steer to the shoulder (don’t suddenly brake on ice)
- Stay in your vehicle (it provides protection and visibility)
- Keep seatbelt on (in case another vehicle slides into you)
- Crack windows slightly for ventilation
- Run heat intermittently (don’t let engine run continuously; risk of carbon monoxide)
Call for Help Immediately
Don’t wait. Don’t try to fix it yourself. Don’t assume you can drive to the next exit.
Call Arndt’s Auto Towing: 269-925-8969 (24/7)
Provide:
- Your exact location (mile marker, exit number, cross street)
- Description of your vehicle (color, make, model)
- Whether you can safely remain in vehicle
- Any injuries (if so, ask us to contact emergency services)
- Road conditions at your location
While Waiting for Towing
Stay visible: Keep hazard lights on. If safe, open trunk (helps other drivers see you’re broken down, not abandoned).
Stay warm: Run heat periodically. Never run engine continuously in snow (carbon monoxide risk).
Stay calm: Professional help is coming. You’re not alone.
Stay off road: Don’t stand in traffic lane. Stay on passenger side away from traffic.
Remove valuables: Lock vehicle but don’t hide valuables visibly (keeps opportunistic thieves away).
Document situation: Photos of accident scene or conditions help insurance claims.
Winter Vehicle Recovery: Why Professional Towing Matters
When winter conditions create recovery situations, amateur attempts often make problems worse.
Flatbed Towing for Winter Safety
Vehicles off-road in snow or ice require flatbed towing, not traditional towing:
- Prevents additional damage from wheels sliding
- Protects undercarriage from salt and snow contact
- Stabilizes vehicles in awkward positions
- Maintains vehicle integrity for insurance claims
Winter accidents often result in bent suspensions, damaged undercarriages, or vehicles at odd angles. Flatbed equipment handles these situations safely.
Winch-Out Service for Ditch Recovery
When vehicles slide into ditches (common on I-94, US-31, and county roads):
- Standard towing can’t recover vehicles from ditches safely
- Winch-out service uses specialized equipment
- Controlled recovery prevents additional vehicle damage
- Operator expertise prevents rollovers or flips
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Winter accidents often involve multiple vehicles:
- Heavy-duty recovery handles complex scenarios
- Vehicle recovery service coordinates multiple recoveries
- Professional documentation supports insurance claims
- Coordinated response prevents secondary accidents
Vehicle Types Requiring Different Winter Recovery
Different vehicles need different winter recovery approaches. We handle all types:
Cars: Car towing requires gentle handling; winter ice complicates this further
Trucks: Truck towing involves heavier vehicles; winter weight distribution is critical
RVs: RV towing requires specialized equipment; winter recovery is particularly complex
Motorcycles: Motorcycle towing demands extreme care; winter conditions are especially dangerous for bikes
Limousines: Limo towing requires discretion and specialized handling
Commercial Vehicles: Bus towing involves large vehicles with special recovery needs
Understanding your vehicle type helps us respond appropriately when winter breakdowns occur.
Winter-Specific Roadside Services We Provide
Beyond emergency towing, winter conditions create specific service needs:
Jump-Start Service
Dead batteries are winter’s most common problem. Our jump-start service responds within minutes across all service areas—Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, Fair Plain, Bridgman, Berrien Springs, Hartford, Paw Paw, Marcellus, Bloomingdale, Lawrence, and every community we serve.
Battery Service
Beyond jump-starts, our battery service includes:
- Battery testing and diagnostics
- Battery replacement on-site
- Cable and terminal cleaning
- Electrical system checking
Tire Service and Winter Tire Installation
Our tire replacement service includes:
- Emergency flat tire changes
- Winter tire installation in fall
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Tire rotation and balancing
Fuel Delivery
Running out of gas in winter is dangerous. Our fuel and gas service delivers fuel to stranded drivers across Berrien County.
Heating System Repair
Broken heating systems in winter are emergencies. Our heating and air conditioning service helps diagnose heating failures.
Engine Diagnostics
Winter exposes engine problems. Our engine repair service helps identify winter-specific failures.
Transmission Issues
Cold-stiffened transmissions sometimes won’t shift. Our transmission service addresses winter transmission problems.
Brake Emergencies
Winter’s harder braking reveals brake problems. Our brake repair service handles brake emergencies.
Steering and Suspension Help
Winter potholes damage suspensions. Our steering and suspension repair service addresses damage.
Electrical System Issues
Winter stresses electrical systems. Our electrical service handles winter electrical problems.
Drivetrain Problems
Winter affects drivetrain function. Our drivetrain services address winter drivetrain issues.
Muffler and Exhaust Issues
Salt and cold damage mufflers. Our muffler system service handles winter exhaust problems.
Long-Distance Winter Transport
If your vehicle needs repair but can’t drive, our long-distance towing service safely transports it across Michigan.
Winter Towing Coverage Across Benton Harbor and Berrien County
Our comprehensive service areas include all major communities and remote areas:
Primary Service Areas:
- Benton Harbor – Home base with fastest response
- St. Joseph – Twin city coverage
- Stevensville – Northern area
- Bridgman – Highway corridor
Extended Service Areas:
- Berrien Springs – East county
- Hartford – Secondary location
- Paw Paw – South county (especially treacherous in winter)
- Marcellus – Remote area
- Bloomingdale – Far south
- Lawrence – Remote region
We maintain winter-ready equipment and experienced drivers across our entire service area to ensure rapid response no matter where you break down.
Winter Towing Equipment and Capabilities
Winter recovery requires specialized equipment:
- Prevents rolling damage on icy roads
- Safely recovers vehicles at odd angles
- Protects undercarriage from salt spray
- Works for standard winter breakdowns
- Appropriate for flat tire or battery failures
- Cost-effective for mechanical issues
- Handles vehicles between standard and heavy categories
- Winter accidents often require this capability
- Common for pickup trucks and small commercial vehicles
- Complex winter accidents often need heavy-duty equipment
- Trucks and large vehicles require this capability
- Multi-vehicle accidents demand heavy-duty response
- Economy option for straightforward breakdowns
- Works for small cars with simple problems
- Common winter battery failures
See all our towing capabilities and discover which method suits your vehicle.
What Sets Winter Towing Apart
Winter towing requires different expertise than summer towing:
Understanding Winter Physics:
- Vehicles behave differently on ice and snow
- Conventional towing techniques can fail in winter
- Recovery angles must account for slippery surfaces
- Speed and caution must be perfectly balanced
Specialized Equipment:
- Flatbed trucks for ice-covered recovery
- Winch equipment for ditch recovery
- Salt-resistant cables and attachments
- Winter-rated recovery straps
Driver Experience:
- Years navigating winter Berrien County roads
- Understanding local road conditions
- Knowledge of which routes are safest in snow
- Experience with winter accident scenarios
Professional Documentation:
- Insurance claims require accurate accident documentation
- Winter conditions complicate claims processing
- Professional photos and descriptions help claims
- We provide complete documentation
Winter Emergency Preparedness: Build Your Winter Kit
Every vehicle should have a winter emergency kit:
Essential Items:
- Jumper cables (redundant set)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Blanket or emergency blanket
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel or sand
- Flares or reflective triangles
- Phone charger (car and portable)
- Extra water
- Snacks
- Paper towels or rags
- Motor oil (small container)
- Coolant (small container)
- Washer fluid (winter rated)
- Spare tire (properly inflated)
- Jack and lug wrench (or multi-tool)
- Jumper cables
Clothing Items:
- Warm coat and hat
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm socks
- Boots (waterproof)
- Emergency poncho or raincoat
Documentation:
- Insurance card
- Auto repair contact info
- Our number: 269-925-8969
- Emergency contacts
- Vehicle registration
Store this kit in your vehicle year-round. Winter emergencies happen when you least expect them.
Winter Towing Coverage for All Community Needs
Whether you’re a daily I-94 commuter, a St. Joseph resident, a Stevensville business owner, or someone in remote areas like Paw Paw or Marcellus, winter towing expertise is critical.
For Commuters: Express towing to get you to work or home safely
For Businesses: Commercial vehicle towing and recovery support
For Families: Safe, professional recovery with concern for all passengers
For Remote Areas: We respond to the most distant locations in our service areas
For All Vehicles: Cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, limos, buses—we handle them all
Contact Arndt’s Auto Towing: Winter-Ready 24/7
When winter conditions create emergencies, you need a towing company that understands Michigan winters and your local community.
Arndt’s Auto Towing 📍 952 Indiana Dr, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 📞 269-925-8969 (24/7 Emergency Line)
We’re available around the clock, every day of the year, for winter towing and emergency roadside assistance throughout Berrien County.
Learn more about our services, our towing capabilities, our service areas, and our about us page.
Check out our gallery to see our winter-ready equipment. Have questions? Contact us anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions: Winter Towing and Road Safety
At what temperature should I switch to winter tires?
Generally when temperatures consistently stay below 45°F (7°C). Winter tires in Michigan typically go on in November and come off in April. Our tire replacement service helps with seasonal tire changes.
How often should I have my battery tested before winter?
We recommend battery testing every fall, particularly if your battery is more than 3 years old. Our battery service includes comprehensive testing.
What’s the most common winter breakdown we respond to?
Dead batteries. Cold reduces battery capacity 50%, and this single issue causes more winter towing calls than any other factor. Our jump-start service and battery service operate 24/7.
Should I attempt to tow myself out if I slide into a ditch?
No. DIY towing can damage your vehicle further and potentially cause injury. Our winch-out service and vehicle recovery service safely recover vehicles from ditches.
What should I do if I hydroplane on wet winter roads?
Don’t brake suddenly. Ease off the accelerator, steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go, and wait for traction to return. Call us immediately at 269-925-8969 if your vehicle won’t respond.
Do you provide winter towing in remote areas like Paw Paw and Marcellus?
Yes! We cover all of Berrien County including remote areas. Check our service areas for complete coverage including Paw Paw, Marcellus, and Lawrence.
What types of vehicles can you tow in winter?
All types! We handle car towing, truck towing, RV towing, motorcycle towing, limo towing, and bus towing.
How quickly can you respond to a winter emergency?
Response times vary by location and conditions, but we maintain 24/7 dispatch and strategically positioned equipment. Call 269-925-8969 immediately when you need help.
Arndt’s Auto Towing: Winter-Ready Professional Towing for Benton Harbor & Berrien County
When winter weather creates emergencies on I-94, US-31, or local roads throughout our service areas, you need a towing company that understands Michigan winters and your community. We’re here 24/7.
Review our terms of service and privacy policy. Check our blog for more helpful information. Contact us with any questions.
