Quick answer: before the tow truck arrives, take out valuables, find the keys and any wheel-lock key, clear a path to the car, take photos of its condition, and tell the tow company about low clearance, flat tires, locked wheels or a parkade.
A few minutes of preparation makes a tow quicker and safer, and helps you avoid surprises. Use this checklist whether it’s a breakdown or a scheduled move.
Before you book
- Pickup address or map pin, and the drop-off address.
- Year, make and model.
- Whether it starts, rolls and steers.
- Anything unusual: lowered suspension, aftermarket body kit, flat tires, wheels that won’t turn, or an underground parkade.
Before the truck arrives
- Remove valuables and anything loose in the cabin or trunk.
- Find your keys, and the wheel-lock key if your car has locking wheel nuts.
- Take photos of all four sides of the car and the odometer.
- Clear the path between the car and the street: bins, bikes and boxes out of the way.
- Check the parkade height if the car is underground. Many parkades are too low for a flatbed, so the car may need to be pushed or winched up to street level.
- Turn off alarms and fold in mirrors if you can.
Electric and all-wheel-drive vehicles
EVs and AWD vehicles should be moved with all four wheels off the ground. Check your owner’s manual for “tow mode” or transport mode, and tell us the model when you book. Read more about EV & AWD towing.
Cars that haven’t moved in a while
If the car has been sitting, check whether the tires hold air and whether the brakes are seized. Flat tires are fine but slow the loading. Locked wheels may need skates. See non-running car transport.
At drop-off
- Check the car before the truck leaves.
- Make sure you know where the keys will be left.
- Keep your itemized receipt for insurance or roadside claims.
Have the checklist done? Call or text 604-265-5888 to book.