Towing in Phoenix and the Valley: who to call

If your car dies in the Phoenix area, call a local towing company that can tell you how long it will take to reach you and where it will take the vehicle. AZ Business Directory lists family-owned and independent towing and roadside companies across the Valley, from Phoenix and Scottsdale to Mesa, each with a phone number you can call right now. In summer heat, a fast answer matters more than a long search.

How do you choose a tow company?

Call two companies if you can and ask the same questions each time.

• How long until you arrive? Get a real estimate, not "soon."
• What will it cost? Ask for the price before the truck is sent, and whether the hook-up fee, mileage and any after-hours charge are included.
• Where will you take the car? Your own mechanic, your home, or the tow company's yard. Ask if there are storage fees.
• What kind of truck do you need? Flatbeds are often the better choice for low cars, all-wheel-drive vehicles and electric vehicles. Ask the dispatcher which they recommend for yours.
• How do I pay? Ask whether they take cards and give a written receipt.
• Can you help with something smaller? Many of the companies below also do jump starts, lockouts, tire changes and fuel delivery, which can save you a tow.

If you have roadside coverage through your insurance or a membership, check with your insurance agent first. They may send a tow for you at no extra charge.

Who tows in the Phoenix area?

These are real, locally operated companies from the directory. Call the number shown and ask the questions above.

The list includes companies such as Garcia Family Towing in Phoenix, which handles light, medium and heavy-duty tows, and Valley Express Towing, which has locations in Mesa, Gilbert and Phoenix and has served the East Valley since 1994. Priority Towing in Phoenix lists 24-hour dispatch.

What should you do when your car breaks down in the heat?

Your first job is to stay safe, and the second is to stay cool.

1. Turn on your hazard lights and pull as far onto the right shoulder as you can.
2. If you are on a freeway, think about whether it is safer to stay buckled in the car or to wait well away from traffic. If you feel unsafe, call 911.
3. Run the air conditioning if the engine still runs, and keep the windows up until help is close.
4. Call the tow company and give them your exact location: the freeway, the direction you are heading and the nearest exit or cross street.
5. Never leave a child or a pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. A car in the Arizona sun heats up fast.

What should you keep in the car?

Arizona breakdowns are mostly about heat, so pack for that.

• At least a gallon of water per person for a longer wait
• A phone charger or a small battery pack
• A hat and a sunshade for the windshield
• Jumper cables or a jump pack, since heat is hard on car batteries
• Your insurance card and roadside membership number

Heat is hard on batteries and tires. If your battery is a few years old, have it tested before summer.

Questions people ask

How much does a tow cost in Phoenix?

It depends on the distance, the size of the vehicle, the time of day and the type of truck, so there is no one number to quote. Ask the dispatcher for the total before the truck is sent, and ask what could change it.

Should you call 911 or a tow company when you break down?

Call 911 if you are in danger, if there has been a crash or someone is hurt, or if you cannot get safely out of traffic. For a breakdown where you are safe, call a tow company or your roadside service.

Can a tow company jump-start my car or change a tire?

Many can. Several listings in the directory mention jump starts, lockouts, tire changes and fuel delivery. Ask when you call, because a jump start is usually quicker than a tow.

See every towing company in Phoenix