Getting your car ready for a tow in San Jose

Let the location decide what you can do

Preparing a car in your driveway is different from waiting beside US-101. On a freeway shoulder, skip any task that would put you near moving traffic.

The California Driver's Handbook generally advises waiting inside a disabled vehicle with your seat belt fastened. It also recognizes situations where a safe place away from the freeway lanes may be preferable, such as a narrow shoulder with a protected area nearby. Follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions for your circumstances.

If you're unsure where to wait, start with our San Jose roadside-emergency guide. A photo or a bag in the trunk can wait.

Gather what you'll need after the car leaves

When you can safely access the car, take your phone, wallet, essential medication, house keys, and anything you need for the rest of the day. Remember a charging cable if your battery is running low.

Check with other passengers before the car is loaded. A work badge, child's bag, or mobility aid is easy to overlook when everyone is focused on the breakdown. Don't return to an unsafe vehicle for belongings.

If you have room to walk around safely, a few photos of the car's condition can provide a useful record. Point out existing damage to the operator. There's no need to crawl underneath, stand in the road, or delay an urgent recovery for pictures.

Keep the right key available

Have the vehicle key, fob, or key card ready and tell the operator how the car normally unlocks and starts. If you only use a phone key, explain that before handing off the vehicle.

Missing keys, an unresponsive screen, or a car that won't unlock are useful details to report before the truck arrives. They can affect the loading plan. You don't have to solve the problem yourself.

For an EV or all-wheel-drive vehicle, give the exact model and year. Locate its towing instructions if you can access them easily. For example, Tesla's Model 3 transport instructions require all four wheels off the ground during transport, and Tow Mode needs a detected key and low-voltage power. Other vehicles have their own requirements.

Leave loading preparations to the operator

Wait for the operator to secure the car and explain what's needed before releasing the parking brake, selecting neutral, or activating a transport mode.

A mode named “Tow” does not necessarily make a vehicle ready to be pulled down the road. In the Model 3 example, it releases the parking brake for short, slow movements during loading; Tesla says to secure the vehicle before activating it. The manufacturer's instructions are specific about those limits.

Tell the operator about a damaged wheel, a tire that has come apart, or steering that won't move. Don't test whether the car rolls by pushing it. Let the operator assess the vehicle and choose the loading method.

Sort out the people and the drop-off

Tell the towing company how many people are with you, including children, and mention pets or accessibility needs. Ask what passenger arrangements are possible; don't assume everyone can ride in the truck. If you arrange another ride, agree on a safe pickup spot.

Before loading, confirm:

• The destination's name and full address, especially if the repair business has more than one branch.
• Whether the shop has agreed to receive the car.
• The drop-off location and key handoff if the shop will be closed.
• The agreed service and quote, plus who to contact if the destination changes.

For a car in a San Jose parking structure, make sure the operator already knows the level, entrance, and any height restriction you know about. Don't move the car to meet the truck unless the operator has assessed the situation and advised you.

Keep the towing receipt and the repair shop's contact details. If you won't be at the destination, ask how you'll receive confirmation that the vehicle has arrived.