Towing Myths—Busted!

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Tow Trucks and Roadside Assistance

When most people think about towing, they picture a car broken down on the side of the road, hooked to a truck and pulled away. But in reality, the towing industry is more advanced—and more misunderstood—than ever before. Unfortunately, a lot of towing myths keep drivers from making the right decisions when trouble strikes.

At Darrah’s Towing & Recovery, serving Eastern Iowa for decades, we’ve seen and heard it all: from people convinced that tow trucks always damage cars to those who think every flat tire requires a tow. It’s time to set the record straight.

In this blog, we’ll bust some of the biggest myths about towing, explain how the industry really works, and show why choosing an experienced provider matters.

Myth 1: “A Flat Tire Means Automatic Tow”

Many drivers assume that a flat tire means their car must be towed to a shop. In reality, this isn’t always the case.

• Truth: Most reputable towing companies, including Darrah’s, offer roadside assistance services. This can include tire changes, jump-starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery. If you have a spare tire and the tools to change it safely, our operators can do it for you right there on the roadside.

• When a tow is needed: If your vehicle doesn’t have a usable spare, if multiple tires are damaged, or if the wheel is bent, then towing to a repair shop might be the best option.

👉 Takeaway: Not every call ends with your car on a tow truck. Sometimes, you’ll be back on the road in minutes.

Myth 2: “All Tow Trucks Damage Cars”

This is one of the most common—and most damaging—misconceptions in the industry.

• Truth: Tow trucks, when operated by trained professionals, are designed to safely move vehicles without damage. Flatbeds, for example, lift the entire car onto the truck, eliminating wear on the drivetrain. Wheel-lift trucks only touch the tires, not the frame or body.

• Why the myth exists: Decades ago, outdated equipment and improper training sometimes led to scratched bumpers or bent undercarriages. Modern equipment and proper training have virtually eliminated those issues.

👉 Takeaway: Damage usually happens only when you call an inexperienced or unlicensed operator—not a certified team like Darrah’s.

Myth 3: “Tow Trucks Are Only for Accidents”

Some drivers think tow trucks only show up after crashes.

• Truth: Towing services are used in a wide variety of everyday situations. These include:

  • Cars that won’t start

  • Breakdowns on highways or in parking lots

  • Moving vehicles long distances

  • Transporting specialty vehicles like motorcycles, RVs, or classic cars

👉 Takeaway: Towing isn’t just for emergencies. It’s also about convenience, protection, and efficiency.

Myth 4: “Any Tow Truck Can Handle Any Vehicle”

Not all tow trucks are the same.

• Truth: Tow trucks are classified as light, medium, or heavy-duty, each designed for specific weights and vehicle types.

  • Light-duty: passenger cars, motorcycles, small SUVs

  • Medium-duty: delivery trucks, vans, RVs

  • Heavy-duty: semis, buses, construction equipment

• The risk of the wrong truck: Using the wrong tow truck can cause further damage or even endanger others on the road.

👉 Takeaway: Always call a provider like Darrah’s that has the right equipment for your specific needs.

Myth 5: “Tow Trucks Take Forever to Arrive”

Nobody likes waiting on the roadside, especially in extreme weather.

• Truth: Response times depend on location, traffic, and demand. At Darrah’s, our 24/7 dispatch system ensures that help is on the way quickly.

• Why delays happen: During storms, holidays, or high-traffic hours, demand skyrockets. Still, professional companies prioritize calls based on urgency and safety.

👉 Takeaway: Calling a local, established provider drastically reduces wait times.

Myth 6: “Towing Is Always Expensive”

Some people avoid calling a tow truck because they assume it will break the bank.

• Truth: Towing costs vary depending on distance, vehicle type, and time of day, but light-duty tows are often far more affordable than drivers expect. In fact, many insurance policies and roadside assistance programs cover part or all of the cost.

• The hidden cost of not towing: Trying to drive a damaged vehicle can lead to costly repairs, accidents, or safety risks.

👉 Takeaway: A tow is often the cheaper, safer option in the long run.

Myth 7: “Tow Operators Don’t Care About Vehicles”

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth.

• Truth: Professional operators are trained not only in equipment handling but also in customer care and safety protocols. At Darrah’s, we treat every vehicle as if it were our own.

• Beyond towing: Operators are often first on the scene of accidents, providing comfort, safety precautions, and even traffic control until law enforcement arrives.

👉 Takeaway: Towing professionals are an essential part of the emergency response network, not just “drivers with trucks.”

Myth 8: “It’s Safer to Call a Friend With a Truck”

Many drivers think calling a buddy with a pickup is faster and cheaper.

• Truth: While it may sound convenient, it’s also dangerous and often illegal.

  • Improper towing can damage the vehicle.

  • Unsecured towing risks accidents.

  • In most states, only licensed towing operators can move certain vehicles from public roads.

👉 Takeaway: Always call a professional. It ensures both your safety and legal compliance.

Myth 9: “Tow Trucks Can Go Anywhere”

It’s easy to assume tow trucks can reach any stranded vehicle, but there are limits.

• Truth: Terrain, weather, and access points matter. For example, a car deep in mud or stuck off-road may require winching services rather than standard towing.

• Specialized equipment: Darrah’s operators carry winches, rigging gear, and recovery straps designed for difficult extractions.

👉 Takeaway: Even when a tow truck can’t drive directly to you, professionals have the tools and experience to get the job done.

Myth 10: “All Towing Companies Are the Same”

This might be the most dangerous myth of all.

• Truth: Towing companies vary widely in training, equipment, insurance, and service quality. Choosing the wrong provider can mean long waits, damaged vehicles, or unsafe practices.

• Why Darrah’s is different: With decades of experience in Eastern Iowa, we’ve built a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and customer care.

👉 Takeaway: Always research your towing provider. Experience and credentials matter.

Real Customer Testimony

"My SUV broke down late at night just outside Cedar Rapids, and I was worried it would take hours for anyone to show up. I called Darrah’s, and within 25 minutes, a tow truck arrived. The driver was friendly, explained everything he was doing, and even made sure I had a safe ride home. I had always heard horror stories about cars getting scratched or tows costing a fortune, but my experience was the exact opposite. Darrah’s turned a stressful night into a manageable one, and I’ll never believe those towing myths again."— Sarah L., Cedar Rapids

This testimony highlights exactly what sets Darrah’s apart: speed, professionalism, and customer-focused care.

Why Experience Matters

Debunking these myths is important, but what really matters is knowing who to trust when you need help.

At Darrah’s Towing & Recovery:

• We’ve invested in state-of-the-art tow trucks and equipment.

• Our team is trained and certified, ensuring safe, damage-free service.

• We offer both light and heavy-duty towing, plus comprehensive roadside assistance.

• We operate 24/7, because emergencies don’t follow a schedule.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Towing has come a long way from the old stereotypes. The idea that all tow trucks damage cars, every flat requires a tow, or towing is always expensive simply isn’t true. By working with a trusted, professional provider, you can count on safe, efficient, and affordable service whenever you need it.

So the next time you hear someone repeat an old towing myth, you’ll know the truth—and you’ll know who to call.

Call to Action

Don’t let towing myths hold you back from making the right decision during an emergency. Trust the professionals who have been serving Eastern Iowa for decades.

📞 Call Darrah’s Towing & Recovery today at 319-363-7900 or visit darrahstowing.com to learn more about our 24/7 towing and roadside assistance services.

We’re always here to help—day or night, rain or shine.