When To Call a Tow Truck vs. When You Can Handle It Yourself (Winter Edition)

By Darrah’s Towing — Trusted by Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Monticello & Eastern Iowa Drivers Since 1970

Winter driving in Iowa is a challenge that tests every driver’s patience, preparation, and decision-making. Snowstorms, freezing rain, black ice, slush, drifting snow, and sudden temperature drops create unpredictable and often hazardous conditions on the roads. Each winter, countless drivers find themselves stuck, stalled, stranded, or unsure whether they need professional towing help or can safely manage the situation themselves.

Knowing the difference is not always obvious—but it is absolutely critical.

For more than five decades, Darrah’s Towing has helped thousands of drivers throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Monticello, and the surrounding Eastern Iowa communities navigate winter roadside emergencies. Based on our experience and the types of calls we see every winter, we’ve created the most comprehensive winter guide on when to call a tow truck versus when you can safely handle the situation on your own.

This guide is grounded in real-world expertise, local environmental knowledge, best safety practices, and decades of first-hand experience in winter roadside recovery.

Why This Topic Matters: Winter Increases Roadside Emergencies Dramatically

Winter in Iowa brings a surge of vehicle problems. According to recent statewide data, winter roadside emergencies increase by more than 30% between December and February, making winter the most dangerous season for drivers in Eastern Iowa.

Cold temperatures alone create multiple problems:

• Weak batteries

• Flat or low tires

• Frozen fuel lines

• Stuck vehicles

• Slippery roadways

• Stalled engines

• Limited traction

Yet many drivers struggle to determine when a situation requires professional help.

This guide will help clear up any confusion by explaining:

1. What situations you can safely handle yourself

2. What situations require a tow truck

3. Why winter creates unique hazards

4. How to stay safe while you wait for help

Part 1: Winter Situations You Can Safely Handle Yourself

There are winter issues that you, as a driver, can typically resolve without calling a tow truck—if conditions are safe and you have the proper tools.

Below are the most common problems you may be able to handle on your own.

1. Minor Snow Buildup Around Tires (With Good Traction)

If your vehicle is only lightly stuck and you still have traction under the tires, you may be able to get yourself free.

Signs you can handle it:

• Vehicle is only slightly stuck

• Tires spin briefly but bite on occasion

• Snow depth is low

• You’re on a flat surface

• You are not near moving traffic

How to handle it:

• Clear snow around the tires

• Turn off traction control

• Rock the vehicle gently forward and backward

• Use sand, salt, or kitty litter for traction

If these techniques fail after a minute or two, stop. Continuing can bury the tires deeper.

2. A Dead Battery in a Safe Location

Jump-starting your battery is often possible without calling a tow truck—if you have:

• Jumper cables

• A portable jump pack

• A nearby vehicle willing to help

• A safe area away from traffic

Signs you can handle it:

• Vehicle won’t start but lights come on

• A clicking noise is heard when turning the key

• You are parked safely

When NOT to attempt it:

• You are parked on a shoulder near traffic

• Temperatures are dangerously low

• The battery terminals are corroded or damaged

• The battery is older than 4 years (it may be dead entirely)

If you’re not comfortable, a tow or jump from a professional is the safest option.

3. Low Tire Pressure (But Not a Flat Tire)

Cold weather commonly lowers tire pressure. If your tire pressure warning light comes on and you’re near a gas station or have a portable air compressor, you can inflate your tires yourself.

Signs you can handle it:

• Tire looks structurally sound

• No hissing sound

• No visible puncture

• The tire is low but not flat

When NOT to handle it:

• Tire is visibly damaged

• Tire is off the rim

• You’re on an icy or narrow roadway

• You have no safe place to pull over

If the tire is flat or conditions are unsafe, call for professional roadside assistance.

4. Minor Ice on the Windshield

If your vehicle simply needs ice scraped from the windows—and you have the proper tools—you can handle this safely.

However, do not attempt to chip ice from wipers or sealed doors if it requires excessive force. That can cause mechanical damage.

5. Getting Unstuck From an Icy Parking Lot

If you slide slightly in a parking lot and are not in danger, you may be able to move your vehicle manually, especially if others can help push.

But avoid over-revving or spinning your wheels. If the vehicle sinking deeper or sliding farther is a possibility, call a professional.

Part 2: Winter Situations That Require Calling a Tow Truck Immediately

Many winter emergencies require professional towing assistance—not only for your safety but also to prevent costly vehicle damage.

Below are situations where you should always call Darrah’s Towing or another professional towing company.

1. Your Vehicle Is Stuck Deep in a Ditch

Sliding into a ditch is one of the most common winter incidents in Eastern Iowa. These situations are rarely safe to handle alone.

Call a tow truck if:

• The ditch is deep

• The vehicle is leaning or at an angle

• Wheels are off the ground

• Snow is packed around the undercarriage

• The vehicle is near an embankment

• You cannot safely exit due to traffic

Attempting to drive out can cause:

• Broken axles

• Transmission damage

• Frozen differential issues

• Body damage

Professional winching is the safest method.

2. Your Vehicle Is Immobilized on Ice

If your wheels spin without moving—even after traction attempts—stop immediately. Over-spinning can destroy your tires or overheat your transmission.

Tow operators use controlled winching, traction aids, and specialized positioning to safely recover vehicles from icy surfaces.

3. You Are Stranded on a Busy Roadway or Shoulder

Shoulders become extremely dangerous during winter storms.

Factors include:

• Reduced visibility

• Other vehicles losing control

• Snowplows traveling at high speeds

• Icy braking conditions

If you are stuck on the shoulder of I-380, Highway 151, or I-80, call for professional help immediately.

4. Your Vehicle Cannot Start in Extreme Cold

A dead battery may be the issue—but it could also be:

• A frozen fuel line

• A failing starter

• Thickened oil

• Alternator failure

• Electrical system freezing

Do not spend excessive time troubleshooting in freezing temperatures; call a professional.

5. You Have a Flat Tire in Winter Conditions

Changing a tire is riskier in winter for several reasons:

• Ice reduces footing

• Wind chills threaten safety

• Jack placement becomes unstable

• Traffic may slide into your location

If you’re not in a safe, open, low-traffic area, call a tow truck.

6. The Vehicle Has Mechanical Damage

If your vehicle was involved in a slide-off, collision, or hit a hard snowdrift, it may have underlying damage.

Call a tow truck if:

• The steering feels tight or loose

• The vehicle makes scraping noises

• Fluids are leaking

• The undercarriage was impacted

• The bumper is dragging

Driving afterward can cause more severe damage.

7. Your Wheels Are Locked or Frozen

It is unsafe to attempt to thaw frozen brakes or locked wheels without proper tools. A professional can safely transport the vehicle without worsening the problem.

8. You Are Uncomfortable or Unsure

Trust your instinct. In winter—the risk is not worth guessing.Darrah’s Towing responds to many calls from drivers who simply “didn’t feel safe.” That judgment alone is a valid reason to request help.

Part 3: How Darrah’s Towing Handles Winter Roadside Assistance

With more than fifty years of experience serving Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Monticello, and surrounding towns, Darrah’s Towing uses a proven, safety-first system for winter recoveries.

Our cold-weather recovery process includes:

1. Location and Hazard Assessment

We evaluate road conditions, traffic, weather, and vehicle stability.

2. Proper Equipment Selection

We dispatch the right truck: flatbed, wheel-lift, medium-duty, or heavy-duty.

3. Safe Positioning

Tow trucks are positioned to avoid sliding and to keep operators safe from traffic.

4. Controlled Winching

We use precision winching to avoid body damage, axle strain, or alignment problems.

5. Post-Recovery Inspection

We ensure your vehicle is safe to drive—or we tow it to the location of your choice.

Our operators are trained to handle everything from simple jump-starts to complex extractions in deep snow or steep ditches.

Statistic: A Large Portion of Tow Calls Occur in Winter

Recent industry analysis reveals that more than 45% of annual tow truck calls in Iowa occur during winter months, largely due to ice-related slide-offs, breakdowns, and mechanical issues.

This reinforces the importance of knowing when to call for help.

Customer Testimony

“I was driving on I-380 during a snowstorm when my car suddenly lost traction and slid into the median. I didn’t know what to do or if it was safe to try anything myself. I called Darrah’s Towing, and they were at my location faster than I expected. The operator was incredibly professional, explained everything, and safely winched my SUV out without any damage. I trust them 100% for winter towing.”— Mark, Cedar Rapids

Part 4: How To Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow Truck

If you’ve determined that you need professional help, here’s how to stay safe:

1. Stay Inside the Vehicle

Winter wind chills can be deadly, especially at night.

2. Turn On Hazard Lights

Make your vehicle visible to traffic.

3. Monitor the Exhaust Pipe

Ensure snow is not blocking it to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Use Your Winter Emergency Kit

Blankets, hand warmers, and water can be valuable if the tow takes time due to storm conditions.

5. Keep Your Seatbelt On

Vehicles sliding by may lose control—seatbelts protect you even while parked.

Final Thoughts: Know When To Try and When To Call Darrah’s Towing

Winter driving in Iowa requires preparation, awareness, and knowing when to call a professional.If a situation feels unsafe, complicated, or uncertain—calling Darrah’s Towing is always the right choice.

We proudly serve drivers throughout:

• Cedar Rapids

• Iowa City

• Monticello

• Marion

• North Liberty

• Coralville

• Anamosa

• Solon

• And all surrounding Eastern Iowa communities

With 24/7 service, the largest towing fleet in the region, and over 50 years of winter recovery experience, Darrah’s Towing is the trusted partner you need when Iowa winter conditions strike.