Most common roadside emergencies, such as dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts and slide-offs, can be handled safely if you know the first two or three steps. Waterloo Region drivers had plenty of practice last winter. By the end of January 2026, the University of Waterloo weather station had recorded 206.5 cm of snow, more than double the long-term average and a new seasonal record.
This guide walks through the 10 emergencies we see most often, what to do in each one and when to call for help.
Key Takeaways
- Your first move in almost any roadside emergency is the same: get out of traffic, turn on your hazards and stay buckled in.
- Dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, empty fuel tanks and slide-offs make up most calls.
- Never stand beside your car on a busy shoulder. Most serious injuries happen outside the vehicle.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, your car is in a live lane or there’s smoke or fire.
- A basic emergency kit and a saved roadside number cut your wait and your stress.
Table of Contents
- What Counts as a Roadside Emergency?
- Quick Reference: 10 Emergencies at a Glance
- How to Handle the 10 Most Common Roadside Emergencies
- When Should You Call 911 Instead of a Tow Truck?
- What Should Be in Your Car Emergency Kit?
- What Can Roadside Assistance Services Handle?
- FAQs
What Counts as a Roadside Emergency?
A roadside emergency is any problem that stops your car or makes it unsafe to keep driving. Some are minor, like a dead battery. Others, like brake trouble or a collision, need quick action to keep everyone safe.
Quick Reference: 10 Emergencies at a Glance
| Emergency | First thing to do | Usually needs |
| Dead battery | Turn everything off and call for a boost | Boost |
| Flat tire | Pull over somewhere safe | Spare or tow |
| Tire blowout | Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas | Tow or spare |
| Out of fuel | Coast to the shoulder | Fuel delivery |
| Locked out | Stay calm and check every door | Lockout help |
| Overheating | Pull over and turn off the engine | Tow |
| Stuck in snow or a ditch | Stop spinning the wheels | Recovery or winching |
| Minor collision | Check for injuries and move if safe | Tow if not drivable |
| Animal strike | Brake firmly and don’t swerve | Tow if damaged |
| Brake trouble | Pump the brakes and downshift | Tow |
How to Handle the 10 Most Common Roadside Emergencies
1. Dead Battery
A dead battery is the most common cold-weather call. Turn off the lights, heater and chargers, and call for a boost.
- Don’t keep cranking the engine. It can flood the engine or damage the starter.
- After a boost, drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes to recharge the battery.
- If it dies again the next day, the battery or alternator likely needs replacing.
2. Flat Tire
Pull over somewhere safe before you deal with a flat. Driving on it can ruin the rim.
- Choose a parking lot or side street over a highway shoulder.
- Change the tire yourself only on flat, solid ground away from traffic.
- If you have no spare or the lug nuts won’t move, call for help.
3. Tire Blowout
A blowout at speed is frightening, but staying calm keeps you in control.
- Grip the wheel firmly with both hands.
- Ease off the gas. Don’t slam the brakes.
- Let the car slow down, then steer gently to the shoulder.
- Turn on your hazards and call for help.
For more detail, read how professional flat tire services handle tire blowouts safely.
4. Running Out of Fuel
Running out of fuel happens more often than people admit, especially in winter when range drops.
- Coast to the right shoulder as soon as the engine sputters.
- Don’t walk along a highway to find fuel.
- Call for fuel delivery, and keep at least a quarter tank from now on.
5. Locked Out of Your Car
A lockout is stressful but rarely dangerous. Check every door and the trunk first.
- Don’t try coat hangers or slim jims. They can damage locks, wiring and airbag systems.
- If a child or pet is locked inside on a hot or cold day, call 911 right away.
6. Engine Overheating
If the temperature gauge climbs or you see steam, pull over and turn off the engine.
- Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. The coolant is under pressure and can cause serious burns.
- Don’t keep driving. An overheated engine can fail completely.
- Call for a tow to your mechanic.
7. Stuck in Snow or Sliding Into a Ditch
Stop spinning your wheels. It digs you in deeper.
- Straighten the wheels and clear snow from around the tires.
- Spread sand, salt or cat litter for grip.
- If you’re in a ditch, stay in the car, keep the exhaust clear and call for recovery.
8. Minor Collision
Check for injuries first, then move the cars out of traffic if they can be driven safely.
- Exchange names, licence, insurance and plate details.
- Take photos of both cars and the scene.
- In Ontario, report collisions with injuries or combined damage over $2,000 to police.
- If your car can’t be driven, call for a tow.
9. Hitting an Animal
Deer are common on rural roads around Waterloo Region, especially at dawn and dusk.
- If an animal jumps out, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can cause a worse crash.
- After a strike, pull over, turn on your hazards and stay away from the injured animal.
- Check for fluid leaks, broken lights and damage before driving on.
10. Brake Problems
If the brake pedal feels soft or the car won’t stop properly, act quickly but calmly.
- Pump the brake pedal to build pressure.
- Shift to a lower gear to slow the car.
- Apply the parking brake gradually.
- Steer toward a safe area and turn on your hazards.
Never drive a car with brake problems. Have it towed.
When Should You Call 911 Instead of a Tow Truck?
Call 911 first if anyone is hurt, your car is in a live lane or there’s smoke, fire or leaking fuel. Once everyone is safe, call for roadside emergency assistance or a tow.
Call 911 when:
- Someone is injured
- Your car is stopped in a live lane and can’t be moved
- There’s smoke, fire or a strong fuel smell
- A child or pet is trapped in a hot or cold car
- You feel unsafe
What Should Be in Your Car Emergency Kit?
A basic kit helps you handle most emergencies until help arrives. Keep these in your trunk all year:
- Booster cables or a portable jump starter
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Warm blanket, hat and gloves
- Ice scraper and small shovel
- Sand or cat litter for traction
- Phone charger or power bank
- Water and snacks
- Reflective triangles
- Basic first aid kit
What Can Roadside Assistance Services Handle?
Roadside assistance services cover most of the emergencies above, from boosts and spare tire installation to towing and winching. Serious mechanical repairs still need a garage.
At Grand River Towing, we provide emergency roadside assistance and car breakdown assistance that includes:
- Battery boosts
- Flat tire help and spare installation
- Lockout help
- Fuel delivery
- Vehicle recovery from ditches and snowbanks
- Accident towing
- Light, heavy and flatbed towing
We serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Elmira, Baden, New Hamburg and nearby towns 24/7, 365 days a year.
Facing a Roadside Emergency Right Now?
Get to safety first, then call Grand River Towing at (519) 729-0982. Our local team responds day or night with a clear quote before any work begins. Learn more about our 24-hour towing and roadside assistance or request a free quote.
FAQs
What is the most common roadside emergency?
Dead batteries are the most common, especially in winter. Flat tires, lockouts and running out of fuel follow close behind.
What should I do first when my car breaks down?
Move as far from traffic as you can, turn on your hazards and stay in the car with your seatbelt on. Then call for help with your exact location.
Should I get out of my car after a breakdown on the highway?
Usually not. Stay buckled in. Get out only if your car may be hit or is on fire, and then stand well away from traffic.
Can roadside assistance help after a minor accident?
Yes. If your car can’t be driven, a tow truck can take it to a body shop, your home or another place you choose.
Do I need a membership for roadside help?
No. You can call Grand River Towing directly and pay only for the service you need.
Be Ready Before It Happens
You can’t prevent every emergency, but you can be ready for the common roadside emergencies that catch most drivers off guard. Know the first steps, keep a kit in your trunk and save a trusted local number.
Add Grand River Towing at (519) 729-0982 to your phone today. We’re here 24/7 when you need us.
