The Sentinel blog
Roadside Guides for US and Canadian Drivers
Short, useful guides on breakdowns, tows, dead batteries, flats and lockouts, and on staying safe while you wait. We link our sources.
Who writes these. Sentinel Towing is a towing and roadside network. Local partner tow companies do the jobs. We stay with you by text until help arrives, under the Stay-With-You Promise.
Latest Guides
How-toWinnipeg Drivers: What Actually Helps at the Roadside
Roadside assistance in Winnipeg: a jump, a spare or a lockout call, plus how to wait warm in deep cold and what Manitoba's move-over law asks of drivers.
RulesWichita Impound Auctions: What Happens If You Don't Claim a Towed Car
How a towed car ends up at a Wichita impound auction, the Kansas notice clock, and how to claim it from the lot before it sells.
- Rules
Towed From a Lot in Waterbury? What Connecticut Law Requires
Towed from a private lot in Waterbury, CT? Connecticut law on signs, the two-hour police notice, storage fees, release rights and where to complain.
How-toTulsa Roadside Guide: How to Get Help on the Inner Dispersal Loop
Broke down on Tulsa's Inner Dispersal Loop? Learn the four legs and corners, what to tell a dispatcher, and how to get roadside help fast in Tulsa.
- Rules
Car Towed in Tucson? How to Find Out Where It Went
Car towed in Tucson? Find out if TPD, the Pima County Sheriff, UAPD or a private lot took it, who to call, what to bring and how the 20-day hold works.
- Costs
Tow Costs Near Youngstown: What the I-680 Loop Adds to the Job
What changes a tow price in Youngstown, Ohio: the I-680 loop or a side street, which way you face, the trip to the shop, snow bans and your car.
CostsTow Costs in Winnipeg: What Deep Cold and Snow Add
What drives a tow price in Winnipeg: deep cold, snowbanks, the Perimeter, your vehicle and the distance. How to avoid surprise fees and parking ban tows.
CostsVernon Tow Costs: What a Mountain Highway Adds to the Job
What changes a tow price in Vernon, BC: Highway 97 lane work, night closures on Highway 6, Silver Star Road snow, distance up the valley and your vehicle.
CostsThe Real Cost Drivers Behind a Tow in Tulsa
What really changes a tow price in Tulsa, OK: a stall far out on the Turner or Will Rogers Turnpike, or one near downtown, plus your car and the trouble.
CostsWhat a Tow Costs in Tucson, and What Adds to It
What a tow costs in Tucson depends on miles, your vehicle and where it's stuck. Tucson and Arizona rules that stop surprise tow and storage fees.
- Costs
What a Remote Stretch Adds to a Tow Price Near Thunder Bay
What changes a tow price near Thunder Bay, ON: Highways 11, 17 and 61 past Shabaqua and Pass Lake, distance, winter cold and Ontario's tow rate rules.
- Costs
Why Tow Prices Vary in Tallahassee, and What You Can Control
Why tow prices vary in Tallahassee, FL: your I-10 exit, the drive to your shop, the type of tow, and the city and Leon County rules on tows you didn't ask for.
- Costs
Why Tow Prices Vary in Spokane, From the Viaduct to the Side Streets
Why a tow in Spokane, WA costs what it does: Washington bills tow time by the hour, so the I-90 viaduct, the snow and the trip all change the price.
- Costs
How a Tow Price Gets Set in Rockford, Illinois
How a tow price gets set in Rockford, IL: the tollway versus a city street, where the shop is, your vehicle, and the Illinois rules that apply.
- Costs
How Tow Prices Work in Omaha, and How to Avoid Surprise Fees
How tow prices work in Omaha, NE: what changes the cost, how Omaha caps private lot tow fees, and how to avoid surprise charges on I-80 or in a lot.
- Costs
North Bay Tow Costs: The Real Variables Where Highways 11 and 17 Meet
What changes a tow price in North Bay, ON: which of Highways 11, 17, 63 or 94 you were on, how far the car goes, winter and Ontario's tow rate rules.
- Costs
Tow Costs in New Orleans: What a Flooded Street Adds to the Job
Why a New Orleans tow from a flooded street is a different job than one from dry ground, and what else sets the price: the bridge, the shop, who called.
CostsHow a Tow Price Gets Set Near Moncton, New Brunswick
What sets a tow price in Moncton, NB: which side of the Petitcodiac you're on, Wheeler Boulevard's traffic circles, your vehicle, what broke and where it goes.
- Costs
Memphis Tow Prices: When a Bridge Closure Changes the Job
What changes a tow price in Memphis, TN: which Mississippi River bridge is open, I-40 and I-240 work zones, your car and what went wrong.
CostsTow Costs in Lubbock: Why Miles Past the Loop Matter Most
What changes a tow price in Lubbock, TX: how far past Loop 289 you are, where the car goes, what went wrong, and Texas rules on consent tows.
- Costs
How Tow Prices Are Set in Louisville, and the Kentucky Law That Limits Surprise Fees
What sets a tow price in Louisville, KY: distance, bridges, your car and the job. Plus the Kentucky rate sheet law that stops surprise tow fees.
- Costs
London's Highway 401/402 Merge and What It Adds to a Tow Price
What changes a tow price in London, Ontario: four or six lanes on the 401, the 402 merge, interchange work, Wellington Road closures and Ontario rate rules.
- Costs
How a Tow Price Gets Set in Lincoln, Nebraska (and Why Highway 2 Matters)
What sets a tow price in Lincoln, Nebraska: the beltway vs. Nebraska Parkway, how far out on Highway 2 you are, your shop, your vehicle and what broke.
- Costs
Why Tow Prices Vary in Lexington, Kentucky: New Circle, Commuter Towns and Who Called the Truck
Why tow prices vary in Lexington, KY: inside or outside New Circle, where the car goes, the job itself, and who called the truck.
- Costs
Tow Costs in Lansing: What the I-496 Corridor Adds to the Price
What sets a tow price in Lansing, MI: where you stop on I-496, which side you're on, how far the shop is, and what you drive. No guesses, just the facts.
- Costs
The Real Cost Drivers Behind a Tow in Honolulu
What changes the cost of a tow in Honolulu: which side of Oahu you're on, the H-1 lane you stopped in, your vehicle, and free state help that may save a tow.
- Costs
Greenville, NC Tow Prices: What Actually Changes the Cost
What changes a tow price in Greenville, NC: road work at 5th Street and Memorial Drive, Allen Road, Tar River crossings, Pitt County distance and storms.
- Costs
Greensboro Tow Prices: What Actually Changes the Cost
What changes a tow price in Greensboro, NC: the shared I-40/I-85 road vs city streets, which shop you pick, your vehicle, ice, and storm-time price gouging law.
- Costs
How Much Does a Tow Cost in Fresno? What Changes the Price
What sets a tow price in Fresno: distance, where the car is stuck, the vehicle and the problem. Plus the free freeway patrol and how to dodge surprise fees.
- Costs
Fort Wayne Tow Prices: What Actually Changes the Cost
What sets a tow price in Fort Wayne, IN: I-469 versus a city street, where the car goes, what you drive, and the Indiana towing rules that apply.
- Costs
What Drives a Tow Price Near Fayetteville, NC
What changes a tow price in Fayetteville, NC: the All American Gate closure at Fort Bragg, Cape Fear River crossings, I-95 work and storm-closed roads.
CostsWhat Drives a Tow Price Near Dayton, Ohio (and How to Keep Yours Small)
What changes a tow price near Dayton, Ohio: the road you stopped on, the trip to the shop, what broke, your vehicle, and snow on unplowed side streets.
- Costs
What Changes a Tow Price Near Clarksville, Tennessee
What changes a tow price in Clarksville, TN: where on I-24 you stop, which side of the Kentucky line, where the car goes and what went wrong.
- Costs
What Drives a Tow Price Near Bradenton, Florida
What drives a tow price in Bradenton, FL: your I-75 exit, the Manatee River, island drawbridges, and the Manatee County caps on tows you didn't ask for.
CostsTow Costs in Bakersfield: Long Hauls, Heat and Hidden Fees
What a tow costs in Bakersfield depends on miles, heat and where you're stuck. How California's written tow estimate rule protects you from hidden fees.
- Costs
What Changes a Tow Price Near Auburn, Alabama, From I-85 to a Game-Day Lot
What changes a tow price in Auburn, AL: I-85 miles, game day, your car and the job. Plus the city rule that caps private-lot tow fees.
- Costs
What a Long Winter Night Adds to a Tow Price in Anchorage
What changes a tow price in Anchorage in winter: miles past Potter Marsh or Arctic Valley Road, snow berms, Turnagain Arm and the city's private-lot tow caps.
- Costs
The Real Cost Drivers Behind a Tow in Amarillo
What sets a tow price in Amarillo, TX: miles out on I-27 or I-40, which part of Loop 335 you're on, what broke and the Texas tow rules that apply.
CostsWhat Changes a Tow Price Near Abbotsford, BC: Work Zones, Ramps and the Sumas Prairie
What changes a tow price in Abbotsford, BC: Highway 1 work zones, the Highway 11 interchange, Sumas Prairie floods, your vehicle and where it goes.
- How-to
Dead Battery or Flat Tire on the Thunder Bay Expressway? Start With Your Cross Street
Dead battery or flat tire on the Thunder Bay Expressway? The cross streets to give, where to stop, and what Ontario says to do while you wait.
- How-to
Tallahassee Drivers: What Actually Helps at the Roadside
Roadside assistance in Tallahassee, FL: how to give your I-10 exit, which help fits a dead battery, flat or lockout, and the Florida rules that protect you.
- Rules
Stockton Tow Yards: How to Find Your Towed Car and Get It Back
Car towed in Stockton, CA? Find out who has it, which tow yard it's at, what to bring to get it out, and your rights under California law.
- How-to
Springfield, Missouri: Where to Turn When You're Stuck Roadside
Stuck in Springfield, Missouri? What to do first, how to call in a breakdown inside a diverging diamond, and who helps on I-44 and the James River Freeway.
- Rules
Springfield, Illinois Impound Lot: How to Find Your Towed Car
Car towed in Springfield, Illinois? Who to call at SPD, how a police hold release works, and your rights when a private lot in the capital tows you.
- How-to
Stuck on the I-90 Viaduct in Spokane? Here's What Helps
Stalled on the I-90 viaduct in Spokane? Who to call, how WSDOT's response trucks work between Four Lakes and Idaho, and what Washington law expects.
- Rules
Saskatoon Impound Lot: How to Find a Towed Car and Get It Back
Car gone in Saskatoon? Check Find My Vehicle first. Seized cars go to the City Impound Lot at 150 Jonathon Ave. Hours, what to bring, and how to pay.
- How-to
Stuck on Circle Drive in Saskatoon? Here's What Helps
Car trouble on Circle Drive in Saskatoon? Where it stops being a freeway, how to say where you are, the fall work zone and what SGI says to do.
- Rules
Rockford Impound: How to Find Your Towed Car and Get It Back
Car towed in Rockford, IL? Who to call first, where Rockford police impounds go, what to bring, and your rights after a private lot tow in Winnebago County.
- Safety
After Dark Near Rochester's "Can of Worms": What to Do When Your Car Quits at Night
Broke down after dark near Rochester's Can of Worms? What to do on I-490, I-590 and NY 590 at night, NY headlight rules, deer season and how to get a tow.
- Rules
Rochester, NY Impound: Finding and Releasing a Towed Car
Car towed in Rochester, NY? Look it up online, then go to the RPD Auto Impound at 330 Colfax Street. What to bring, how to pay and what to do if it's not there.
- How-to
Stuck in Stockton? What Actually Helps on I-5 or Highway 99
Stuck on I-5, Highway 99 or the Crosstown in Stockton? When the free Freeway Service Patrol can help, what it won't do, and who to call instead.
How-toRoadside Assistance in Tucson: Heat, Flats and Dead Batteries
Roadside assistance in Tucson, AZ for heat-killed batteries, blown tires and empty tanks. What to do while you wait in the heat, and how to get help fast.
SeasonalRoadside Assistance in Rochester, NY: Getting Through a Lake-Effect Winter
Roadside assistance in Rochester, NY, for lake-effect winters: dead batteries, snowbank slides, flats on I-490. What to do, NY rules, and how to get help fast.
- How-to
Roadside Assistance in Oklahoma City Without a Membership
Roadside assistance in Oklahoma City without a membership: jump starts, lockouts, flat tires and gas, one job at a time, with the price texted first.
- How-to
Roadside Service in Memphis: Jump Starts, Flats and Lockouts
Roadside service in Memphis, TN: jump starts, flats, lockouts and gas. When the free TDOT HELP truck can come, what to say on I-40 or I-240, and Tennessee law.
How-toRoadside Help in Little Rock: What to Do on I-630 or I-430
Roadside assistance in Little Rock: what to do when your car quits on I-630 or I-430, who to call, how to give your spot, and Arkansas move-over law.
- Rules
Towed in Richmond? Find the Official Lookup First
Car towed in Richmond, VA? Check the city's 14-day towed vehicle list, then call the right number for public, private or State Police tows.
- How-to
Richmond Drivers: What Actually Helps at the Roadside
Broke down in Richmond, VA? Who to call first, where VDOT's free patrol runs on I-95, I-64 and I-295, and when you need a real tow.
- How-to
No Membership, No Problem: Roadside Help on Regina's Ring Road
Roadside assistance in Regina without a membership. How to name your spot on Ring Road, the rail crossings, the Albert Street work and snow days.
- Rules
Regina Impound Lot: How to Find a Towed Car and Get It Back
Car towed in Regina? Most police and parking tows go to the City Storage Compound at 1200 Toronto Street. Who to call, what to bring, and the 30-day clock.
- Rules
OKC Impound Auctions: What Happens to an Unclaimed Towed Car
How a towed car ends up at an Oklahoma City impound auction, the Oklahoma lien notice clock, and how to claim it from the lot before the sale.
- Safety
Trouble on Thibeault Hill: 24-Hour Towing Help Coming Into North Bay
Brakes soft or car dead on Thibeault Hill in North Bay? Where to stop on Highway 11, what Ontario's handbook says to do, and how to get a 24-hour tow.
- Rules
New Orleans Impound Lot: How to Get a Towed Car Back
City towed your car in New Orleans? Call (504) 658-8100 to confirm, then pay at the 400 N. Claiborne lot. Hours, tickets, the Almonaster lot and boots.
- Safety
Breaking Down Near Moncton in a Nor'easter: A Step-by-Step Plan
Stuck near Moncton in a nor'easter? What to do in the car, who plows Wheeler Boulevard, the half-speed rule and the parking ban that gets cars towed.
- Rules
City of Milwaukee Tow Lot: Find and Release Your Car
Towed in Milwaukee? City tows go to 3811 W. Lincoln Ave. How to find your car, what to bring, lot hours, winter parking tows and private lot tows.
- How-to
No Membership, No Problem: Roadside Help Near Milwaukee's Marquette Interchange
No roadside plan? Stalled near Milwaukee's Marquette or Zoo Interchange? Who patrols I-94, what the free state patrol does, and how to get help fast.
- Rules
Memphis Police Impound Lot: How to Get Your Car Released
Towed in Memphis? The MPD lot is at 465 Klinke Avenue and never closes. See what to bring, who can pick up, holds, and what to do if the car won't run.
- How-to
Lubbock Roadside Guide: Loop 289 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway
Broke down on Loop 289 or the Marsha Sharp Freeway in Lubbock? How to say which side of the loop you're on, use the frontage road and get help fast.
- Safety
Breaking Down on "Carnage Alley" Near London, Ontario
Broke down on the 401 or 402 near London, Ontario, in fog or a squall? Where to stop, how to wait, what to tell help, and your rights if a tow truck shows up.
- Rules
Little Rock City Impound: How to Get Your Car Back
Car towed by Little Rock police? It goes to the city Vehicle Storage Facility. Office hours, papers to bring, payment, holds and the 45-day auction rule.
- Rules
Lincoln Impound Lot: How to Find a Towed Car in Lincoln, NE
Car towed in Lincoln, NE? Call 402-441-6000 to find it. Why Lincoln Police tow, the snow ban rules, private lot tows and how to get your car back.
- How-to
Lexington Breakdown Help: Why There's No Freeway Downtown, and What That Means for You
Broke down in Lexington, KY? Why a stall downtown or near UK differs from one on I-75 or I-64, who to call, and what Kentucky law says.
- City guide
REO Town Breakdowns Near Lansing: What to Do First
Dead battery or flat in REO Town, Lansing? What to do first, how to say where you are, and the snow emergency rule that can get your car towed.
- How-to
Dead Battery or Flat Tire Near Kelowna's Bennett Bridge? Here's What to Do
Dead battery or flat tire near the Bennett Bridge in Kelowna, BC? Keep rolling off the bridge, get to a safe spot, then call for a jump or a spare.
How-toJump Start Help Near Red Deer, From Gasoline Alley to the QEII Shoulder
Dead battery in Red Deer? What to do at a Gasoline Alley fuel stop, on the QEII shoulder or in a frozen lot, and when a jump start isn't enough.
- How-to
Jump Start Help in Anchorage When the Cold Kills Your Battery
Dead battery in Anchorage cold? What to do before a jump, why Plug @ 20 matters, how to wait safely on the Glenn or Seward, and when a jump isn't enough.
RulesTowed in Honolulu? What to Check First, and Who to Call
Car towed in Honolulu? Who to call first (the city says 911 for street tows), what a private lot sign must show, and the Hawaii rules that protect you.
- Rules
Tow Truck in Hamilton, Ontario: What to Know Before You Call
Before a tow truck in Hamilton, Ontario moves your car: the certificate, rates and consent form the law requires, the QEW tow zones and crash reporting.
- Safety
When the Tar River Rises Near Greenville, NC: What to Do With Your Car Before, During and After the Water
Water over the road in Greenville, NC? What the Tar River gauge means for your street, what to do if your car stalls in water, and when a tow can reach you.
- How-to
Stuck in Greensboro Where I-40 and I-85 Merge: How to Get Help to the Right Side of the Road
Broke down where I-40 and I-85 run together in Greensboro? How to name your spot when exit numbers jump from 227 to 131, what to do first and who to call.
- Safety
Winter Breakdowns Near Grande Prairie: Highway 40, Snow Routes and the Long Wait
Broke down in a Grande Prairie winter? What to do on Highway 40 south, on a snow route during a parking ban, and while you wait in the cold.
- Rules
Grand Rapids Impound: How to Get Your Towed Car Back
Car impounded in Grand Rapids, MI? Release starts at GRPD, 1 Monroe Center NW, then the lot at 1202 Market SW. What to bring and how winter tows happen.
- How-to
Grand Rapids Breakdown Help: What to Do When Your Car Quits on the US 131 S-Curve
Broke down on the US 131 S-Curve in Grand Rapids? How to give your spot, what Michigan law says after a crash, and when MDOT's patrol can help.
- How-to
Fort Wayne Breakdown Help: I-69, the I-469 Loop and How to Say Where You Are
Broke down in Fort Wayne? How to tell I-69 from the I-469 loop, which exit numbers to give, and what Indiana says to do on the shoulder.
- Safety
Breaking Down on Highway 63 Near Fort McMurray: What to Do, Kilometer by Kilometer
Broke down on Highway 63 near Fort McMurray? Where to stop, how to give your spot on the twinned highway, moose season, shift-change days and who to call.
- Rules
Find My Towed Car in Fresno: Where to Look First
Car gone in Fresno? Call Fresno PD's towed vehicles line, check the lot's tow sign, then go to the tow yard. Your rights at the yard under California law.
- Rules
Find My Towed Car in Albuquerque: Where to Start
Car towed in Albuquerque, NM? Call APD at 505-242-COPS to find it. Who orders tows, what the yard must let you do, and how to get your car back.
- How-to
Roadside Assistance in Fayetteville, NC: Help Without a Membership
Roadside assistance in Fayetteville, NC with no membership: jump starts, lockouts, spares and gas on I-95, I-295 and the All American. What to do and say.
- Rules
Towed in El Paso? How to Find and Get Your Car Back
Towed in El Paso, TX? Find your car at the city lot on Railroad Drive, see what to bring, your Texas rights at the lot, and what to do if it won't start.
- How-to
Stuck in El Paso? The Spaghetti Bowl and Loop 375 Explained
Broke down in El Paso? How to describe the Spaghetti Bowl and Loop 375, when TxDOT's free HERO trucks patrol, and who to call when they don't.
- Safety
Broken Down on I-75 Near Dayton When a Storm Hits: What to Do First, and What Can Wait
Car trouble on I-75 near Dayton during a tornado or severe storm warning? What the NWS says to do in a car, where not to shelter, and when to call a tow.
- How-to
Colorado Springs Roadside Guide: I-25 and the Ute Pass Climb
Stuck on I-25 or up Ute Pass in Colorado Springs? What to do first, what Colorado's traction law asks of your car, and how plows change your wait.
- Rules
Colorado Springs Impound Lot: Getting Your Car Back
Towed in Colorado Springs? Find your car, see what the CSPD impound lot on East Las Vegas Street needs, its hours, and what to do if it won't start.
- How-to
Help on I-24 Near Clarksville Without a Membership
Roadside assistance in Clarksville, TN without a membership: where and when TDOT's free HELP trucks patrol I-24, and who to call after 10:30 p.m.
- Rules
City of Buffalo Impound Lot: Has Your Car Been Towed?
Towed in Buffalo? Pay at City Hall Room 111 first, then go to the Dart Street impound at 166 Dart St. What to bring, hours, and what if it won't run.
- How-to
What to Do If You Break Down on Buffalo's I-190
Broke down on the I-190 in Buffalo? It's the Niagara Thruway, so its own garages handle it. Who to call, what to tell them, and when we can help.
- Seasonal
Towing in Barrie in Winter: Highway 400 Snow Squalls and What to Do
Stuck in a Highway 400 snow squall near Barrie, Ontario? What to do in a whiteout, who can tow you, Barrie's overnight parking ban and when a winch-out works.
- Rules
Looking for a Tow Yard in Bakersfield? Start Here
Car towed in Bakersfield? Find out if city police, the Kern County Sheriff, the CHP or a private lot took it, who to call and what to bring to the tow yard.
- How-to
Where I-27 Meets I-40 Near Amarillo: Roadside Help
Broke down on I-27 near Amarillo or out toward Canyon? How to read the exit signs while the numbers change, where to stop and how to get help.
- Safety
24-Hour Towing in Albuquerque: Getting Help After Dark
Broke down at night in Albuquerque? What to do first, where to wait, what to say when you call, and how cold ABQ nights change the plan.
- How-to
Jump Start in Peoria, IL: Dead Battery Help Day or Night
Dead battery in Peoria, IL? Cold-start habits that save it, how to get a jump in a lot or on a river bridge, and when the battery is done for good.
- Rules
Omaha Police Impound Lot: Getting Your Car Released
Towed in Omaha? Police and sheriff tows go to the lot at 7809 F Street. How to find your car, what to bring, the hours, and what happens if it sits.
- How-to
Jump Start in Wichita: What to Do When Your Battery Dies
Dead battery in Wichita? How to tell if a jump will work, safe jump steps, what Kansas heat and cold do to batteries, and when a tow to a shop makes more sense.
- Rules
Louisville Metro Impound Lot: How to Get Your Car Back
Towed in Louisville? The LMPD impound lot is at 1487 Frankfort Ave. How to find your car, book pickup, what to bring, and the lot's hours.
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