If you’re like many drivers, you only think about tow trucks when you must get a vehicle to the repair shop, if you get into an accident, or if your car won’t start.
Because most people have limited exposure to tow truck companies, several myths about the towing industry have gained prominence. Some car owners see tow truck operators as opportunists who take advantage of motorists facing vehicle problems.
The reality is that towing is a highly regulated, professional, safety-oriented business that maintains traffic movement and keeps roads operating smoothly. It makes sense to have the contact details of a reputable tow truck company saved on your smartphone.
Here are five of the most common myths about the towing industry—and the realities that debunk these popular and widely believed misconceptions.
Myth 1: Tow Truck Operators Are Just “Car Haulers”
Many people assume towing companies merely hook up vehicles and tow them to repair facilities. But there’s a lot more to what tow truck drivers do than that.
Towing professionals are trained to handle a wide range of vehicles, roadways, and recovery cases. They don’t just move cars around—they conduct technical recoveries that most often demand special skills and mechanical know-how.
Operators must secure vehicles of varied sizes and drivetrains, use winches and recovery gear safely, and handle operations in dangerous roadside conditions.
Many tow operators also offer roadside emergency services such as tire changes, jump-starts, and fuel delivery for those stranded on the road with empty fuel tanks.
Myth 2: Tow Truck Operators Just Want to Make a Quick Buck
Some drivers assume that tow truck operators take advantage of bad luck—rushing to charge stranded motorists or hauling away cars unjustly—but nothing could be further from the truth.
Most tow truck operators are small business entrepreneurs or independent contractors living under tight contracts and regulatory codes. Their fees are often controlled by municipalities, insurers, or roadside assistance programs.
Towing operators are generally on call 24/7, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather systems. When your car is stranded on a snowy interstate at 2 a.m., they’re the ones you’ll want to call for the help you would otherwise be without.
Myth 3: All Tow Companies Are Created Equal
It’s simple to assume that a tow truck company is just as good as the next company, but that’s not necessarily accurate.
The towing industry has specializations and levels of service. For instance, there are light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty tow services—each of which has specialized equipment, certification, and experience.
And there are recovery services, such as recovering vehicles from rollover crashes, snowdrifts, or ditches.
Myth 4: It’s Simple to Be a Tow Truck Driver
Tow truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. The operators typically need to deal with live traffic along highways and roads, exposing them to the risk of being clipped or struck by other drivers.
Several states in the United States have enacted “Move Over” laws that require drivers to slow down and change lanes when they meet roadside emergency responders or tow trucks.
Tow truck drivers drive in bad weather, operate large equipment, and deal with different traffic patterns. They have to be on the lookout constantly and move fast in order to stay safe while helping others.
Myth 5: You Don’t Need to Know a Tow Company Until You’re Stranded
The typical driver only thinks of tow businesses when there is a breakdown, but that can bring on panic and confusion. It’s smart to have the name and number of a good local tow operator before you ever need one.
Having the phone number of a professional towing operator stored can help to reduce turnaround times when you are stranded, deter illegal or predatory operators, and provide reassurance with the knowledge that assistance is available.
The towing industry has been subject to many myths. Even so, the reality is that tow truck operators are seasoned drivers who work toward getting drivers back on the road.
The next time you catch a tow truck in action, keep in mind that they’re not just towing cars—they’re also supporting roadside safety.
