Cold Weather Can Drop Your Tire Pressure Overnight
Breaking down on a Missoula road — whether it’s Reserve Street traffic, Highway 93, or a rural backroad — can be stressful. Knowing what to do while waiting for a tow truck in Missoula helps you stay safe and speeds up the recovery process.
Here’s a simple guide to follow anytime your vehicle stops cooperating.
1. Move Your Vehicle to Safety (If Possible)
If your car still has power, steer it onto the shoulder, into a parking lot, or onto a flat, stable surface. Staying in traffic lanes creates risks for you and other drivers.
If you’re stuck in snow, mud, or a ditch, avoid spinning your tires — that can dig you in deeper and damage your drivetrain.
2. Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Hazard lights help other drivers spot you — especially in Missoula’s winter conditions when visibility drops fast. If it’s dark, use your phone’s flashlight or set out road flares if you have them.
3. Stay Inside the Vehicle Unless It's Unsafe
Traffic moves fast on busy roads like Brooks Street or I-90. If you’re safely off the roadway, staying inside your vehicle is usually the smartest move.
Get out only if:
- You smell smoke
- There’s leaking fluid
- You’re in a dangerous position (blind corner, narrow shoulder)
4. Gather Information for the Tow Driver
This makes everything faster when the truck arrives. Have ready:
- Your exact location
- The problem (flat tire, stuck, won’t start, accident, etc.)
- Type of vehicle
- Whether you are blocked in, off-road, or high-centered
- Any hazards nearby
This helps Speed’s Towing send the right truck and equipment the first time.
5. Stay Warm (or Cool) and Visible
Missoula winters can get dangerously cold. If your engine still runs, run the heater intermittently to save fuel. If it doesn’t, wrap up in spare clothing or blankets.
In summer, avoid staying in direct sun and crack a window for airflow.
6. Avoid Accepting Help From Strangers When Possible
Most people mean well, but unsafe jump attempts, poorly secured straps, or amateur winch jobs can cause more damage — or get them stuck too.
If you’ve already called Speed’s Towing, help is on the way. We respond fast anywhere in Missoula and surrounding areas
7. Keep Your Phone Battery Alive
Dim your screen, close unnecessary apps, and avoid streaming or browsing. You may need your phone for updates or location confirmation.
If you have a portable charger, this is the time to use it.
8. Know When a Situation Is an Emergency
Call 911 immediately if:
- You’re blocking high-speed traffic
- You’re in an active crash scene
- Someone is injured
- There’s fire or smoke
- You’re stranded in extreme temperatures far from help
- For everything else, Speed’s Towing has you covered 24/7.
Towing Help in Missoula, 24/7
- Accident recovery
- Light & Medium-Weight towing
- Off-road winch-outs & Heavy Duty Tows
- Roadside assistance across Western Montana
When to Choose Speed’s Towing – (406) 529-7801
Choose Speed’s every time if you want the best of both world’s. We offer 24/7 towing because we know Montanans can need the best towing services day or night, rain or chine. For a local, trusted, and experienced tow truck company.
