A flatbed tow, also called a rollback, lifts your vehicle onto the bed of the truck so all four wheels leave the ground. Nothing drags and nothing spins on the pavement. For many modern vehicles, that is the gentlest way to move them.
Atascadero Towing connects you with licensed and insured local contractors who run flatbeds. Call (805) 391-5157, tell the dispatcher what happened, and they will help you decide whether a flatbed fits your situation.
When a flatbed is the right call
Flatbed towing is generally recommended for these vehicles:
- All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles
- Low-clearance cars that could scrape on a tow hook-up
- Classic cars
- Most electric vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Any vehicle that cannot roll
Your owner's manual often says how your vehicle should be towed. If you can, check it before the truck arrives. If you cannot find it, tell the dispatcher the year, make and model, and they can match the right truck.
Why it comes up so often around Atascadero
The Atascadero area has plenty of conditions that leave a car unable to roll or steer. Summer afternoons commonly reach 95 to 100 degrees, and heat on U.S. 101 and Highway 41 can overheat engines, especially on the grades. A seized or overheated car is often a non-rolling car.
Winter brings the other risk. Rain falls mostly between November and March, and hillside roads west of El Camino Real can get slick and muddy. A car that slides off a narrow shoulder under the oaks may not be drivable back out.
Highway 41 over the Santa Lucia Range toward Morro Bay is a winding two-lane road with few safe places to pull over. If you break down there, get as far off the road as you can and turn on your hazard lights before you call.
What to have ready when you call
A few details help the dispatcher send the right truck and quote the job.
- Your exact location: cross streets, highway direction, nearest exit or a nearby landmark
- Year, make and model of the vehicle
- Whether it rolls and steers
- Where you want it taken
For a spot like Del Rio Road or Santa Rosa Road, a cross street and a landmark are more useful than a general description. On U.S. 101, say which direction you were headed.
What to expect at pickup
The operator will confirm the vehicle and the destination with you. Then the car is positioned on the bed and secured for the ride. If your car will not roll, the operator may use equipment to get it onto the bed. Tell them about any damage, flat tires or a locked steering wheel so there are no surprises.
The price depends on the vehicle, the distance, the type of truck and hookup needed, the road location and the time of day. The dispatcher quotes it on the phone before a truck is sent, so you can ask questions first. Payment methods vary by provider, so confirm them on the call.
Staying safe while you wait
If you can, get fully off the roadway and keep away from traffic. On a freeway shoulder, if you cannot get safely away from the car, stay inside with your seat belt on. Call 911 for any emergency or injury.
After a collision, call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. The California Highway Patrol handles collisions on U.S. 101 and State Route 41, and officers may call a tow for vehicles that must be cleared. On city streets, the Atascadero Police Department responds. Take photos and exchange information when it is safe to do so.
Where your vehicle can go
You choose the destination. Common choices include:
- Your home, such as a driveway in Las Lomas, Summit Hills, Woodridge or Vista Dorada
- A repair shop you already trust
- A dealer
If you are not sure where to send it, say so on the call. A shop that is closed overnight may not be able to accept the car right away, so think about where it can sit safely.
Flatbed service also reaches the surrounding area. Templeton is about 6.8 miles north, Paso Robles about 10.8 miles, Santa Margarita about 10.2 miles south near the top of the Cuesta Grade, and Morro Bay about 17.4 miles west on Highway 41. Distance affects the price, so ask the dispatcher about your route.
Larger vehicles and coverage
RVs, box trucks and trailers need equipment matched to their weight and length. The dispatcher will ask for those details first. This comes up often on weekends, when wine-country and Lake Nacimiento traffic brings trailers and out-of-town drivers.
Many auto insurance policies, credit cards and motor-club memberships include towing coverage. Check yours before you pay, and ask for an itemized receipt if you plan to submit for reimbursement. When you are ready, call (805) 391-5157 and describe your vehicle and location.