Paso Robles sits along the Salinas River, about 10.8 miles north of Atascadero. The drive on U.S. 101 takes roughly 14 minutes. If your vehicle stops working anywhere in the city, (805) 391-5157 connects you with licensed and insured local towing professionals.
This page is for drivers in and around Paso Robles, a city of 31,490 people at the center of the Paso Robles wine region.
Roads and places around Paso Robles
U.S. 101 and State Route 46 both serve the city. Highway 46 is the east-west link toward the Central Valley, so a breakdown can happen on a long, open stretch as easily as on a city block. Downtown, historic Spring Street has its own traffic and parking pressures when a car will not start.
The California Mid-State Fair, the Amtrak station and the Cuesta College North County campus are all in the city. If your car is stuck near one of them, name it when you call. A landmark helps the dispatcher place you quickly.
What to have ready when you call
A few details make the call shorter and the pickup smoother:
- Your exact location: cross streets, the highway and direction of travel, or a nearby landmark
- Year, make and model of the vehicle
- Whether it rolls and steers
- Where you want it taken
Payment methods and hours vary by provider, so confirm them with the dispatcher on the call.
Safety on the highway
If you can, get fully off the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay away from passing 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 injury or emergency.
After a collision on U.S. 101 or State Route 46, the California Highway Patrol handles the scene. Officers may call a tow for vehicles that must be cleared. On city streets, local police respond. Take photos and exchange information once it is safe.
Flatbeds, RVs and trailers
Flatbed towing is generally recommended for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, low-clearance and classic cars, most electric vehicles, motorcycles, and anything that cannot roll. Your owner's manual often says how the vehicle should be towed.
Wine-country weekends can put RVs, trailers and out-of-town drivers on the road. Heavy jobs need equipment matched to weight and length, so expect questions about the size of your rig.
Heat, rain and batteries
Summers in the North County are hot and dry, and high heat wears down batteries faster. A battery that needs repeated jump starts may need testing or replacement. Rain falls mostly between November and March, which can make roadsides slick.
Many insurance policies, credit cards and motor clubs include towing coverage. Check yours before you call, and ask for an itemized receipt if you plan to submit for reimbursement. When you are ready, call (805) 391-5157 and describe where you are.