First few minutes
What to do first
Get yourself and passengers away from moving traffic if you can. Turn on hazard lights. If the vehicle stopped in a lane, on a narrow shoulder, or near a blind curve, do not stand behind it or between vehicles. Your safety matters more than diagnosing the problem.
Once you are safe, figure out where you are. Look for a cross street, nearby business, subdivision entrance, school, gas station, mile marker, or the direction you were driving. A map pin helps, but a simple landmark can also work.
What to say when you call
Start with the location. Then say what happened in normal words: the engine died, the battery is dead, the tire is flat, the keys are locked inside, the vehicle overheated, or the car was in an accident. Say whether the vehicle can roll, steer, or shift into neutral.
If you already know where the vehicle should go, have that address ready. If you do not know, say that. The call can still start with the pickup location and the vehicle problem.
When roadside help may be enough
A jump start, tire change, lockout, or fuel delivery request may solve some problems without a tow. A tow may be safer if the vehicle cannot drive normally, leaks fluid, has steering or brake problems, was in a collision, or is sitting somewhere unsafe.
Do not keep driving a vehicle that feels unsafe just to avoid calling. A short drive with a bad tire, overheating engine, or damaged wheel can make the repair more expensive and put other drivers at risk.