When your car breaks down or you’re stuck in a stressful roadside situation, it’s natural to grab your phone and call the first towing number you find. But choosing the wrong tow truck can turn a simple problem into a much bigger one. Not all towing services are the same, and the wrong choice can lead to delays, extra costs, improper towing methods, or even damage to your vehicle.

Below, we break down what can go wrong when you call the wrong tow truck, why it happens, and how you can avoid those headaches in the future.

Can Choosing the Wrong Tow Truck Really Cause Problems?

Yes, it can. The tow truck you choose matters more than people realise. Different tow trucks are built for different tasks. A standard wheel-lift tow truck may be perfect for a small sedan but completely wrong for a large 4WD or an all-wheel-drive SUV. Calling the wrong truck often leads to one of two outcomes: the operator can’t tow your vehicle safely, or the towing method ends up causing unnecessary damage.

The Wrong Tow Truck Can Damage Your Vehicle

This is the biggest risk. Modern cars are full of sensors, electronics, and sensitive drivetrain components. Using an incompatible towing method can cause:

Transmission damage
Drivetrain stress in AWD or 4WD vehicles
Scratched bumpers or underbody scraping
Bent suspension parts
Damage to low-clearance vehicles
Airbag sensor faults
Misalignment of wheels

For example, towing an AWD vehicle with two wheels on the ground can overheat the drivetrain. A low-slung sports car can scrape its bumper if a tow truck that’s too high or too steep is used. These problems are avoidable only when the right truck is chosen for the job.

What If the Truck Doesn’t Fit Your Vehicle Type?

Tow trucks come in several types—flatbeds, wheel-lifts, tilt trays, and heavy-duty haulers. Each one suits different vehicles and situations. Calling the wrong one means the operator may arrive, look at the car, and immediately realise they can’t load it safely.

This results in:

Wasted time
A second tow truck having to be dispatched
Additional call-out fees
Longer waiting times in unsafe roadside conditions

If you’re stuck on the freeway shoulder, in a busy intersection, or in extreme weather, waiting for another operator is the last thing you want.

You May Be Charged More Than Necessary

Some towing companies charge extra if they need to send out a second truck because the first one wasn’t suitable. When you’re stressed or stranded, you might not question these fees, but they can add up quickly.

For example:

A wheel-lift truck arrives and realises it can’t safely tow your AWD SUV.
You’re charged a call-out fee.
They then dispatch a flatbed.
You get charged again for the proper tow.

This double-charging situation happens more often than people expect, especially with operators who rush jobs or don’t ask enough questions beforehand.

Delays Can Put You in a Risky Situation

Breaking down is already stressful, but delays caused by calling the wrong tow truck can be more than just an inconvenience—they can be dangerous. If you’re stuck:

On the shoulder of a busy motorway
In extreme heat
Late at night
In rural or poorly lit areas
Far from home

waiting an extra hour or two can create unnecessary safety risks.

Professional towing companies always aim to get the right truck out on the first attempt to minimise how long you spend on the roadside.

Unskilled Operators Can Make Things Worse

Sometimes the issue isn’t the truck—it’s the driver. Calling the wrong towing company might leave you with an operator who:

Doesn’t understand your vehicle’s towing requirements
Uses the wrong attachment points
Loads the car incorrectly
Lacks experience with hybrids, EVs, or luxury vehicles
Rushes the process
Takes shortcuts to save time

This can lead to damage the moment the towing begins. Even worse, some operators may not be insured properly. If something goes wrong, you’re left with the bill.

Incorrect Towing Can Affect Insurance Claims

If a towing mistake leads to further damage, insurers may question who is responsible. If the towing company is not licensed or did not follow proper procedures, insurance may refuse to cover the damage caused after the breakdown or accident.

You’re then left chasing the towing company for compensation—something that can take weeks or even months.

The Wrong Tow Truck May Not Offer the Service You Need

Not all trucks offer the same services. Calling the wrong one may mean they can’t help you with:

Accident towing
Off-road recovery
Motorbike towing
Machinery or small equipment transport
Long-distance towing
Low-clearance vehicle loading

You might end up calling a second company anyway, wasting time and money.

How to Avoid Calling the Wrong Tow Truck

Fortunately, avoiding these issues is easy if you know what to ask. When you call a towing service, always mention:

Your vehicle type – sedan, hatchback, 4WD, SUV, ute, van, hybrid, or EV.
What happened – breakdown, flat tyre, accident, stuck in mud, electrical issue.
Your drivetrain – FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4WD.
Your location – roadside, driveway, carpark, off-road, or underground carpark.
Any modifications – lowered suspension, bull bar, long wheelbase, towbar, wide tyres.

Clear information helps the operator send the correct truck the first time.

A Reliable Towing Service Makes All the Difference

Calling the wrong tow truck can cause delays, safety risks, extra costs, or even vehicle damage. Choosing a reliable, experienced towing service ensures that the right truck, the right equipment, and the right operator arrive from the start. It saves time, protects your vehicle, and keeps you safe during an already stressful moment.

Now Any Car Towing is available in Hampton Park Victoria 3976.

Contact Us

Any Car Towing

10 Silvergum Pl, Cranbourne VIC 3977

0413 176 223

www.anycartowing.com.au

What Happens If You Call the Wrong Tow Truck?