1. Put people and traffic safety first
If the vehicle can still be moved safely, get it out of the traffic flow and stop in the safest practical location. Turn on hazard lights and avoid standing where moving traffic can reach you.
If you are on a motorway, bridge, tunnel, narrow shoulder or another high-risk location, follow police, road-authority or emergency-service directions. If there is injury, fire, immediate danger or a crash blocking traffic, contact emergency services first.
2. Do not keep driving an unsafe vehicle
Stop driving if the car is overheating, losing power, smoking, leaking fluid, making severe grinding or knocking noises, or has a steering, braking, wheel or suspension problem. Continuing can increase the risk and may turn a smaller mechanical issue into a larger repair.
3. Work out whether the vehicle can move safely
Once the immediate danger has passed, check only what can be assessed safely. Does the vehicle start? Can it roll, steer and brake? Are the keys available? Are any tyres flat or wheels damaged?
Do not crawl under the vehicle, work beside live traffic or attempt repairs in an unsafe position.
4. Decide where the vehicle needs to go
Common destinations include a mechanic, dealership, tyre shop, auto electrician, workshop or home. If the destination is a business, check that it can receive the vehicle, especially after hours.
5. Prepare the information a tow operator will need
- Exact pickup location or nearest safe landmark.
- Drop-off address or destination suburb.
- Vehicle make and model.
- Whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers and brakes.
- Whether keys are available.
- Any flat tyres, wheel damage, steering or suspension issue.
- Any driveway, gate, street-width or loading-access issue.
6. Arrange towing if the vehicle should not be driven
If the car is safe to access but cannot be driven, use the Breakdown Towing Brisbane service page to arrange transport. Calling is best when the job is urgent because current truck availability and ETA can be checked before dispatch.
Our separate Car Breakdown Brisbane location and towing guide explains motorway, suburban, car-park and vehicle-access details that affect the towing job.
7. Keep the next step simple
Once the vehicle is collected, confirm the destination and any handover instructions. If the job can be scheduled rather than handled immediately, you can use the online quote form to send the full pickup, drop-off and vehicle details.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if my car breaks down in Brisbane?
Prioritise people and traffic safety. If possible without creating extra risk, move to a safer location, turn on hazard lights and follow police or road-authority directions in high-risk locations.
Should I keep driving if the car is overheating or feels unsafe?
No. If the vehicle is overheating, losing power, smoking, leaking fluid, making serious noises or has a steering, braking, wheel or suspension problem, continuing to drive can be unsafe and may cause more damage.
When should I call emergency services instead of a tow truck?
Call emergency services first where there is injury, immediate danger, a crash blocking traffic, fire, a hazardous location or where police or road authorities need to control the scene.
What details should I give a tow truck operator once I am safe?
Provide the pickup location, destination, vehicle make and model, whether it starts, rolls, steers and brakes, key availability and any access or wheel issues.
Can TowFast tow my car to a mechanic?
Yes. TowFast Brisbane can transport an accessible broken-down vehicle to a mechanic, workshop, dealership, home or another agreed destination by availability.