Underground parking is common in Calgary, especially in condos, office buildings, and busy downtown areas. While these parkades are convenient, they can cause problems when a vehicle breaks down or needs to be towed.

Standard tow trucks often can’t enter underground spaces due to low ceilings and tight turns. That’s where AAA Towing’s underground services come in.

This service uses specialized equipment and trained operators to remove vehicles from confined parking garages safely. It’s the safest way to handle stuck or illegally parked vehicles without damaging the structure or the car.

In this blog, we’ll explain how underground towing works, what tools are used, when you might need it, and why professional help is important.

Step 1: Receiving The Underground Tow Request

Every job starts with a call, usually from:

• Property managers
• Commercial lot owners
• Drivers stuck in underground parkades
• Law enforcement or security staff

When the call is received, dispatchers gather key information:

• Location and type of structure
• Clearance height (usually less than 6 feet 6 inches)
• Vehicle make and condition (e.g., locked, damaged, stuck in gear)
• Type of incident (e.g., breakdown, accident, unauthorized parking)

This information determines what kind of truck, tools, and crew are needed for the job.

Step 2: Preparing The Right Equipment

Not every tow truck can fit into an underground parkade. Here’s what’s typically used:

Low-Clearance Tow Trucks

These are specially designed flatbeds or wheel-lift trucks with compact frames and reduced height, allowing them to enter tight garages without scraping ceilings or beams.

Wheel Lifts And Dollies

If a vehicle is parallel parked, stuck between pillars, or non-drivable, tow operators may use:

• Wheel lifts: metal arms that lift either the front or rear wheels off the ground.
• Dollies: small platforms placed under wheels, so the car can roll freely without steering or engine power.

Skates And Go-Jaks

If the vehicle is locked or the wheels won’t turn:

• Skates or Go-Jaks can be placed under each tire, allowing operators to “slide” the vehicle safely out of the spot.

Step 3: Entering The Underground Facility

This is often the most delicate part of the job. Operators have to:

• Check clearance height and weight restrictions
• Navigate tight ramps or sharp corners at a slow speed
• Avoid fire sprinklers, pipes, or low signage

Experienced underground towing operators often use spotters, a second crew member who guides the truck visually to prevent collisions.

Step 4: Positioning And Hooking Up The Vehicle

Once the truck reaches the target vehicle, here’s how the hookup is done:

1. Assess Access Points: If another car is parked closely, the team may use dollies to shift that vehicle slightly without contact.
2. Install Equipment: Tow arms or wheel lifts are positioned under the vehicle’s wheels.
3. Secure the Load: Tow chains, soft straps, and wheel nets are used to avoid damage to the vehicle’s body or tires.
4. Move to Exit: With the vehicle now partially or fully lifted, the team carefully manoeuvres both the tow truck and the car back up the ramp to ground level.

Step 5: Completing The Tow

Once the vehicle is out of the underground structure, it’s transported based on the client’s request:

• To the nearest mechanic or dealership
• To the towing company’s impound lot (if illegally parked)
• To the owner’s home or a preferred location

Before leaving, the operator usually documents the vehicle’s condition and secures the garage (e.g., closes gates or notifies security) as per policy.

Common Scenarios Requiring Underground Towing

Mechanical Failures

Vehicles may experience mechanical issues such as engine failure, dead batteries, or transmission problems while parked underground. In such cases, specialized towing services are necessary to remove the vehicle without causing further damage.

Accidents And Collisions

Accidents within underground parking facilities can render vehicles immobile. Prompt removal is essential to restore normal traffic flow and prevent additional incidents.

Unauthorized Parking

Property managers often encounter situations where vehicles are parked without authorization. Underground towing services are employed to enforce parking regulations and maintain order within the facility.

Choosing The Right Underground Towing Service In Calgary

When selecting an underground towing service, consider the following factors:

• Experience and Expertise: Choose a company with a proven track record in underground towing.
• Specialized Equipment: Ensure the company possesses the necessary low-clearance tow trucks and related equipment.
• Availability: Opt for a service that offers 24/7 availability to address emergencies promptly.
• Insurance and Licensing: Verify that the company is fully insured and licensed to operate in Calgary.
• Customer Reviews: Research customer feedback to gauge the company’s reliability and professionalism.

About AAA Towing

AAA Towing is a trusted provider of comprehensive towing services in Calgary and the surrounding areas. With a fleet of specialized low-clearance tow trucks and a team of experienced operators, we offer reliable underground towing solutions tailored to the unique challenges of subterranean parking facilities.

Our commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction makes us the preferred choice for property managers, businesses, and drivers in need of professional towing services.

For immediate assistance or to learn more about our services, please visit our website or give us a call.