There’s nothing quite as frustrating as turning your key on a cold morning—or a late-night drive—only to hear the dreaded click of a dead battery. Battery failures happen to the best of us, and while battery boosting is a common solution, there are times when you’ll need professional help.

In such moments, calling a towing company is the right move. But what should you do in the time between your call and the arrival of a tow truck?

This downtime might seem like wasted time, but it’s an important period to stay safe, gather information, and prepare. Whether you’re stranded in a busy parking lot or on a snowy roadside, this guide will walk you through the essential steps you should take while waiting for help.

Step 1: Move Your Vehicle To A Safe Spot (If You Can)

If your battery fails in a dangerous location, such as an intersection, bridge, or highway shoulder, your priority is safety. If the vehicle still has some power or can coast safely, try to move it to the side of the road or a safer area like a nearby lot.

Use Hazard Lights Immediately

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Visibility is key, especially in winter conditions when snow, fog, or early dusk can reduce visibility.

Step 2: Call For Professional Help

Once you’re in a safe spot (or as safe as possible), contact a local towing company that provides roadside assistance. Mention that you need battery boosting, and they’ll usually send a technician or tow truck accordingly.

Pro Tip

If you’re in Alberta or British Columbia, reliable companies like AAA Towing offer 24/7 emergency services for battery issues, roadside assistance, and heavy-duty towing.

Step 3: Stay Inside Your Vehicle

Unless it’s unsafe to remain in your car (like in a collision or severe weather hazard), staying inside your vehicle is often your best option. It offers protection from other vehicles and the elements, especially during extreme cold snaps.

Keep The Doors Locked

While rare, roadside assistance scams and opportunistic theft can occur. It’s smart to keep your doors locked until the tow truck driver arrives and identifies themselves.

Step 4: Conserve Your Phone Battery

Your phone is your lifeline when you’re stuck. From updating your towing company to checking your location or calling loved ones, a dead phone battery is the last thing you need.

Reduce Usage And Brightness

Turn down your screen brightness, close apps, and avoid streaming or browsing. If you have a car charger and enough battery reserve, plug in your phone for extra peace of mind.

Step 5: Make Yourself Visible

Especially at night or in poor weather, make sure other drivers can see your vehicle.

Use Reflective Gear Or Signals

If you have a reflective triangle, flare, or bright cloth, place it a few metres behind your car. These tools can signal to oncoming traffic and also help the tow truck operator locate you more easily.

Step 6: Don’t Attempt A Boost If You’re Unsure

It’s tempting to accept help from a stranger offering a boost, but be cautious. Improper jump-starting can damage your vehicle’s electrical system or even cause injury. If you’re not confident about using jumper cables or a booster pack, it’s safer to wait for professional battery boosting services.

Use Of Modern Boosting Equipment

Many tow operators now use safe, portable booster packs that avoid the risks associated with jumper cables. Plus, trained professionals know how to assess your battery’s health on the spot.

Step 7: Prepare Basic Information For The Tow Truck Operator

Speed up your service by preparing key information while you wait.

Have This Ready

• Your exact location (use Google Maps or nearby landmarks)
  
• Vehicle make, model, and colour
  
• License plate number
  
• Nature of the problem (e.g., “dead battery,” “won’t start after sitting overnight”)
  

Providing this info in advance helps the dispatcher assign the right vehicle—especially important when requesting battery boosting versus a full tow.

Step 8: Stay Warm (Or Cool) Safely

In Canada, waiting in winter can be dangerous. But running your car’s heat continuously isn’t always safe if the engine’s not running reliably.

Bundle Up And Use Blankets

Keep a blanket, gloves, and a hat in your car during the winter season. These can make a huge difference during long waits.

In warmer weather, stay hydrated and ventilate your vehicle by cracking windows.

Step 9: Use The Time To Assess Your Battery Health

Was this a one-off situation or a sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life? If you’ve needed battery boosting more than once recently, your battery may be due for replacement.

Signs Your Battery Is Failing

• Slow engine crank
  
• Dim headlights
  
• Repeated need for boosts
  
• Corrosion on battery terminals
  

Most car batteries last 3–5 years in Canada. If yours is older, it might be time to have it tested or replaced.

Step 10: Consider Signing Up For Roadside Assistance

If you’ve just gone through the hassle of waiting for help, now’s a good time to think long-term. Roadside assistance memberships offer peace of mind and priority service during emergencies.

About Us – AAA Towing

AAA Towing is a trusted, full-service towing company based in Calgary, Alberta. For over 30 years, we’ve delivered reliable roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and battery boosting services to drivers across Calgary and the surrounding areas.

From heavy-duty towing to light roadside help, our professional operators are equipped to handle every situation with speed and care—24/7.

Need help right now? Contact us today or call for immediate service.