The Complete Roadside Assistance Guide for Texas Drivers

Texas roads are some of the longest and most varied in the country — from urban freeways to remote FM roads that stretch for miles without a gas station or cell tower. Knowing what to do when something goes wrong, and who to call, can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation.

This guide covers the most common roadside emergencies Texas drivers face and exactly how to handle each one.

Dead Battery

Signs Your Battery Is Dead

• Engine won't turn over when you turn the key
• Clicking sound when you try to start
• Lights are dim or won't come on

What to Do

If you have jumper cables and another vehicle is available, a jump-start may get you going. However, if your battery is old or has failed completely, a jump-start may only be a temporary fix.

Call JTT Towing for a jump-start if you're stranded. We can also advise whether your battery needs replacement.

Prevention tip: Texas heat is brutal on batteries. Have your battery tested if it's more than 3 years old, especially before summer.

Flat Tire

What to Do

1. Pull safely off the road before the tire is completely flat
2. Turn on hazard lights
3. If you have a spare and know how to change a tire safely, proceed — but only if you're fully off the road
4. If you're on a highway, in heavy traffic, or don't have a spare, call for roadside assistance

Important: Temporary spare tires ("donuts") are not designed for highway speeds or long distances. Drive no faster than 50 mph and get to a tire shop as soon as possible.

Prevention tip: Check your tire pressure monthly. Texas temperature swings cause pressure to fluctuate significantly.

Locked Out of Your Vehicle

Lockouts happen to everyone. If you're locked out:

1. Check all doors and the trunk — sometimes one is unlocked
2. Check if your vehicle has a keypad entry or a mobile app unlock feature
3. Call your roadside assistance provider or JTT Towing

Do not attempt to break into your own vehicle — you risk damaging the door, window, or lock mechanism, which can be expensive to repair.

Out of Fuel

Running out of gas on a rural Texas road can leave you stranded for a long time. If it happens:

1. Pull off the road safely and turn on hazard lights
2. Call JTT Towing — we offer fuel delivery service
3. If you must walk for help, walk facing traffic and stay as far from the road as possible

Prevention tip: On long drives through rural East Texas, fill up whenever you're below a quarter tank. Gas stations can be 20–30 miles apart on some routes.

Overheating Engine

Warning Signs

• Temperature gauge in the red zone
• Steam coming from under the hood
• Burning smell

What to Do

1. Pull over immediately — driving on an overheated engine can cause catastrophic damage
2. Turn off the engine
3. Do NOT open the radiator cap — pressurized coolant can cause severe burns
4. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking coolant levels
5. Call for a tow if the vehicle won't cool down or if coolant is visibly leaking

Prevention tip: Check your coolant level before long trips, especially in summer.

Stuck in Mud or a Ditch

East Texas roads — especially after heavy rain — can be treacherous. If you're stuck:

1. Don't spin your wheels excessively — you'll dig in deeper
2. Try rocking the vehicle gently between forward and reverse
3. If that doesn't work, call JTT Towing for winch-out and recovery service

When to Call JTT Towing

Call us any time you're:

• Stranded and need a tow
• Locked out of your vehicle
• Out of fuel
• Stuck in mud or a ditch
• Dealing with a flat tire you can't safely change
• Facing any roadside situation you can't resolve safely on your own

JTT Towing and Storage: (281) 224-0106

Available 24/7 in Dayton, Cleveland, and all of East Texas.

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JTT Towing and Storage serves Liberty County, San Jacinto County, Harris County, and surrounding communities including Baytown, Humble, Crosby, Liberty, Hardin, and more.