A breakdown or accident can happen at any time, whether you’re on a quiet country road or in the middle of a highway. Knowing the right reflexes, official procedures, and the cost of car towing will save you time, money… and help you avoid even more stressful situations. Here’s a complete guide to everything you need to know about car towing, from regulations to affordable alternatives.
When should you have your car towed?
Towing becomes necessary when your vehicle cannot restart on its own and a quick on-site repair is impossible. The most frequent causes are:
A serious mechanical failure (engine, transmission, brakes)
An accident that makes driving dangerous
A serious breakdown (clutch, electronics, engine failure)
Extreme weather conditions prevent any safe driving
On motorways or expressways, towing is mandatory in all cases where the vehicle cannot drive under its own power.
What should you do as soon as the breakdown occurs?
Secure the area: park on the shoulder or emergency stopping lane, turn on your hazard lights and put on your high-vis vest.
Place the warning triangle: approximately 30 meters behind your vehicle (except on motorways, where this can be dangerous).
Move away from traffic: wait behind the guardrails.
Contact the right people (Tow truck Winnipeg).
Who should I contact for towing depending on the location of the breakdown?
On highways or expressways: use an orange emergency call box. Regulations require you to contact an authorized breakdown service. The call boxes are geolocated to facilitate intervention, generally in less than 30 minutes.
Whether on the road or in town: you can call your car insurance company directly to be directed to an approved breakdown service, or contact a nearby garage.
More Tips: Contacting your insurance company first can save you from having to pay upfront if your contract includes assistance.
What is the difference between towing and roadside assistance?
Breakdown service: quick on-site repair (e.g., flat battery, flat tire) in less than 30 minutes.
Towing: transporting the vehicle to a garage when immediate repair is impossible.
What is the price of towing in Winnipeg?
The price varies depending on several factors:
- Location of the intervention (highway, city, rural area)
- Towing distance
- Vehicle type and weight
- Flatbed service near me
- Hours (surcharge applies at night, on weekends and public holidays)
Price ranges excluding motorway access:
• 10 km: $80 to $100
• 20 km: $100 to $120
• 30 km: $120 to $150
• 40 km: $150 to $180
• 50 km: $180 to $200
What are the regulated rates for motorway towing in 2025?
Prices are set by ministerial decree and depend on the weight of the vehicle and the time of day:
On-site repair (≤ 30 min) or towing to a nearby location:
≤ 1.8 tonnes: $150 ($223.01 surcharge)
1.8 to 3.5 tonnes: $183.83 ($275.75 surcharge)
Surcharge: +50% at night (6pm-8am), weekends and public holidays.
Can you tow your own car?
Yes, but only outside of motorways and expressways, and provided that the law is respected:
• Use an approved tow bar (rope or chain prohibited)
• The towing vehicle must be large than the towed vehicle.
• Limit the speed to 25 km/h
• Turn on the hazard lights and limit the journey to a short distance.
How to reduce or avoid car towing costs?
• Car insurance: check if your contract includes breakdown and towing assistance (often free or with a deductible).
• Bank card: some offer roadside assistance included.
• Specific contracts: some guarantees extend coverage to all of France and even abroad.
What if your car is immobilized for several days?
A breakdown can sometimes immobilize your vehicle for several days while repairs are carried out. In this case, to continue your journeys, renting a car from Carrefour Location is a quick and economical solution.
With a national network and a range from small 4-seater city cars to 9-seater minibuses, you can get back on the road immediately while your vehicle is being repaired.
Getting your car towed in case of a breakdown: what you need to know
On the motorway, only an authorized breakdown service provider can intervene.
Prices vary from $100 to $300 depending on the distance, type of vehicle and time of day.
Self-towing is prohibited on motorways and limited to 25 km/h elsewhere.
Your insurance or bank card may reduce, or even eliminate, the fees.
In the event of prolonged immobilization, renting a vehicle from Carrefour Location is a practical alternative to remain mobile.
Conclusion
By choosing FutureTowing for your roadside assistance in Winnipeg, you’re opting for a reliable, affordable, and professional service. With extensive regional coverage, transparent pricing, and outstanding customer service, they are the ideal solution to meet all your roadside assistance needs.
Don’t let a breakdown ruin your day; trust FutureTowing Breakdown Service to get you back on the road with complete peace of mind. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes them a key player in the roadside assistance industry.
