KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Car towing is available around the clock, every day of the week.
- We confirm the price with you before the car is hooked up.
- Wheel-lift or flatbed, chosen to suit your car and where it is.
- Drop-off at home, any Richmond mechanic, or a dealer in Richmond or Vancouver.
- Tell us the make, model and what happened so we send the right truck.
When do you need car towing instead of a boost or a tire change?
Some problems can be fixed where the car sits. A flat battery often only needs a boost, and a flat tire can often be swapped for the spare. Car towing is the answer when the car still won't run after a boost, when there is a warning light for oil pressure or overheating, when a wheel or suspension part is damaged, or when the car has been in a collision.
If you are not sure, describe what the car is doing when you call. We will tell you honestly whether it sounds like a roadside fix or a tow, so you don't pay for a truck you don't need.
- Engine cranks but won't start, even after a boost
- Smoke, steam or a strong burning smell
- Grinding brakes, a loose wheel or a bent rim
- Transmission won't engage or slips badly
- Car has been in a crash and isn't safe to drive
Which tow truck is right for your car?
Most everyday cars can travel safely on either a wheel-lift or a flatbed. The choice depends on the drivetrain, the car's ride height and the damage. A wheel-lift lifts one end and is quick to set up in a tight spot. A flatbed carries the whole car on the deck, which suits all-wheel drive, lowered cars and anything with damage at the wheels.
| Your situation | Usual truck | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Front-wheel drive car, no damage | Wheel-lift or flatbed | Drive wheels can be lifted, so either works |
| All-wheel drive or 4x4 | Flatbed | Keeps every wheel off the road |
| Lowered or sports car | Flatbed | Gentler loading angle protects bumpers |
| Broken wheel or axle after a hit | Flatbed | The car can't roll on that corner |
| Car stuck in an underground parkade | Low-profile truck with wheel dollies | Fits under low ceilings and tight ramps |
How car towing works with Zip Towing
Call Zip Towing and tell us where the car is, what it is and where you want it to go. We confirm the price before anything is hooked up, so there are no surprises at the destination. The driver checks the car, notes any existing damage with you, and secures it for the trip.
If you are riding along, say so when you book. If you are dropping the car at a shop after hours, we can leave it in the shop's lot and you can let them know the key drop arrangement.
Where can we take your car in Richmond, BC?
Car towing doesn't have to mean the nearest lot. We take cars to your home driveway, to the mechanic you already trust anywhere in Richmond or nearby, or to a dealer service department in Richmond or Vancouver. After a crash, we take it to the body shop you and ICBC agree on.
Need to go further, such as to a ferry terminal, the BC Interior or Alberta? We quote that before pickup too. Long distance hauling covers those trips in more detail.
What to have ready before the car towing truck arrives
A little preparation makes the hook-up smoother and keeps you safe while you wait. Most of this takes a minute or two.
- Keys, including any separate fob or valet key
- The exact spot: cross street, lot entrance or a landmark
- The destination address and whether the shop is open
- Personal items you need, taken out of the car
- Hazard lights on, and you waiting somewhere safe off the road
Car towing in Bridgeport, Richmond, BC
A lot of our car towing calls start on Bridgeport Rd, close to where we are based. It is busy all day and lined with driveways and lot entrances, so a stalled car there is a hazard for everyone. If you can, roll into a lot entrance or side street and put your hazards on. We will meet you there and load from the safest side.
Cars parked all day near Bridgeport Station on the Canada Line sometimes come back to a flat battery. If a boost doesn't bring it back, we tow it to your mechanic instead of leaving you in the lot.
In Tait, part of our Bridgeport service area, the streets off No. 4 Rd like Gilmore Crescent and Finlayson Drive are quiet, with big lots and family homes. We are careful near Tait Elementary at drop-off and pick-up times and will load in your driveway when there is room.
Questions drivers ask
Can you tow my car if I lost the keys?
Usually yes. Without keys the car may be locked in park, so we may use wheel dollies or the flatbed winch. Tell us when you call so we bring the right gear.
Can I ride in the tow truck with my car?
In most cases one passenger can ride along. Let us know when you book so we can confirm there is a seat.
Will towing damage my car?
Not when the right truck is used and the car is secured properly. That is why we ask about the drivetrain and any damage before we arrive.
Do you tow cars at night in Bridgeport?
Yes. Car towing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
How is the price for car towing set?
It depends on the distance, the truck needed and the car's condition. We confirm the price with you before we hook up.