The Texas Roadside Assistance Guide: What You Should Do

Whether you’re stuck on the side of a busy Dallas freeway or a rural highway in West Texas, breaking down is never convenient. Luckily, finding Texas roadside assistance is simple, especially if you’re already prepared. In this guide, we’ll cover what to do and who to call if your car stops working so you’re prepared no matter where the road takes you.
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What to Do If You’re Stranded on the Side of the Road in Texas
Getting stuck on the side of the road can be stressful, especially on busy Texas highways where traffic moves fast. Knowing what to do if you’re stranded on the side of the road in Texas can keep you safe and get you help faster.
- If you can still drive your vehicle, pull it to the right, as far off the roadway as you can. Aim for the shoulder, an exit ramp, or a nearby parking lot. Turn your wheels away from traffic, and set the parking brake.
- Make your vehicle visible. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you have reflective triangles, road flares, or LED beacons, place them behind your vehicle to alert approaching traffic, especially at night. Open the vehicle’s hood, and tie a light colored cloth to the antenna.
- Stay inside your vehicle when you can. On busy roads, it’s usually safest to remain in your car with your seatbelt on. If you must leave the car, move well away from traffic.
- Call for Texas roadside assistance. Be ready to share your exact location, such as the highway name, mile marker, nearby exit, or GPS location, and describe the problem.
- Call 911 if your safety is at risk, such as if you’re in immediate danger, involved in a crash, blocking traffic, or stranded in a hazardous location.
- Avoid accepting help from strangers unless necessary. While many Texans are genuinely helpful, it’s best to wait for official roadside assistance. If someone stops to help, remain cautious. Keep your doors locked, only open your window a crack, and avoid sharing personal information.
- Leave details if you have to abandon your vehicle. Write down your name, the date, the time you left, the direction you’re heading, and information from the person who’s picking you up, if applicable. Contact law enforcement to inform them where and why you left your car.
What to Do If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
We’ve all been there. You’re driving down a busy Texas highway when your tire goes flat or your engine starts smoking. So what should you do? First things first, take a deep breath and pull over safely without panicking. Slow down as soon as you notice the problem and move your vehicle to the right, away from traffic. If possible, avoid stopping on curves, hills, or narrow shoulders.
Once stopped, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and set up reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle. Contact your Texas roadside assistance provider or insurance company as soon as possible to get help.
Be prepared for Texas weather conditions. Temperatures can be extreme. It’s best to prepare by keeping water in your car during hot months so you can stay hydrated while you wait for help. In colder months, keep warm clothing or blankets.
Who to Call for Emergency Roadside Assistance
When it comes to Texas roadside assistance, you have a number of options. Knowing who to call can give you peace of mind should the worst happen.
- Mopar: Mopar offers Texas roadside assistance for vehicles that are disabled or stranded. Mopar service is included for 5 years or 60,000 miles when purchasing a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram. They provide help with lockouts, towing, flat tires, and fuel delivery. Call 1-800-521-2779 if you need assistance!
- Motorists Helpline: Texas provides a free helpline for motorists in need. If you’re stranded on the side of the road or your car is disabled, call the Motorists Helpline at 1-800-525-5555. The helpline connects you to a dispatcher in the area who will send a law enforcement officer to help. They can assist with jumping your car, changing a flat, or lockouts. If your car needs to be towed, they can connect you with a local towing company.
- TxDOT Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO): TxDOT provides an emergency response program in several key areas, including El Paso, Austin, San Antonio, and the Permian Basin. Call 1-512-974-HERO for free roadside assistance on highways in these areas.
- AAA: Members of AAA can access roadside assistance through their app. AAA offers winching, flat replacement, jump starts, battery replacement, fuel delivery, and more through their mobile app.
- Your auto insurance company: Many Texas auto insurance policies include roadside assistance as an add-on. Call your insurer’s claims or roadside number to be connected with a vetted service provider. The policy may cover some or all of the charges.
- 911: If you’re in immediate danger, involved in a significant crash, blocking traffic, or stranded in an unsafe location, call 911. Texas law enforcement or highway services will help secure the scene and coordinate assistance.
What Does the Mopar Roadside Assistance Cover?
Mopar offers 24/7 roadside assistance as part of your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle warranty or extended protection plan. Mopar is included for 5 years or up to 60,000 miles when you purchase a new vehicle. Here’s what’s included in the Mopar roadside assistance:
- Towing: If your vehicle becomes inoperable, Mopar will dispatch a tow truck to take your vehicle to the closest authorized dealership. This service is available around the clock during the coverage period.
- Battery boost: If your vehicle won’t start because of a dead battery, a technician will be sent to jump-start your battery on site.
- Flat tire service: If you have a flat tire, Mopar can send a technician to remove the damaged tire and install your inflated spare.
- Fuel delivery: If you run out of gas, Mopar will deliver a small amount of fuel so you can reach the nearest gas station.
- Lockout assistance: If you accidentally lock your keys in the vehicle or the locks freeze, Mopar will send someone to help you gain entry.
Texas Roadside Assistance
Nobody wants to get stranded on the side of the road, but life happens anyway. Knowing who to call for roadside assistance can make a stressful situation easier if your car breaks down.
If you’re looking for added peace of mind, working with Boggus Tipton can make a real difference. We offer Mopar roadside assistance with the purchase of new vehicles, extended service plans, and expert help at our service department. Come check us out today to see why we’re the trusted dealership of Brownsville and beyond. While we’re located in Brownsville, we serve the entire area, including Mission, Harlingen, Weslaco, and beyond. We even serve cities farther away, such as Houston and San Antonio. Whether you need a new car or maintenance such as transmission repair, general auto repair, suspension repair, new custom tires, or auto glass repair, we can help.
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