Vehicle trouble can strike at the worst possible time—whether you’re dealing with a flat tire on I-55 near Bloomington, stuck in a snowbank outside Peoria, or facing engine failure in Springfield. Understanding when to call a towing service can help you avoid further damage, stay safe, and make informed decisions in a stressful moment. Towing isn’t just for accidents—drivers rely on it for everything from breakdown recovery to off-road winch-outs and safe vehicle transport.
At AR Sparks Heavy Towing, we’ve spent over 20 years helping drivers across Illinois with reliable, fast, and professional towing solutions. Our certified operators are trained in flatbed towing, heavy-duty recovery, and off-road assistance. We’re fully licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), and we handle thousands of service calls each year across Champaign, Decatur, Rockford, and beyond. Below are 15 of the most common reasons drivers reach out to us—and how we help resolve their problems quickly and safely.
1. Mechanical or Engine Failure
One of the most common reasons drivers call us is a sudden breakdown—often caused by:
- Overheating engines
- Radiator or water pump failure
- Faulty spark plugs or alternator issues
If your car won’t start or is stalling repeatedly, continuing to drive could do more harm. We’ll safely tow your vehicle to your preferred mechanic or dealership.
2. After a Collision or Accident
Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major crash, a vehicle involved in an accident often needs towing. We handle:
- Insurance-approved accident recovery
- Vehicle rollover recovery
- Damaged frame or leaking fluid transport
You can request us directly from the scene in most areas across Illinois—you are not obligated to use the tow company police suggest.
“Every AR Sparks driver undergoes federally approved safety training and completes annual vehicle handling certifications. Our fleet is DOT inspected, GPS-tracked, and insured for up to $1M per incident.”
3. Dead Battery or Electrical Failure
A dead battery is a quick fix if caught early—but if repeated jumpstarts don’t work, your alternator may be the issue. We provide jumpstarts, diagnostics, and emergency towing if your car still won’t turn over.
4. Flat Tires or Tire Blowouts
Yes, you can tow a car with flat tires, but it must be done correctly. We recommend:
- Flatbed towing for maximum protection
- Dolly towing for short distances (if flatbed isn’t available)
- Avoiding wheel-lift towing, especially with two or more flat tires
5. You Ran Out of Fuel
It happens to the best of us. If you’re out of gas in a rural area or heavy traffic, call us. We can deliver fuel or tow your car to the nearest service station in Urbana, Normal, or beyond.
6. Off-Road Recovery or Snow Hazards
From getting stuck in a ditch during snow to spinning into a median during heavy rain, we perform:
- 4×4 off-road recovery
- Winch-out services
- Mud, sand, or snow extraction
AR Sparks is fully equipped with winches, rigging systems, and off-road recovery tools for all terrain types.
7. Towing Heavy Equipment
Many calls are from business owners or contractors needing:
- Tractor transport
- Bobcat, forklift, or skid-steer hauling
- Delivery of industrial equipment
We have lowboy trailers and flatbeds designed for heavy, oversized, or sensitive equipment moves.
8. Illegally Parked Vehicles on Private Property
Private property owners can’t simply remove vehicles—they must comply with local Illinois towing laws. We offer legal, contract-based:
- Trespass towing
- Unauthorized vehicle removal
- Signage installation for compliance
9. Vehicle Impoundment or Theft Recovery
Has your car been recovered by police or released from impound? You’ll likely need to tow it home or to a mechanic—especially if it was damaged during theft or seizure.
10. Selling or Transferring Ownership
When selling a car, or gifting one to a family member, a car tow may be the safest way to deliver it—especially if it’s not insured or registered yet.
11. Relocating a Stored Vehicle
Storing your car for the winter? Moving to college? We provide seasonal towing for snowbirds, students, and traveling professionals.
12. Engine Fire or Dangerous Leaks
If your vehicle has caught fire or is leaking fuel, oil, or coolant, do not attempt to drive it. We offer hazmat-compliant towing for sensitive or potentially dangerous vehicle recoveries.
13. How to Stop a Tow Truck from Stealing Your Car
Yes, you read that right. Unfortunately, some unauthorized tow companies prey on uninformed vehicle owners.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Check ID & paperwork before releasing your vehicle
- Verify company license with local authorities
- Know your rights – in Illinois, tow operators must comply with state law
- Avoid cash-only payments
If a company refuses to show ID or threatens to hold your car illegally, contact the police immediately.
14. How to Call the Tow Truck (Step-by-Step)
When it’s time to call the tow truck, have the following ready:
- Location (cross-streets or GPS pin)
- Vehicle type and issue
- Tow type (flatbed, dolly, wheel-lift, or heavy-duty)
- Drop-off destination (shop, home, dealer)
- Contact info and method of payment
Our dispatchers are trained to guide you through the process and get help en route within minutes.
15. When You Just “Need Towing Inc” in Illinois
Even when there’s no emergency, our customers often call because they simply need towing—it’s faster, safer, and reduces liability when moving vehicles, trailers, or machines across town or state.
Why Illinois Trusts AR Sparks Heavy Towing
We’re a local, family-run company offering:
- Licensed & Insured Drivers
- Flatbeds, Heavy-Duty Rigs, and Off-Road Equipment
- 24/7 Dispatch Across Illinois
- 30-Minute Response Times in Most Cities
- Transparent Pricing with Written Estimates
- 4.8★ Google Rating
Service Areas:
Springfield • Peoria • Bloomington • Champaign • Rockford • Decatur • Urbana • Normal • East St. Louis
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. How much does it cost to tow a car in Illinois?
Rates vary by distance, type of tow, and time of day. Most tows in-state range from $75–$200. Long-distance and heavy equipment cost more.
2. Can I tow my own car with flat tires?
Only if you have the proper equipment and experience. Otherwise, it’s best to call the tow truck and request a flatbed.
3. Is towing covered by insurance?
Many auto policies include roadside assistance. Check with your provider. We supply documentation for reimbursement.
4. How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive?
We average 20–30 minutes in cities and 45+ in rural zones, depending on weather and traffic.
5. What should I do while waiting for the tow truck?
Stay safe. Exit the vehicle if on a busy road, turn on hazards, and remain visible. Avoid accepting help from strangers.6. What info should I give when calling a tow truck?
Location, type of issue, vehicle info, desired destination, and a callback number.
