Breaking down at an undesired time and place can be quite annoying. Your car may create some kind of trouble while you are on Sheikh Zayed Road or at a busy intersection. The hot weather and traffic in the UAE can also cause problems. The more information you have ready on how to book a tow truck, the easier the towing process will be. The Information, such as your location, vehicle type, and the reason for needing a tow truck, will help them find you faster and pick you up. CarTow is one of the applications that lets you order a towing service directly through the mobile app, find nearby available towing vehicles, and track their location and progress toward you.
1. Check Whether You Actually Need a Tow
Before requesting a tow, first identify the problem with your vehicle. Not every roadside issue requires a tow truck.
CarTow currently offers roadside car towing, while its flat-tyre repair and battery jump-start services are listed as coming soon. If you need one of these services, you must contact a separate roadside assistance provider.
Towing is typically preferred when your vehicle cannot be driven to a safe location, such as when you are involved in an accident, your vehicle breaks down, or you experience another problem that renders your vehicle unable to be driven in a safe manner
When requesting service, make sure to specify the situation, such as whether your vehicle won’t start, has been damaged in an accident, is otherwise unable to be driven, or has overheated.
This allows the provider to better understand the situation in advance.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, follow the required police reporting process before arranging private towing when needed.
2. Set Up Your Account Before a Breakdown
It’s much easier to prepare your towing account before you actually need it.
With CarTow: Download the app and register using your UAE phone number and name, and verify your account through an SMS code. You can also include vehicle information in your profile.
Saves time in an emergency. Rather than writing your details on the side of a broken-down car, you can simply open the app and ask for help in fewer steps.
Update your vehicle information if you change cars or are assigned a new plate number.
3. Keep Your Location and Vehicle Details Ready
One of the most important factors when calling for a tow truck in Dubai is your specific location.
Rather than a general landmark, provide the road name, direction of travel, nearest exit, or another clear reference point. CarTow helps users share their GPS location or enter their location manually.
You will also need to have the following vehicle information available:
- Make and model
- Vehicle colour
- Plate number
- Drop-off location
Saving these details in your profile can speed up future bookings. If any information changes, you can update the saved vehicle details from your profile.
4. Request a Tow Through the App
Once your location is accessible, simply open the CarTow app to arrange for a tow truck. The app shows a list of captains on an interactive map. You will see details such as their ratings, photos, and estimated time of arrival. Then pick the captain you prefer, select your car, enter the destination, and send the request.
After booking, you can track the captain’s progress and contact them directly through available communication options, including calls or WhatsApp.
Keep in mind that payment is currently cash-only and is settled directly with the captain. Card and digital wallet payments are planned but are not currently available. It’s therefore useful to have cash ready before the tow arrives.
If you no longer need the service, you can cancel the booking before the captain accepts it by selecting the relevant reason.
5. Stay Safe While Waiting
- However‚ requesting a tow only solves part of the problem: drivers and passengers need to be as safe as possible while waiting․
- If possible‚ such as on a highway‚ move your car off the road and flash hazard lights․
- Do not stand in the immediate danger area and do not interfere with highway traffic․
- Keep your phone charged‚ as the captain may occasionally need more information or instructions․
- Have your driver’s license‚ vehicle registration‚ and proof of insurance available in case the officer asks to see them․
- Move the vehicle out of the road‚ preferably to the road shoulder‚ if possible and safe to do so․
- Dubai can be very hot, and it is best to remain in the vehicle with the air conditioning on if possible․
- If the engine overheats or it is impossible to keep driving‚ pull over to the roadside‚ out of the traffic․
- If able‚ stay in the shade or a safe place․ Have water or drinks available in case you feel unwell․
- Most importantly‚ don’t keep driving a broken-down vehicle just because the tow truck is not there․
- If there is still traffic moving‚ reduce your speed‚ drive towards the side of the road‚ and turn off the engine․
6. Choose a Towing Service You Can Rely On
Fast response times matter when your car breaks down, but they aren’t the only thing to consider.
Check out the whole service, from booking to communication with the driver, to vehicle tracking, and how customer support handles questions.
CarTow offers towing services across the UAE, including Dubai and the rest of the Emirates. The application provides a feature to keep track of your tow in real-time. The application also provides four languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu.
For non-urgent issues, customers are advised to use the chat feature or email. They can also check the Help section for the most frequently asked questions.
Customers are advised to provide the exact location, vehicle details, and a description of the issue to the tow service so it can be done quickly.
Quick Reference: What to Have Ready
| Before You Need Help | When You Need a Tow |
| CarTow app downloaded | Exact location shared |
| Account created and verified | Clear description of the problem |
| Vehicle details saved | Vehicle safely positioned if possible |
| Driving licence and vehicle documents accessible | Hazard lights switched on |
| Payment method prepared | Cash ready for payment |
Conclusion
Getting a tow truck in Dubai doesn’t have to be stressful. Make sure your CarTow account is ready before you need it, save your car information, and know where you are exactly. If your car breaks down, clearly explain the issue and follow basic safety steps while you wait.CarTow now offers towing through its app, with details about nearby tow drivers and live tracking during the booking. Repairing tyres and jump-starting a battery are services that will be available soon. Having this information ready in advance can help turn an unexpected problem into a smoother experience.
