Broke down on I-35 or MoPac? Locked out downtown? One call connects you with independent tow operators, shops and locksmiths near you.
Call (877) 360-4657Free to call · Connects you with an independent local provider
Austin towing calls often start on I-35, one of the busiest roads in Texas. Heavy traffic, ongoing construction and summer heat all add up. WrenchLine is a free referral service. We connect you with independent local tow operators, auto repair shops and locksmiths.
Austin sits where Texas flattens out to the east and turns into Hill Country to the west. That means hot summers, sudden storms and roads that can flood fast. Here is what local drivers should know.
Austin towing on I-35, MoPac and US 183
Traffic on I-35, MoPac (Loop 1) and US 183 can go from full speed to a crawl in seconds. That makes a breakdown in a travel lane dangerous. If your car starts acting up, move to the right early and take an exit if you can.
- Move right at the first sign of trouble
- Use hazard lights, and flares only if it is safe to step out
- Tell the tow operator if your car is all-wheel drive
- Ask for the price and where the car will go before it is hooked up
If you are stuck, turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot get off the road, stay in the car with your seat belt on and call 911. Once you are safe, call and we’ll connect you with a tow operator who can give you an estimated arrival time.
For emergency towing after a crash, call 911 first if anyone is hurt, and follow the directions of police at the scene. Once everyone is safe, you can call to be connected with a tow operator.
Auto repair in Austin: heat, stop-and-go and storms
Long, hot summers wear down batteries and AC systems, and crawling traffic makes engines run warmer. Brakes also take a beating in stop-and-go driving on the upper and lower decks of I-35 and on MoPac at rush hour.
- Grinding or squeaking brakes
- AC that can’t keep up in the afternoon
- Check engine light after rain or flooding
- Slow starts on hot mornings
Spring storms can bring hail and flash floods. The area west of town has many low-water crossings. If you drove through deep water and the car now runs rough, or your check engine light came on after a storm, have it looked at soon.
Auto repair in Austin often means brake repair, AC service and figuring out warning lights. When you call, describe the sound or problem and when it happens so the shop can plan the visit.
Talk to a local provider now
Have your location and vehicle details ready. Ask for the full price before any work starts.
Call (877) 360-4657Car lockouts and new keys in Austin
Locked your keys in the car at a trailhead, a game or a downtown garage? We connect you with independent local locksmiths who can open most cars and cut or program replacement keys and fobs. If a child or pet is locked inside on a hot day, call 911 first.
- Expect the locksmith to ask for a photo ID and proof you own the car, such as the registration or title.
- Ask for the total price, including any service call fee, before any work starts.
- Tell them where the car is parked, including garage level or trailhead name.
A car lockout in Austin can happen downtown or at a quiet trailhead with weak cell signal. If you can, move to a spot where your phone works well before you call.
Typical costs in Austin
Frequently asked questions
Where will my car be towed?
Usually to the repair shop of your choice or to your home. Tell the tow operator where you want it to go before they hook up the car. Longer distances usually cost more.
My check engine light came on after a storm. Is that serious?
It may be minor, like a loose gas cap, or it may point to water getting where it should not. If the light is flashing or the car runs rough, stop driving and call for help. A shop can read the code and tell you more.
Do you send your own tow trucks?
No. WrenchLine does not own tow trucks. We connect you with independent local tow operators, who set their own prices and handle the tow.
Should I keep driving with grinding brakes?
It is best not to. Grinding often means the pads are worn down to metal, which can damage the rotors and make stopping less reliable. Have the car checked soon, or ask for a tow if braking feels unsafe.
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Have your location and vehicle details ready. Ask for the full price before any work starts.
Call (877) 360-4657WrenchLine is a free referral service. We are not a repair shop, towing company or locksmith and do not perform any services. Calls are connected to independent, third-party providers who set their own prices. Calls may be recorded. Not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer, insurer or motor club. [Legal business name] · [Street address, City, ST ZIP]