A vehicle breakdown is stressful at any time, but darkness adds another layer of risk. Passing drivers may have difficulty seeing your vehicle, it can be harder to identify your exact location, and cold temperatures can become a concern quickly in Northern Colorado. If you need roadside assistance at night, focus first on visibility, location, and personal safety.
If you need roadside assistance at night, focus first on visibility, location, and personal safety.
Roadside Assistance at Night: The Quick Answer
When you need roadside assistance at night, get fully out of traffic, turn on your hazards, stay inside the vehicle if it is safely off the road, and share your exact location with dispatch. Check COtrip for road conditions, and keep warm clothing in the car using the NHTSA winter driving tips.
Move Out of Traffic When Possible
If the vehicle can still move safely, get completely out of the travel lane.
Look for:
- A parking lot
- A side street
- A wide shoulder
- A well-lit business
- A rest area or turnout
- Another level area away from traffic
Do not stop around a blind curve or at the crest of a hill when you have a safer option.
If the vehicle cannot move and is blocking active traffic, call 911.
Turn On Hazard Lights
Hazard lights can make a stopped vehicle easier to notice.
Use other vehicle lighting as appropriate, but remember that lights draw battery power when the engine is not running.
If you have reflective emergency equipment, use it only when it can be placed without exposing yourself to moving traffic.
Do not walk into a dark roadway to place a triangle or flare.
Decide Where It Is Safest to Wait
The safest waiting location depends on the situation.
If the vehicle is well off the roadway in a protected area, remaining inside with your seat belt fastened may be safer than standing outside.
If there is fire, smoke, a fuel leak, or another immediate hazard, move away from the vehicle to a safer location if you can do so without crossing traffic.
Never stand between your vehicle and moving traffic.
If you are in a parking lot or other public area and feel unsafe because of another person, move to a well-lit occupied location if possible and contact law enforcement when necessary.
Share an Accurate Location
Nighttime landmarks can be difficult to identify, so use your phone’s map when possible.
Tell roadside dispatch:
- Street address, if available
- Highway or road name
- Direction of travel
- Nearest exit or mile marker
- Cross street
- Nearby business or landmark
- GPS location
- Vehicle make, model, and color
If you are on a highway, knowing whether you are northbound, southbound, eastbound, or westbound can save considerable confusion.
Keep Your Phone Available
Roadside dispatch or the technician may call to confirm your position.
Keep the volume on and answer unfamiliar calls while your service request is active.
Conserve battery power by closing unnecessary apps, reducing screen brightness, and avoiding nonessential phone use.
A portable power bank is a useful addition to any roadside emergency kit.
Tell Someone Where You Are
If you are alone, consider sharing your location with a trusted friend or family member.
Tell them:
- Where you are
- What happened
- Which roadside provider you called
- Your estimated service time, if one was provided
This is particularly useful during late-night travel or when you are in an unfamiliar area.
Be Cautious With Strangers
A well-meaning driver may stop to offer help, but you do not have to open your door or leave the vehicle if you are uncomfortable.
If you have already called roadside assistance, you can tell anyone offering help that a technician is on the way.
When the technician arrives, confirm the company or service request before allowing work to begin.
Prepare for Cold Weather
Nighttime temperatures in Northern Colorado can drop quickly.
Keep items such as:
- Warm coat
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Hat and gloves
- Water
- Nonperishable snacks
- Flashlight
- Phone charger or power bank
If snow is accumulating and you run the engine for heat, make sure the exhaust outlet remains clear. A blocked exhaust can allow carbon monoxide to accumulate.
Do Not Attempt Risky Roadside Repairs in the Dark
Changing a tire or checking under the hood may seem simple during daylight. At night, reduced visibility and passing traffic can make the same task much more dangerous.
Do not crawl under the vehicle, work on unstable ground, or stand next to high-speed traffic.
If you cannot perform the task safely, wait for professional assistance.
What Information Should You Give the Technician?
In addition to your location, explain the problem clearly.
For a no-start:
- Does the engine crank?
- Do you hear clicking?
- Are the lights bright or dim?
For a flat tire:
- Which tire is flat?
- Do you have a spare?
- Do you have a wheel-lock key?
For fuel delivery:
- Is the vehicle gasoline or diesel?
For a lockout:
- Where are the keys?
- Is anyone trapped inside?
Clear information can help the technician arrive better prepared.
When to Call 911
Roadside assistance is not a substitute for emergency services.
Call 911 if:
- Someone is injured
- Your vehicle is blocking an active traffic lane
- There is a fire or major fuel leak
- You have been involved in a serious crash
- You are in immediate danger
- You feel threatened and cannot move to a safer location
Emergency responders may need to secure the scene before roadside work can begin.
24/7 Roadside Assistance in Northern Colorado
All Out Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 help in Fort Collins and surrounding Northern Colorado communities for common roadside problems including:
- Battery jump-starts
- Vehicle lockouts
- Flat tire changes
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Battery delivery and installation
- Select mobile mechanic services
Need Roadside Assistance at Night?
We provide roadside assistance at night across Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.
Call 24/7 Dispatch: 970-412-6926
Provide your exact location, vehicle description, and the problem you are experiencing. Basic daytime services start at $65. After-hours, mileage, parts, fuel, processing, and additional labor charges may apply.
