What Do You Reach for When Your Car Gives Out?
One minute you’re cruising along I-90, the next you’re pulled onto the shoulder with hazards on and trucks barreling past. That kind of moment scrambles your thoughts fast. But a vehicle breakdown doesn’t have to turn into full-blown chaos. What our towing team has learned out here is this: the gear you’ve got in your trunk can either keep things manageable or make the whole wait feel endless. If you ever find yourself needing I-90 roadside assistance, these five items should already be riding with you.
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Your phone light isn’t enough when your hood’s up on the side of a highway.
If the sun’s down or the weather’s bad, being able to see clearly matters a lot.
When You Can’t See What’s Wrong
Sometimes drivers are crouched in the dark, using a dying phone to check the engine. If something’s leaking or your tire’s flat, you need more than a glow. You need an actual beam.
Why We Always Keep One Nearby
Good lighting helps you spot issues fast, keeps you visible to other drivers, and lets us find you quicker when we roll up. Toss in fresh batteries so your backup doesn’t become another problem.
Portable Phone Charger
A dead phone turns a breakdown into a real mess.
No contact. No map. No updates.
What Happens Without One
When you need to call for I-90 roadside assistance, you want to avoid your phone dying before communicating your location. Without power, you lose track of time, directions, and options.
Keeps the I-90 Roadside Assistance Call on Track
Calls drop, directions get fuzzy, and meeting up becomes harder. If you’re stranded and your battery’s low, you’re going to feel that stress pile up quick. With a charger in your glove box, that worry’s off your list.
Reflective Triangles or Road Flares
Cars and trucks need to see you. Before they’re right on top of you.
Being broken down is one thing. Being invisible on the shoulder? That’s worse.
When Traffic Keeps Flying Past
Some stretches of I-90 curve or dip. We’ve seen vehicles come up fast and swerve at the last second. It doesn’t take much for things to go from tense to dangerous.
These Tools Buy You Breathing Room
Reflective triangles and flares light you up from a distance. They let drivers shift over early and help us find you quicker. Set them up as soon as you stop. Give yourself that safety buffer.
First Aid Kit
Scrapes and headaches don’t wait for help.
Minor stuff feels major when you’re stuck with no supplies.
When Something Small Turns Into a Big Nuisance
Stranded drivers could step wrong in gravel, lean into a hot engine, or start feeling dizzy after sitting too long. Even a cut finger becomes a real pain when you’ve got nothing to clean it with.
Why We Keep One in Every Truck
Bandages, wipes, pain relievers—just the basics. But they do the job. A small first aid kit helps you stay calm and take care of yourself while we head your way.
Multi-Tool or Basic Toolkit
Not every problem needs a tow. Some just need a wrench.
Loose battery cable. Stuck latch. Simple stuff, if you’ve got the right tool.
When the Fix Is Right There But You Can’t Do It
We’ve arrived at scenes where the issue was a quick twist of a bolt or a stuck gas flap. Nothing major. Just needed a tool to nudge things loose.
Smart to Keep One Handy
We’re always careful about what we suggest people fix themselves. But sometimes, you can get back on the road without needing a tow or our I-90 roadside assistance service at all. Having a small kit puts that power back in your hands.
I-90 Roadside Assistance: T & W Towing Gets You Back on Track
Breaking down on I-90, I-35 or in and around Owatonna can feel like getting dropped off the map. Long stretches. Spotty service. Cars flying past like you’re not even there. The right gear doesn’t fix your car, but it changes the wait. It helps you stay visible, stay in touch, and stay calm until help shows up. Your I-90 roadside assistance team at T & W is always there for you when you’re stranded on the side of the road and don’t know how to get your car going again. Don’t hesitate to call us for I-90 roadside assistance, you’ll be glad you did.