Updated November 2026 by the Miller’s Towing & Recovery dispatch team
Quick answer: The five most common reasons Wichita drivers need a tow are mechanical breakdowns, dead batteries, flat tires and blowouts, lockouts, and crashes. Running out of gas is a close sixth. Most of these can be handled on the spot, and the rest end with a tow to your shop or home.
Car trouble rarely shows up at a good time. It happens on the way to work down I-135, in a store lot on West Kellogg, or late at night on a quiet road near Derby. After more than 20 years of answering Wichita tow calls, we see the same few problems again and again.
Here are the top reasons drivers call us, what usually causes each one, and what you should do while you wait.
1. Vehicle Breakdowns
Mechanical failure is the number one reason for a tow. Common causes include a blown radiator hose, a failed alternator, a slipping transmission, or a car that overheats in July traffic.
Warning signs to watch for:
- Grinding, knocking, or squealing sounds
- The car pulling hard to one side
- A flashing check engine light or a temperature gauge in the red
- Smoke or steam from under the hood
If you notice any of these, pull over somewhere safe and turn on your hazards. Driving on can turn a small repair into a big one. Our guide on when to call a tow truck explains which problems are safe to drive on and which are not.
2. Dead Batteries
Wichita weather is hard on batteries. Eisenhower Airport averages about 12 days a year at 100 degrees or hotter, and AAA says heat is the top cause of battery failure. In winter, a battery loses about 60 percent of its strength at 0°F, so a weak battery that worked in October may quit in January.
Other common causes are lights left on overnight, a battery older than three to five years, and loose or corroded cables. A portable jump pack can help, but if the car clicks, dies again, or the battery looks swollen, call for help. Our jump start service uses a protected jump pack that keeps your car’s computer safe.
Hybrids and electric cars have a small 12 volt battery that runs the computer and locks. When it dies, the car won’t power on, even with a full main battery.
3. Flat Tires and Blowouts
Potholes, construction debris, and low tire pressure cause plenty of flats, especially on I-135, I-235, and K-96 after a hard winter. Keep a properly inflated spare and a working jack in the trunk.
On a busy highway, don’t change a tire next to moving traffic. Stay buckled in with your hazards on and call for help. If there is no spare, the spare is flat, or the wheel is damaged, we can tow the car to a tire shop or your home. Our breakdown safety guide has more tips.
4. Lockouts
It happens to everyone. Keys left on the seat, in the trunk, or in a running car. Modern cars have wiring and airbag parts inside the doors, so coat hangers and slim jims can do real damage.
- Don’t break a window unless someone inside is in danger.
- If a child or pet is locked in on a warm day, call 911 first.
- For everything else, call a car lockout service. We use an air wedge and reach tool that open the door without damage.
5. Accidents and Collisions
Even a minor crash can leave a car unsafe to drive. Leaking fluid, a bent wheel, or lights that don’t work all mean the car should ride on a flatbed.
- If nobody is hurt and the car can move, Kansas law says to move it out of the traffic lane.
- Take photos of the damage, the scene, and the other car before anything is moved.
- Kansas requires a police report when a crash causes injury, death, or $1,000 or more in damage.
- You can ask the officer for the tow company you want. See our car accident checklist for every step.
For cars in a ditch, a median, or on their side, we handle accident and vehicle recovery.
Bonus: Running Out of Gas
A broken fuel gauge or a guess about how far the car can go leaves plenty of drivers stranded. Running a tank dry can also overheat the fuel pump, which AAA says can cost $500 or more to replace. On a highway, stay in the car and dial *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol or call us for emergency fuel delivery.
How Miller’s Towing Can Help
From our yard at 4309 S Broadway, our trucks reach most Wichita calls in about 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. One call covers:
| Problem | Service |
|---|---|
| Car won’t move or runs badly | Car towing and flatbed towing |
| Dead battery | Jump start |
| Keys locked inside | Car lockout service |
| Stuck in a ditch, mud, or snow | Winch out |
| Crash or rollover | Accident recovery |
| Out of gas | Fuel delivery |
| Mower or tractor needs a ride | Mower and tractor towing |
You get the full price on the phone before we send a truck. For more answers, browse our Wichita towing FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason people need a tow in Wichita?
Mechanical breakdowns and dead batteries top the list on our calls, followed by flat tires, lockouts, and crashes. Summer heat and winter cold both make battery calls jump.
Should I try to drive a car that is making strange noises?
Not far. Grinding, knocking, smoke, or a flashing check engine light can mean serious damage. Pull over somewhere safe and call for a tow instead of risking a bigger repair bill.
What do I do if my child or pet is locked in the car?
Call 911 first, then call a tow company. Kansas law protects people who break a window to save a child or animal in danger, as long as they call police and stay at the scene.
Can I choose my own tow company after a crash in Wichita?
Yes. Under Wichita Police Department Policy 404, you can ask the officer for the tow company you want. Ask for Miller’s by name.
Stuck somewhere in Wichita?
Pull to a safe spot, turn on your hazards, and call. We will give you a price and an arrival time on the phone.