Breaking down on I-20, I-65, or any Birmingham side street is stressful — and it happens every day. The difference between a scary situation and a manageable one often comes down to what you have in your car and what you do in the first 60 seconds after your vehicle stops moving.
Honeycutt Towing has responded to thousands of roadside emergencies across Birmingham, Hoover, Bessemer, and all of Jefferson County. This guide covers the safety steps our drivers see people get right — and the gear that makes those steps possible.
"Move your vehicle out of traffic when it is safe to do so. If you cannot move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened, turn on hazard lights, and call 911."
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Step 1: Get Visible and Get Safe
As soon as you realize something is wrong, turn on your hazard lights. If you can pull off the road — into a parking lot, a highway shoulder, or a side street — do it. Once stopped, put the vehicle in park and engage the parking brake before anyone gets out. On a highway, stay inside your car if it is not safe to exit.
Step 2: Mark Your Position
Warning triangles or road flares should go out behind your vehicle as soon as it is safe to step outside. Place them 50, 100, and 200 feet behind your car to give oncoming traffic time to slow down. This is especially important on curves and hills where drivers cannot see a stopped car until they are dangerously close.
NoCry Professional Knee Pads
If you ever have to crouch down to change a tire or inspect something under your car — whether it's a blowout on I-459 or a flat in a dark parking deck — your knees will thank you for having these. Heavy-duty foam and a non-slip cap protect you on asphalt, gravel, or concrete. Tens of thousands of five-star reviews from tradespeople and drivers alike.
View on Amazon →Step 3: Call for Help
Once you are in a safe position, call for a tow or roadside assistance. In Birmingham, Honeycutt Towing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do not accept a ride or help from a stranger who pulls over uninvited — unfortunately, this is a known scenario for theft and fraud. Wait for professional help to arrive.
Step 4: Stay Warm, Dry, and Visible
Alabama weather can change fast. Summer breakdowns mean heat exposure; winter breakdowns mean cold and rain. Keep a basic emergency kit in your trunk year-round. The items below are what our drivers recommend based on what we see stranded motorists actually need.
The 7 Roadside Tools Birmingham Drivers Should Keep in Their Car
These are practical items — no gimmicks. Every product below has at least 1,000 verified Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating or higher. They cover the situations our tow trucks see every week on Birmingham roads.
CARTMAN DOT Road Warning Triangles (3-Pack)
DOT-compliant reflective triangles that fold flat and deploy in seconds. The weighted anti-tip base keeps them standing even when 18-wheelers pass. Set them behind your car the moment you pull off the road. 4.8 stars, 6,400+ reviews.
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Energizer Heavy Duty Jumper Cables (16 ft, 6-Gauge)
A dead battery is the number-one reason people call for a jump in Birmingham. These 16-foot cables give you enough reach to connect even when the Good Samaritan can't pull right next to you. Heavy-gauge clamps with a carrying bag included.
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Everlit Car Emergency Roadside Kit
One bag covers it all — jumper cables, tow strap, tire inflator, first aid kit, flashlight, and gloves included. Perfect for keeping in the trunk and forgetting about until you need it. Especially valuable for new drivers and road trips.
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JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge (100 PSI)
Under-inflated tires are a leading cause of highway blowouts. Check your tire pressure before long trips and after any suspect hit. The JACO ElitePro reads to 0.5 PSI accuracy and has a backlit display for dark garages and night checks.
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No Spill 1.25 Gallon Gas Can
Running out of fuel on I-65 happens more than you'd think. A small gas can in the trunk means a quick fix instead of a tow. The No Spill design has a patented no-spill valve so gas stays in the can — not on your hands or your trunk.
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MaxiFlex Work Gloves
Changing a tire or handling a tow strap leaves your hands greasy and cut-prone. MaxiFlex gloves grip well even on oily surfaces and protect your hands without making you feel like you're wearing oven mitts. Keep a pair with your spare tire.
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NoCry Professional Knee Pads
When you're kneeling on hot asphalt to change a tire or check under the car, these pads are the difference between a minor inconvenience and a painful afternoon. Professional-grade foam, heavy-duty shell, and straps that actually stay put.
View on Amazon →What to Do While You Wait for a Tow
Once you've called for help, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and stay safe:
- Keep your hazard lights on, even in daylight.
- If you're on a highway, stand behind a guardrail or as far from traffic as possible — not behind your car.
- Keep your phone charged. If your battery is low, conserve it for the tow company and 911.
- Do not accept pushes or "help" from strangers. A legitimate tow driver will have a company-branded truck and will know the name you used to call.
- In hot weather, run the A/C if the engine is still on. In cool weather, keep windows cracked and doors locked while you wait inside.
"Turn on your hazard lights immediately and try to steer your car to safety. Call for help and stay in your car with seatbelt on if it is safe, or exit away from traffic if you must leave the vehicle."
Insurance Information Institute (iii.org)
Honeycutt Towing Serves All of Greater Birmingham
Whether you break down on Highway 280, break down near the airport, or stall out in a downtown parking deck, Honeycutt Towing responds fast. We cover Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Gardendale, Leeds, Moody, and all of Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
Need more help? See our full guide to roadside assistance in Birmingham or learn about our complete towing services.