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Driver guides for common roadside problems
Know what to check, when to stop trying, and when to request help. Vehicle-specific procedures always come from your owner’s manual.
Choose a situation
If people are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise use these practical guides to make a safer decision before calling Rick’s.
Car breaks down on North DuSable Lake Shore Drive: what to reportKnow what to report after a breakdown on North DuSable Lake Shore Drive: road direction, safe location, vehicle symptoms and towing requirements.Roadside help at Chicago beaches, parks and harborsArrange roadside help near Chicago beaches, parks and harbors. Identify the vehicle entrance, lot and gate restrictions before requesting service.What affects a towing quote in Lake View East and Chicago’s North Side?Understand what to report for a towing quote: vehicle, route, keys, recovery, garage access, timing and payment. Confirm the current total with Rick’s.Can your car, SUV or work van use wheel-lift towing?Check wheel-lift towing fit for cars, SUVs and work vans. Report drivetrain, weight, keys, wheel condition and manufacturer transport requirements.Car Breaks Down in Chicago: What to Do FirstA safety-first checklist for a Chicago car breakdown: traffic danger, calling for help, sharing your location and choosing roadside service.How to Prepare for a Tow: Pickup, Quote & Shop DeliveryPrepare your location, vehicle details, towing requirements, destination and quote questions before arranging a tow with Rick’s.What Roadside Assistance Includes—and What to ConfirmUnderstand jump starts, spare-tire changes, lockouts, fuel and towing, plus the difference between a direct service call and roadside membership coverage.What to Do After a Jump Start: Charging & Next StepsA successful jump is the beginning: understand charging, repeat no-starts, warning symptoms and when to discuss battery replacement or towing.Car Sat for Weeks and Will Not Start: What to DoA car that worked when parked but will not start after weeks or months may have a discharged battery. That is a useful f…Car Overheating or Leaking Coolant: What to DoSteam, a rising temperature gauge, a warning light or coolant on the ground can indicate a serious cooling-system proble…Flat Tire, Spare Tire or Repair Kit: What to CheckA flat tire may call for a spare, a temporary sealant kit or a tow. First judge whether the location is safe; a highway …Locked Out of Your Car: Safe Next StepsBefore trying an online trick, check for simple and authorized ways in. Modern doors, weather seals, wiring and locks ca…Starter Problem or Dead Battery? Clues Before You CallClicking sounds and dashboard lights can suggest a cause, but they are not a diagnosis. A weak battery, poor connection,…Ran Out of Fuel: What to Do SafelyA vehicle that sputters and stops near empty may need fuel, but a no-start can have other causes. Get the car out of tra…Chicago Winter Car Preparation ChecklistCold starts, low tire pressure and poor visibility can turn a small problem into a roadside call. A short pre-season che…Chicago Summer Car Preparation ChecklistHeat, stop-and-go traffic and summer travel stress tires, batteries and cooling systems. Inspect them before a warning l…Flooded Road or Street in Chicago: What to DoDo not drive into floodwater, even if it looks shallow. You cannot reliably judge its depth, current, debris or road con…