Quick Answer: Tow truck costs for snow extraction range from $75-200 for basic pullouts, $150-400 for winching from ditches, and $200-500+ for severe situations. Distance, truck type, and time of day affect pricing. Try digging out first, check for roadside assistance coverage, then call local tow services for quotes.
What To Do
Stay with your vehicle if you’re on a road. Turn on hazard lights and call for help from inside the warm car.
Try simple extraction first. Clear snow from around tires, under the car, and exhaust pipe. Use floor mats, sand, or cat litter for traction.
Rock the car gently. Shift between drive and reverse while giving light gas. Don’t spin tires excessively.
Check your insurance or AAA coverage before calling a tow truck. Many policies include winter roadside assistance.
Call multiple tow services for quotes if paying out of pocket. Prices vary significantly between companies.
Specify your exact situation when calling. “Stuck in parking lot snow” costs less than “slid into ditch.”
Have payment ready. Most tow operators want cash or card payment on scene.
Photo: Pexels
What It Might Cost
Basic snow extraction: $75-150
- Simple pullout from parking lot or driveway
- Truck hooks to your car, pulls straight out
Winching services: $150-300
- Car stuck in deeper snow or slight ditch
- Requires winch cable and more time
Heavy recovery: $200-500+
- Vehicle in deep ditch or rolled over
- Multiple trucks or specialized equipment needed
Distance fees: $3-7 per mile beyond base range After hours: 25-50% surcharge nights/weekends/holidays Highway incidents: Often cost more due to traffic control needs
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
- Keep emergency kit with blanket, water, snacks, phone charger
- Never leave engine running unattended in snow (carbon monoxide risk)
- Stay visible: keep hazard lights on, raise hood if safe
- Don’t walk on busy roads to flag down help
- If stranded overnight, run engine 10 minutes per hour for heat, crack window slightly
- Keep exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.