Blog: Winter Survival Guide – Preparing for Car Breakdowns in Colorado with Express Towing Service | A trusted Tow Truck Near Me

Preston Ingersoll
Aug 20, 2025
5 min read

Colorado winters are no joke. Between sudden snow squalls, icy highways, and mountain passes that make your palms sweat even in July, driving in the colder months can quickly shift from scenic to stressful. Anyone who has spent a winter here knows the drill: one moment you’re cruising down I-70 with the Rockies glistening in the distance, the next you’re fishtailing into a snowbank because the road iced over in seconds.

When that happens, the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster comes down to preparation—and knowing which tow company you can count on when you need a rescue. That’s where Express Towing Service comes in. But before we get to how a trusted tow truck Denver drivers can rely on makes all the difference, let’s talk about how you can gear up for winter driving and what to do if your car decides to quit on you during a blizzard.

Why Winter Driving in Colorado Is Different | Tow truck near me

Winter here is unlike anywhere else. Colorado doesn’t just serve up cold temperatures—it delivers ice, slush, black ice, whiteout conditions, and snowpack that lingers for weeks in shaded canyons. Combine that with high-altitude roads and long stretches between towns, and you’ve got a recipe for potential breakdowns.

Even the most seasoned locals will tell you: every trip in winter carries risk. That’s why preparing isn’t optional—it’s survival. And while a reliable tow company near me is always part of the plan, there are things every driver should do before hitting the road.

Winter Prep Essentials Every Colorado Driver Needs

1. Emergency Kit

Your trunk should double as a mini survival pack in the colder months. Stock it with:

A blanket or sleeping bag (the thicker, the better)
Extra gloves, hats, and warm socks
Non-perishable snacks like protein bars or trail mix
A flashlight with extra batteries
A first aid kit
Bottled water (tip: store it in a cooler so it doesn’t freeze solid)

These basics can turn a breakdown from dangerous to manageable until help arrives.

2. Traction Tools

Snow and ice don’t care how good your all-season tires are. Carry tire chains, a small shovel, and even kitty litter or sand. They can give your tires that extra grip to pull you out of a slick patch—at least until you can safely wait for a tow truck near me to show up.

3. Jumper Cables (or a Jump Pack)

Batteries hate the cold. It’s almost a guarantee that, at some point, you’ll come across a dead battery—yours or someone else’s. Jumper cables are good, but a portable jump starter is even better. Pair that with knowing you’ve got towing near me options like Express Towing Service, and you’ll feel much more secure.

4. Fuel Discipline

Winter isn’t the time to “push it” on fumes. Keep your gas tank at least half full. Not only does this prevent fuel lines from freezing, but it ensures you can keep the heater running if you’re stuck waiting for help on the side of the road.

5. Proper Tires

Colorado’s traction laws require snow tires or chains on certain routes during storms—and for good reason. All-season tires may claim to do it all, but in icy mountain conditions, they fall short. Invest in true winter tires if you’re regularly traveling. Even then, don’t assume tires alone will save you—sometimes only a reliable tow truck Denver company will.

What to Do If You Break Down in Winter

Even with preparation, breakdowns happen. Engines freeze, transmissions fail, or accidents put you in a ditch. Here’s what to do:

Stay Calm and Assess – Panic wastes energy and can lead to unsafe decisions.
Stay Visible – Turn on hazard lights, use flares, or set reflective triangles if you have them. In blowing snow, visibility matters more than ever.
Stay Warm but Safe – Run your car’s heater in short bursts, making sure your exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow (to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning).
Call for Help Early – Don’t wait until the situation is dire. Search “tow company near me” or call Express Towing Service right away. The sooner you’re on the list, the quicker a tow truck near me can reach you.
Don’t Leave Your Car in a Blizzard – Unless help is visible nearby, your vehicle is your best shelter.

Why a Reliable Tow Company Matters

Here’s the truth: in Colorado winters, not all tow companies are created equal. You need a service that understands the unique challenges of the Rockies, from navigating snow-packed roads to safely recovering vehicles on icy inclines.

That’s where Express Towing Service comes in. When drivers type “tow truck near me” or “towing near me” in the Denver area, we want to be the reassuring name that pops up.

What Sets Express Towing Service Apart?

Rapid Response Times – Snowstorms don’t wait, and neither should you. Our team is on call to get to you fast.
Local Expertise – As a tow truck Denver based company, we know the city streets and the mountain passes alike.
Reliable Equipment – Our fleet is winter-ready, equipped to handle slick conditions and heavy-duty rescues.
Customer-Centered Service – Breaking down in freezing weather is stressful. We keep communication clear and friendly so you’re never left guessing when help will arrive.

Tips for Peace of Mind Before You Hit the Road

Think of winter preparation as layers—just like bundling up against the cold. Each layer adds protection:

Plan Ahead – Check road conditions before traveling. CDOT updates are lifesavers.
Tell Someone – Always let a friend or family member know your route and ETA.
Charge Your Phone – Keep a car charger in your glove box. If you do need to call a tow company, you’ll want that battery full.
Know Who to Call – Save Express Towing Service’s number in your phone now, before you’re stranded on a snowy shoulder googling “tow company near me.”

The Bottom Line: Be Ready, But Don’t Go It Alone

Preparing for winter driving in Colorado is about stacking the odds in your favor. With the right supplies, some common sense, and the confidence that you can always call a trusted tow truck Denver service, you can handle whatever the season throws your way.

At Express Towing Service, we’ve seen it all—from flat tires in five-degree weather to snowbound SUVs halfway up a mountain pass. Our job is to get you back on the road safely and quickly, no matter how bad the conditions.

So this winter, gear up, drive smart, and remember: when you need a dependable lifeline on Colorado’s icy roads, Express Towing Service is just one call away. The next time you’re searching “towing near me” or “tow truck near me,” think of us—your local, trusted partner for staying safe in winter’s harshest moments.