A car breakdown can happen anytime — during your commute to downtown Tulsa, while driving through Jenks, or on the highway near Broken Arrow. When your vehicle suddenly stops working, it can feel stressful and even dangerous, especially if you’re stuck on a busy road.
The Greater Tulsa area sees heavy traffic every day, particularly on highways like U.S. Route 75, I-44, and the Creek Turnpike. With thousands of vehicles traveling through Tulsa, Jenks, Owasso, and surrounding communities, roadside breakdowns are a common occurrence.
Knowing what to do when your car breaks down can help keep you safe and get your vehicle off the road quickly.
This guide explains exactly what drivers in the Tulsa metro area should do during a vehicle breakdown.
Step 1: Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
The most important thing to do when your car starts having problems is to get to safety immediately.
If your vehicle is still moving, try to carefully pull off the road and stop on the shoulder or in a nearby parking lot. In busy areas like Highway 75 or Interstate 44, staying in the flow of traffic can be dangerous.
Turn on your hazard lights right away so other drivers know your vehicle is disabled.
If you cannot move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as the Creek Turnpike or Broken Arrow Expressway.
Your safety should always be the first priority.
Step 2: Identify the Problem
Once you’re safely stopped, try to determine what caused the breakdown.
Common vehicle issues in the Tulsa area include:
• Flat tires
• Dead batteries
• Overheated engines
• Running out of fuel
• Transmission failure
• Electrical problems
For example, during Oklahoma’s hot summer months, overheating engines are one of the most common causes of roadside breakdowns.
While it may be tempting to fix the issue yourself, working on a vehicle next to traffic can be extremely dangerous. In most situations, it’s best to call a professional towing service.
Step 3: Call a Tow Truck or Roadside Assistance
If your car cannot be driven safely, the next step is to contact a towing service.
Professional towing companies can quickly respond to breakdowns throughout the Tulsa metro area, including:
• Tulsa
• Jenks
• Broken Arrow
• Owasso
• Bixby
• Sand Springs
When you call a tow truck, be ready to provide:
• Your exact location
• Nearby landmarks or intersections
• Your vehicle’s make, model, and color
• A description of the problem
• Where the vehicle should be towed
For example, you might say you’re near RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks, Woodland Hills Mall in Tulsa, or the Oklahoma Aquarium. Landmarks help tow truck drivers locate you faster.
Step 4: Stay Visible While Waiting for Help
While waiting for a tow truck, it is important to make sure other drivers can see you.
Keep your hazard lights on at all times.
If you have reflective triangles or road flares, place them several feet behind your vehicle. This warns approaching drivers that a disabled car is ahead.
At night, turning on your interior dome light can also make your vehicle more visible.
If you need to exit the vehicle, do so on the side away from traffic and stay a safe distance from the road.
Busy roads in Tulsa — especially Highway 75, I-44, and the Broken Arrow Expressway — can have fast-moving traffic, so visibility is critical.
Common Breakdown Locations in the Tulsa Area
While breakdowns can happen anywhere, some roads in the Tulsa metro area see more roadside emergencies than others.
Highway 75 (U.S. Route 75)
This major highway connects Tulsa with Jenks and other surrounding cities. Heavy commuter traffic makes it one of the most common locations for vehicle breakdowns.
Interstate 44 (I-44)
I-44 runs through Tulsa and carries thousands of vehicles daily. Breakdowns here often require quick towing assistance due to high traffic speeds.
Creek Turnpike
The Creek Turnpike connects many parts of the Tulsa metro area. Because of the high speeds, vehicles that break down here need immediate roadside help.
Broken Arrow Expressway (OK-51)
One of Tulsa’s busiest roads, connecting downtown Tulsa to Broken Arrow.
Downtown Tulsa
Parking garages, crowded streets, and events can lead to dead batteries or mechanical issues.
Why Flatbed Towing is the Best Option
When a vehicle needs to be towed, flatbed towing is considered the safest method.
A flatbed tow truck lifts the entire vehicle off the ground and transports it on a secure platform. This prevents damage to the vehicle’s transmission, tires, and drivetrain.
Flatbed towing is especially recommended for:
• All-wheel drive vehicles
• Electric vehicles
• Luxury or sports cars
• Vehicles with major mechanical damage
Professional towing companies in the Tulsa area often use flatbed trucks to ensure safe vehicle transport.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If your vehicle breakdown was caused by an accident, there are a few additional steps to follow.
First, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
If possible, move the vehicles out of traffic and wait for police assistance.
Exchange insurance information with other drivers and take photos of the accident scene.
Once the situation is safe, a tow truck can remove your damaged vehicle and transport it to a repair shop or storage facility.
Get Fast Towing Help in the Tulsa Area
Breaking down on the road is never convenient, but knowing what to do can help you stay calm and safe until help arrives.
Whether you’re driving through Tulsa, Jenks, Broken Arrow, or Owasso, professional towing services are available to help drivers get back on the road quickly.
If your vehicle breaks down in the Greater Tulsa area, contact Neptune Towing for fast and reliable assistance.
Call 539-292-3074 for 24/7 towing and roadside service.
About Neptune Towing
JenksTowing.com is operated by Neptune Towing, a trusted towing company serving Jenks, Tulsa, and surrounding Oklahoma communities.
We provide:
• Emergency towing
• Flatbed towing
• Roadside assistance
• Vehicle transport
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help drivers across the Tulsa metro area.
Need help now?
Call 539-292-3074