Breaking down on I-5, Highway 44, or any Northern California road is stressful. Here's exactly what to do — step by step — to stay safe and get back on the road fast.
Step 1: Get Safe First
Before anything else, get your vehicle off the road as far as possible. Even if it's limping — a flat tire, a sputtering engine — move to the shoulder or a parking lot. Turn your hazard lights on immediately.
Step 2: Know Your Exact Location
When you call for a tow, the first thing we need is your location. On I-5, look for the green mile marker signs on the right shoulder — they tell us exactly where you are, especially at night when landmarks are hard to see.
On surface roads, look for the nearest intersection or visible business. If you have a signal, drop a pin in your maps app and text it to us.
Step 3: Call for Help
For all of Northern California — Shasta, Tehama, Siskiyou, Trinity, Glenn, Modoc, Nevada, Yuba, and Plumas counties — call Franks & Son at (530) 604-9821. We're available 24/7, every single day, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Have This Ready When You Call
Your location (mile marker or nearest cross streets)
What happened — flat tire, dead battery, engine failure, accident
Your vehicle type — this helps us bring the right equipment
Step 4: Wait Safely
Keep your hazards running. If you have road flares or reflective triangles, place them about 50–100 feet behind the vehicle so approaching traffic sees you sooner.
If you're on a freeway shoulder, stand behind the guardrail when possible — not between your car and traffic. If it's a hot Redding summer day (and it usually is), stay hydrated and stay in whatever shade is available.
Step 5: Know What We Can Do On-Site
Once we arrive, our options depend on what's wrong. We run flatbed and wheel-lift equipment covering cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and RVs.
- Flat tire — we can help with the spare or tow you to a shop
- Dead battery — we carry jump-start equipment for all vehicle types
- Ran out of fuel — we deliver gas or diesel directly to your location
- Won't start or mechanical failure — we tow to your preferred shop, home, or lot
- Accident recovery — we work with you and authorities to safely move the vehicle
Don't Accept Help from Strangers
Highway breakdowns unfortunately attract unsolicited "help" from people who may not have your best interest in mind. You're under no obligation to accept a tow from someone who pulls up uninvited — and you shouldn't.
Call a company you trust and wait for them. We'll be there — day or night. The bottom line: pull over safely, turn on your hazards, know your location, and call us. We cover all of Northern California.
Franks & Son Transportation
Redding, CA