How Long Does Emergency Car Recovery Take? An Honest Answer

For emergency car recovery, we are usually with you in 30 to 45 minutes across Stockport and Greater Manchester, depending on traffic and where you are. That is the typical wait, not a promise, and nobody can honestly give you an exact minute over the phone. Below is what pushes the wait up or down, and the parts of it you control.

Why can nobody give me an exact arrival time?

Because the truck drives on the same roads you were on. A flatbed leaving our base in Edgeley at three in the morning has a clear run. The same trip at half past five on a wet weekday, with the M60 slow around Stockport, takes longer.

When you call, ask for an estimate for your job. A figure based on where you are and what the roads are doing at that moment is far more use to you than a general one.

Does it matter where I have broken down?

• Distance. Edgeley, Cheadle and Heaton Moor are closer to our base than Glossop or the far side of the M62.
• Type of road. On a side street we can pull up next to you. On a motorway the truck has to join the same carriageway, heading the same way, and reach you from behind.
• Access. A car at the kerb is quick to reach. A car in a car park, on a verge, down a narrow lane or behind a locked gate takes longer.

We cover Stockport and the rest of Greater Manchester, along with the M60, M56, M62 and M67.

Does the fault change how long emergency car recovery takes?

It changes the loading time more than the travel time. A car that rolls freely and steers can be winched onto the flatbed and strapped down at the wheels without much fuss. Locked wheels, an automatic stuck in Park, collision damage or missing keys all need more thought before the car moves.

The fault also decides what you need. If the car has stood for a while and will not turn over, a jump start may get you going without a tow. Describe the symptoms when you call so the job is right from the start.

What can I do to speed things up?

A vague location costs more time than anything else on this page. "On the A6 near Hazel Grove" covers a long stretch of road. A pin does not.

1. Send a pin or a what3words address. Send it by WhatsApp or read out the three words.
2. Add landmarks. The shop or pub you are outside, which side of the road you are on and which way you were heading. On a motorway, give the motorway, the direction and the last junction you passed.
3. Give the registration, make, model and colour.
4. Say if it rolls, steers and brakes, and if it is an automatic.
5. Have the keys with the car. If they are locked inside or lost, tell us straight away.
6. Decide where the car is going. Home, a named garage or a dealer.
7. Keep your phone free and charged. The driver may need to ring you when close by.

What should I do while I wait?

Look after yourself before the car. On an ordinary road, get the vehicle off the road if you can, use your hazard lights if it is causing an obstruction, keep the sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor, and do not stand between your car and oncoming traffic.

On a motorway, get out by the side furthest from the traffic if it is safe to do so, get behind the safety barrier where there is one, and do not go back to the car even if it is raining. Our guide to breaking down in Stockport or on the M60 goes through it in order.

Quick answers about waiting

Is the wait shorter at night?

Often, because the roads are quieter, although overnight roadworks and closures can cancel that out. We answer the phone at any hour, and our 24-hour roadside assistance page explains what we can do at the roadside.

Should I call 999 instead of a recovery company?

Yes, if you are stopped in a live motorway lane and cannot reach a safe place. Stay in the car with seat belts and hazard lights on, call 999 and ask for the police. Call 999 as well if anyone is hurt. Emergency car recovery comes after that.

Do I have to stay with the car?

It helps if you can do it safely, because the driver needs the keys and someone to confirm where the car is going. If you cannot stay, say so when you call and we will agree what happens with the keys.

For emergency car recovery in Stockport or anywhere in Greater Manchester, call or WhatsApp 07426 242025. Tell us where you are and what has happened, and we will give you a clear price before the job starts.