Stay calm and prioritize your safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to make yourself visible. Stay inside your vehicle if you're on a busy road—it's safer than standing outside. Call Koehler Rescue Services at (989) 286-0100 right away. Provide our dispatcher with your location, vehicle description, and the type of emergency you're experiencing. We'll guide you through what to expect while we're on our way.

Yes, in most cases it's the safest option. Your vehicle provides protection from traffic and weather. Keep your doors locked and windows up if you're on a highway or unfamiliar area. If you feel unsafe, move to a well-lit public area like a nearby business or gas station. Either way, stay visible and keep your hazards on. Our team typically arrives within 30–45 minutes, and we'll contact you when we're close by.

Safety is paramount on a busy highway. If it's safe to do so, move your vehicle to the shoulder as far away from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. Stay inside your locked vehicle rather than standing outside where passing traffic could be dangerous. Call us right away at (989) 286-0100. If you feel unsafe or see approaching traffic, consider moving further away from the roadway to a protected area. Our technicians are trained to work safely around traffic and will be mindful of your location when they arrive.

Absolutely. Your phone is your lifeline during a roadside emergency. Call Koehler Rescue Services at (989) 286-0100 as soon as you're safe. Even if your battery is low, make the call first—it's your priority. If you're on a highway and have limited service, try moving to a higher location or pulling into a rest area where signal might be stronger. You can also use emergency roadside phones found on many highways. Have your location (mile marker, street name, or nearby landmark) ready when you call.

Provide clear, specific information to help us reach you quickly. Tell us: (1) Your exact location (street name, mile marker, or landmarks), (2) Your vehicle make, model, and color, (3) The type of emergency (flat tire, lockout, dead battery, out of fuel, stuck), (4) Your phone number and any safety concerns. Stay on the line if possible so we can clarify details. The more information you provide, the faster we can dispatch the right technician to your location.

Keep your hazard lights on at all times so other drivers see you. Stay inside your locked vehicle on busy roads. Avoid attempting any roadside repairs yourself—DIY fixes can cause injury or vehicle damage. Don't accept help from strangers. If someone approaches you, stay in your vehicle and ask them to call 911 if you feel unsafe. Keep your phone charged and accessible. Let a friend or family member know where you are. Our technicians will arrive in professional Koehler Rescue Services vehicles, so you'll recognize them immediately.

Keep children and pets inside the vehicle where it's safe, unless weather or another emergency makes it necessary to move them. Make sure they stay away from traffic. Let us know when you call that you have children or pets in the vehicle—it helps our team prioritize and plan their approach. Keep the vehicle running (with AC or heat as needed) while you wait. Bring water and snacks to keep everyone comfortable. Our team will work as efficiently as possible to minimize wait time, especially when children or pets are involved.

No. Attempting DIY roadside fixes can lead to injury, further vehicle damage, or make your situation worse. For example, trying to unlock your car with improvised tools can damage the door frame or lock mechanism, costing hundreds in repairs. Improper jump-starting can damage your electrical system. Changing a tire without proper equipment can be unsafe. Professional technicians have the right tools, training, and experience to handle emergencies safely. Call Koehler Rescue Services instead—it's faster, safer, and often more cost-effective than damage repair.

If you have no cell signal, look for an emergency roadside phone—most highways have them at regular intervals. You can also try walking to a nearby business, gas station, or rest area where you might get a signal or use their phone. If you're in a remote area, stay with your vehicle and use reflective triangles or flares to mark your location so passing drivers can see you. Once you reach a phone, call Koehler Rescue Services at (989) 286-0100. Having a roadside assistance membership or a fully charged backup power bank can help prevent this situation in the future.

Always call a service you know and trust. Koehler Rescue Services is BBB accredited with an A+ rating, family-owned, and serving the Thumb Region since 2020. When our technician arrives, they'll be in a clearly marked Koehler Rescue Services vehicle. Ask for identification before letting anyone work on your vehicle. Never give out personal information or payment details to unsolicited help. Legitimate services like Koehler will have professional uniforms, proper equipment, and clear communication. If you're unsure, hang up and call us directly at (989) 286-0100 to verify.