Jump starts and roadside fixes

Dead batteries

Batteries lose power in the cold, and Denver-area January lows average about 17°F (NOAA). A battery that was weak in October often quits on the first sharp morning. A jump gets you going. If the car dies again within a day, the problem is the battery or the charging system, and that is a shop visit, not another jump.

Flat tires

If you have a spare and a jack, a roadside truck can swap it for you. Many newer cars, and most EVs, carry only a sealant kit. If the sidewall is torn, sealant won't hold, and the car needs a tow to a tire shop. Say which you have when you call.

Out of fuel

A fuel delivery is a few gallons to reach a station. Tell them gas or diesel. An EV with a flat battery usually needs a flatbed tow to a charger, since few roadside trucks carry a charger.

Keys locked inside

Many towing companies carry tools to open a locked car door. If a child or a pet is inside, call 911 first. That is a rescue, and the fire department will come.

Check your coverage first

Many car insurance policies include roadside help. So do some credit cards and new-car warranties. Call them before you pay out of pocket. If they can't get a truck to you soon enough, ask whether they will pay you back for one you arrange yourself, and keep the receipt.