Can I Get My Car Towed to a Mechanic? A Complete Guide for Aussie Drivers

In almost all situations you can have your car towed directly to the mechanic of your choice. Whether you’ve broken down at home, at work, or roadside, a professional tow truck can collect your vehicle and deliver it to a workshop you nominate. The same applies to being towed to your preferred panel beater after an accident.

Quick Reference (Towing to a Mechanic)

Short answer: Yes — pick your mechanic, give us the details, and WeTow will handle the rest.

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Can I choose the mechanic?

Yes. After some crashes, police/insurer rules may require a first tow to an approved yard, then to your workshop.

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What do I do first?

Call WeTow, share pickup & workshop details, notify the mechanic, and prep keys/access.

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Costs

Based on a few factors including distance, ease of access and time of day. You can get a quote over the phone.

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After-hours

Use the workshop’s key drop or we can store overnight and deliver first thing.

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QLD crash tows

You sign a towing authority; standard crash tows usually include short-term storage.

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Special vehicles

Flag AWD, EV, or low clearance so we send the right truck and gear.

Call for a Tow

When Can You Get a Car Towed Straight to a Mechanic?

 

If the vehicle is safe/legal to move and the workshop can receive it, we can take it there. The main exceptions are police holds or insurer‑directed impounds after certain accidents; in those cases, the car may need to go to an approved holding yard first.

Crash towing in Queensland: At a crash scene you choose who tows and where it goes, and you’ll sign a towing authority. Standard crash tows include short‑term storage; we’ll explain any storage arrangements and keep you updated.

You choose the destination. If you have a regular workshop, great. If not, we can take it to a reputable mechanic near your suburb to keep towing distance (and cost) down.

How the Process Works (Step‑by‑Step)

Getting a tow to your mechanic is straightforward and fast. Here’s how it usually runs from your first call through to handover at the workshop.

1. 1. Call WeTow or book online. Share pickup location, vehicle details (make/model, registration), and your chosen mechanic’s address.

1. 1. We confirm workshop availability. If it’s after hours, we’ll check their drop‑off process or arrange secure storage and first‑thing delivery.

1. 1. Safe loading and transport. We use flatbeds for most jobs to keep your car off the road and avoid drivetrain damage. This can vary depending on your vehicle and circumstances.

1. 1. Handover at the workshop. We follow the mechanic’s procedures (keys drop, job card, service envelope) and send you a quick confirmation.

That’s it — no need to organise a mate with a trailer or risk further damage by trying to drive the car.

Always Notify the Mechanic First

A two‑minute call saves headaches. Let the workshop know your car is inbound, confirm opening hours and after‑hours drop‑off. Many shops have a key drop box or service envelope. If the car is arriving after close, ask where to park it and what information the mechanic needs (symptoms, your contact details, approval limit for diagnostics, etc.).

If the mechanic can’t accept the car immediately, we can store it securely overnight and deliver it as soon as they open.

Roadside Club vs Private Tow: What’s the Difference?

Different options suit different situations, and the inclusions can affect your costs and timing. Use this quick comparison to decide what’s best for today’s job.

• • Roadside assistance (e.g. RACQ): Great for breakdown triage and short tows. Plans typically include a set tow distance; beyond that you’ll pay extra. If you need a specific workshop or a longer tow, a private job with WeTow can be simpler and often faster.

• • Private tow (WeTow): You pick the destination and timing, we quote upfront, and we coordinate directly with your mechanic.

What It Costs (and How to Keep It Down)

Towing costs depend on distance, vehicle type, access (e.g., underground car parks) and time of day (after‑hours rates may apply). To avoid surprises, WeTow provides clear, upfront pricing before we dispatch.

Cost‑saving tips:

• • Choose a nearby mechanic to reduce kilometres.

• • Have the keys ready and access clear (gates open, garage height known).

• • Share accurate location info to reduce time on site.

• • If you don’t have a preferred workshop, we can recommend one close to you to minimise travel.

Get a quick quote on our Brisbane Towing Services page.

Choosing Your Mechanic (Insurance & Crash Notes)

Yes — you can normally nominate any licensed workshop. Two common caveats:

• • Insurer‑directed tows after certain collisions. Your policy may require the first tow to an approved holding yard for assessment before release to your mechanic. Many policies offer a choice‑of‑repairer option — check your PDS.

• • Police/scene control at major incidents. On rare occasions, vehicles go to a secure yard first. We’ll guide you through next steps and arrange the follow‑on tow.

Outside of those scenarios, it’s your call — and we’ll take it where you want it.

What to Prepare Before the Truck Arrives

A couple of quick preparations help us load faster and keep costs down. Run through this short checklist before the truck arrives.

• • Keys & immobiliser fobs. Leave them with the car or hand to the driver.

• • Remove valuables. Sunglasses, toll tags, garage remotes, work tools.

• • Take photos. A quick set of phone pics is good practice before any tow.

• • Note special instructions. Low clearance, tyre/wheel lock nuts, air suspension, or a dead‑flat battery.

• • Transmission/drive type. If it’s AWD or EV, we’ll send the right gear (see: Can you tow an AWD car?).

After‑Hours or No‑Start at Home? No Problem

Broken down in your driveway or an apartment carpark? We regularly collect vehicles from tight spaces and underground parking. We’ll coordinate with you on height clearances and access. If the workshop’s closed, we can set up a secure after‑hours drop or store the vehicle overnight and deliver first thing.

Why Use WeTow (vs DIY or Driving It)

Trying to nurse a sick car across town can turn a minor issue into a major repair. A dedicated tow prevents further damage and keeps you within warranty and insurance guidelines.

WeTow advantages:

• • Flatbed towing option for maximum protection

• • Experienced operators who understand automatic, AWD and EV requirements

• • Clear communication from booking to drop‑off

• • 24/7 response across Brisbane

Read more on our Towing Services.

Common Scenarios We Handle

We move vehicles to workshops all day, every day across Brisbane and surrounds. These are the situations we’re called to most often.

• • Won’t start at home: Battery dead, starter issue, immobiliser fault. We collect and drop to your mechanic’s door.

• • Breakdown on the road: Overheating, limp mode, misfire — avoid driving it. We’ll move it safely.

• • Post‑service test drive gone wrong: We can return it to the same workshop with notes.

• • After‑hours discoveries: Strange noises after closing time? We’ll tow to the shop and leave keys in their drop box.

Bottom Line

Yes, you can get your car towed to a mechanic — quickly, safely, and on your terms. The fastest way to get back on the road is to book a professional tow, tell us where you want the car delivered, and give your mechanic a quick heads‑up.

Ready to go? Contact WeTow Online or call us directly on 1300 368 616 for a quick quote over the phone, rapid pickup and a smooth handover at your chosen workshop.