What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down in a Parking Garage in London, Ontario
We've all been there. You finish your shopping at Masonville Place or White Oaks Mall, or maybe you've just spent the evening at a Knights game downtown. You get back to your car, turn the key (or push the button), and… nothing. Or worse, you're trying to exit the parking garage at Victoria Hospital and your engine stalls right on the ramp.
A vehicle breakdown is stressful anywhere, but when it happens inside a multi-level parking garage with tight turns and low ceilings, it adds a whole new layer of complexity. If you find yourself stuck in a "tight spot" in London, here is exactly what you need to do to stay safe and get your vehicle moving again.
Is it safe to leave a broken-down car in a parking garage?
Generally, yes—but only for a short period. Most parking garages in London, especially those run by the city (LTC) or private firms like Impark downtown, have policies regarding disabled vehicles.
If your car is blocking an entrance, exit, or a main driving lane, it's a safety hazard. Other drivers might not see you until they're right on top of you, especially in dimly lit areas or around those sharp corners in the older garages near Richmond Row. If you can, try to shift the car into neutral and coast it into a designated parking stall. If that's not possible, turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Pro-tip: Put a note on your dashboard explaining that the vehicle is broken down and that a tow truck has been called. This can often prevent you from getting a ticket or having the vehicle "impounded" by the garage's preferred towing company before your own help arrives.
Can a tow truck fit in a parking garage?
This is the number one question we get at EMS Towing when someone calls from a garage. The answer is: It depends.
Most modern tow trucks are quite tall, especially flatbeds. If you are on the ground level of an open-air lot, any truck will work. However, if you are on the 4th level of the parking structure at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) or in a low-clearance underground garage downtown, a standard flatbed will likely hit the ceiling or the fire sprinklers.
For these situations, you need a low-clearance wrecker. These are specialized tow trucks designed with a lower profile specifically to navigate the height restrictions of parking structures. When you call us at (226) 476-4176, make sure to tell us which level you are on and if there is a height clearance sign at the entrance.
How do you get a car out of a tight parking spot?
If you're parallel parked or wedged into a tight stall in a busy garage, getting the car out without power can be tricky. This is where professional [lockouts.php](lockout services) or specialized recovery equipment comes in.
If the battery is dead, a simple [battery-boost.php](battery boost) might be all you need to get the engine turning so you can drive out yourself. We service all of London, from Byron to Hyde Park, and can usually reach you within 20-30 minutes.
If the car won't start even with a boost, we use "dollies"—small wheels that we place under your vehicle's tires—to slide the car out of the stall and into a position where it can be safely hooked up to the tow truck.
Steps to take when you're stuck in a London parking structure:
1. Stay with your vehicle (usually): Unlike a [highway-recovery.php](highway breakdown) on the 401, a parking garage is relatively shielded from high-speed traffic. However, stay alert for other drivers who might be distracted looking for a spot.
2. Check your height clearance: If you're calling for a tow, look for the yellow bars at the entrance that state the maximum height (e.g., 2.1m or 6'8"). This helps us send the right truck.
3. Note your exact location: Don't just say "Masonville." Tell us which side of the mall (e.g., near the Hudson's Bay entrance) and which level of the garage you are on.
4. Call EMS Towing at (226) 476-4176: We know the parking layouts of London better than anyone. Whether you're in Westmount, Lambeth, or deep in the core, we'll get to you fast.
Special Considerations for London Drivers
- Hospital Garages: If you're at University Hospital or Victoria Hospital, tell the security desk your car is disabled. They are usually very accommodating if they know help is on the way.
- Downtown Events: If you're at a garage near Budweiser Gardens during a game, traffic will be heavy. Try to call us *before* the game lets out if possible, or wait until the initial rush has subsided.
- Regional Assistance: If your journey was taking you further out, remember we also provide service in [st-thomas.php](St. Thomas) and [woodstock.php](Woodstock).
For more answers to common questions about our services and policies, feel free to check out our [faq.php](FAQ page).
Whether you're stuck under the concrete or out on the shoulder of Hwy 3, EMS Towing is your trusted neighbor in London. We're available 24/7 to make sure a bad day doesn't turn into a total disaster.
Stuck in a garage? Call EMS Towing now: (226) 476-4176