Parkade & Underground Towing in Calgary

A car that won't start in an underground parkade is a different problem from a car that won't start in a driveway. Low ceilings, tight ramps, sharp turns, gates and pillars all limit what a tow truck can do. Some trucks can't get into a parkade at all. The good news is that with the right information up front, most of these situations can be solved.

Dave's Towing Services has handled towing in Calgary since 1992, and we're available 24/7. This guide covers what makes parkade tows tricky, what you should check before you call, and how the vehicle usually gets out.

Why Parkades Are Tricky

• Height clearance. Flatbed and wheel-lift trucks have a height, and many underground garages have a posted clearance lower than that. Pipes, signs and sprinkler lines inside can be lower still.
• Ramps and turns. Steep or spiraling ramps and tight corners limit truck length and turning.
• Gates and access. Many residential and office parkades need a fob, a code or building staff to open the gate.
• Tight stalls. Pillars, walls and neighbouring cars can make it hard to reach the vehicle.
• Vehicle condition. A car that won't roll, shift into neutral or steer is much harder to move in a small space.

Check These Before You Call

1. The posted clearance. It's usually on a sign or bar at the entrance. Note any lower clearances on the way to your stall.
2. Your level and stall number. Also note which entrance is closest.
3. Access. Who can open the gate? Do we need a code, a fob or someone from building management?
4. Can the car roll and steer? Will it go into neutral? Is the parking brake released? Is the battery dead?
5. Photos. A picture of the entrance, the ramp and the car in its stall helps us plan.

Try the Simple Fixes First

Many parkade calls turn out to be a dead battery, a flat tire or keys locked inside. Underground parking is often colder than people expect in a Calgary winter, and short trips don't give a battery time to recharge. Our roadside assistance can often handle a boost, a tire change or a lockout without moving the car at all. If the car needs a boost, we may still need to fit a vehicle or a portable booster close enough to reach it.

How the Vehicle Usually Gets Out

Every parkade is different, so the plan depends on the building and the car:

• The truck fits. If the clearance and ramps allow, a wheel-lift or flatbed can reach the car directly.
• Move it to the truck. If the truck can't get in, the car may need to be rolled, steered or carefully moved to a spot where it can be loaded, often near the entrance or on the street level.
• Winching. A car that won't roll may need to be winched out of a tight stall or up to a loading point. See winching and recovery.
• Dollies. Wheel dollies can help move a car with locked wheels or a disabled drivetrain in a tight space.

Whatever the approach, safety for the car, the building and people nearby comes first.

Condo and Office Buildings

If you live or work in a downtown or Beltline building, or in a newer condo in communities like Bridgeland or Hillhurst, let building management know a tow truck is coming. They can help with gate access, tell us about any loading-dock option, and warn other residents.

Electric and Low Vehicles

Some vehicles need extra care underground. EVs often can't be rolled without being put into a transport mode, and their manufacturer instructions may require all wheels off the ground. Read our EV towing guide for more. Lowered or exotic cars have little room for ramps; see towing lowered, exotic and classic vehicles.

Private Parking and Abandoned Cars

If you manage a building and need a vehicle moved from your parkade, call to talk through the situation and what authorization you'll need to provide.

FAQ

Can a tow truck fit in my parkade?

It depends on the posted clearance and the layout. Tell us the clearance and send a photo if you can, and we'll tell you how we'd approach it.

My car is on P3 and won't start. What should I do?

Note your level and stall, check whether the gate needs a fob or code, and call 403-272-3944. It may just need a boost.

Do you come at night?

Yes. Dave's Towing is available 24/7. Just make sure we can get through the gate.

Call Dave's Towing at 403-272-3944, 24/7.