How to Contact Roadside Assistance Without a Signal

Imagine driving along, singing to the radio, when your car suddenly sputters to a stop. You soon realize that you're stranded, miles from nowhere. You grab your phone to call your roadside assistance provider, but there's no cell signal. 

A flat tire or other car trouble can happen at the worst time, like while driving through a dead zone, an area with weak cellular signals. And dead zones aren’t just in rural areas. Tall buildings, extreme weather, and even wildfire smoke can block cellular signals. 

It’s best to be prepared for dead zones, so you can request roadside assistance when you need it. Read on for tips on getting help even when there’s no cell signal.   

Alternative Communication Methods for Roadside Assistance

If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or cellular service, there are other ways to get help.

Get Roadside Assistance via Satellite 

If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can use a satellite connection to request roadside assistance. You must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky and the horizon.

Flag Down Help

To catch the attention of a passerby, set reflective triangles on the ground or raise the hood of your car. Then get back inside your vehicle, lock your doors, and roll up the windows. If someone stops, ask them to call for help. If someone harasses you while you’re waiting in your car, honk your horn and flash your lights to scare them away.

Using Available Resources

If you’re still unable to get help, or if you’re having an emergency, consider these other options. 

Call 911

In an emergency, dial 911 to contact local authorities and emergency services. All wireless phones can call 911, even if they don’t have cellular service. 

Identify Ranger Stations, Visitor Centers, or Other Help Centers 

If you have a map, use it to guide your search. If not, look for signage that leads you to the nearest ranger station or visitor center. Ranger stations are often located near popular hiking spots. If you find a hiking trail, stay on it. If you spot a sign directing you to the nearest gas station, follow it.

Approach Nearby Homes or Businesses

If you spot a home or business, ask someone inside for help. Be clear and concise about what you need. When you arrive at a stranger’s home, offer to show them your ID. 

Planning and Prevention

Think ahead to avoid problems on the road.  

Pre-Trip Preparations

If you’re planning a road trip, take these steps before you embark.

• Check cell signal maps: Some apps have cell coverage maps that show signal strength. When planning your route, you can check signal strength in various areas, down to street level. 
• Download offline maps and navigation apps: Before setting out, download maps so you have directions even when you don’t have a signal. You can download both Google Maps and Apple Maps, for example. Make sure to download maps when you’re connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular signal. There are also navigation apps that you can use offline. They use your phone’s built-in GPS signaling to track your location.
• Tell a friend or family member about your travel plans: When you’re planning a road trip, share your plans with someone you trust. Tell them when you’ll be leaving, which route you plan to take, and roughly when you’ll arrive at your destination. That way, if you get stranded, someone will know your itinerary.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Here are some items that you might want to include.

• Physical map and compass: These will come in handy if your phone battery dies.
• Phone charger or power bank: Keep your cell phone powered up. If your car battery dies, you’ll need another power source.
• Reflective triangles: Place warning triangles around your vehicle to help approaching drivers see you. Alerting other drivers to your car is especially important if it’s dark, foggy, or raining. Buy triangles approved by the Department of Transportation. 
• First aid kit: Include antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, pain relievers, and medications that you and your passengers need.
• Flashlight: And don’t forget extra batteries.
• Drinking water: When embarking on a road trip, bring one gallon per person per day.
• Nutritious, nonperishable foods: Nuts, dried fruit, protein bars, and ready-to-eat canned food are great options. Include food for babies, pets, and travelers with special diets, if needed.
• Small shovel: If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, you may be able to dig around your tires to free them. You may also want to keep some kitty litter, which can provide traction on slippery surfaces, in your vehicle.
• Fire extinguisher: Choose one that meets Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards. A UL-approved fire extinguisher won’t explode in a hot vehicle.
• Warm clothing and blankets
• Rain poncho

You can also buy specialty tools like a portable battery jump starter. And a car escape tool breaks tempered glass windows if your vehicle is submerged under water. 

It’s best to maintain a cellular signal if you can. But having a plan can help ensure your safety if you go off-grid. Familiarize yourself with your route before you embark on your trip. Equip yourself with satellite navigation or offline maps, in case you end up in a cellular dead zone. And pack supplies that you might need in case of an emergency. Share this information with friends of family, too, so everyone can stay safe.