Midtown Center Auto Repair and its towing both run from 8 AM to 8 PM, every day. If your car breaks down after hours, get it somewhere safe and legal, note where it is and what happened, and call at 8 AM: we can collect it and look at it the same day.
Midtown Center Auto Repair is not open through the night: the shop and its towing both run from 8 AM to 8 PM, every day. Few shops in New York City repair cars through the night, so it helps to know what to do when your car breaks down after hours, and what to have ready when we open.
If your car stops somewhere dangerous, such as a live lane, turn the hazards on, get everyone out on the side away from traffic, and call 911. If it is parked safely and legally, the cheapest plan is usually to lock it and leave it until morning, after checking the parking rules so it is not ticketed or towed away overnight.
Note exactly where the car is, including the level and bay if it is in a parking structure, and photograph where it sits and the nearest signs. Write down what happened: it would not start, it overheated, it made a new noise, or a warning light came on. Those details let us send the right truck at 8 AM.
These are the after-hours failures we see most often, and what each one usually needs.
A battery that will not turn the engine is the most common, especially in winter and after a run of short trips. A jump start may get you home, but have the battery and charging system tested before it happens again.
Overheating is the next most common. Switch the engine off as soon as it is safe, never open a hot radiator cap, and do not keep driving, because an overheating engine can turn a modest cooling repair into a head gasket.
Flat tires with no usable spare and keys locked in the car round out the list. In every case, call (212) 629-1028 when we open at 8 AM and we will tell you whether the car needs a tow or can be sorted where it stands.
What should I do when my car breaks down after hours?
Safety comes first. If the car has stopped in a live lane or anywhere dangerous, turn the hazards on, get everyone out on the side away from traffic, and call 911. If it is parked safely and legally, the cheapest plan is usually to leave it, lock it, and deal with it in the morning.
Before you leave it, note the exact location, including the level and bay if it is in a parking structure, and photograph where it sits and the nearest signs. Check the parking rules for the morning, so a street cleaning or rush hour restriction does not turn a breakdown into a tow away.
What should I tell you when I call at 8 AM?
- Where the vehicle is, and whether it is on the street, in a garage or in a lot.
- What happened: it would not start, it overheated, it made a new noise, or a warning light came on.
- Whether it rolls, steers and shifts into neutral.
- Whether it is all wheel drive or electric, which means it should travel on a flatbed.
What are the most common after-hours car breakdowns?
- A battery that will not turn the engine. Common in winter and after a run of short trips.
- Overheating, usually a coolant loss or a failed fan. Do not keep driving an overheating engine.
- A flat with no usable spare, since many cars now carry only a sealant kit.
- Keys locked in, or a car that will not come out of park.
Call (212) 629-1028 when we open at 8 AM, and we will tell you whether it needs a tow or can be sorted where it stands.
Car Breaks Down After Hours: Questions
What should I do if my car breaks down after hours?
If your car breaks down after hours, get it somewhere safe and legal, call 911 if it is in a live lane, note where it is and what happened, and call Midtown Center at 8 AM.
Is Midtown Center open overnight?
No. The shop and its towing both run from 8 AM to 8 PM, every day of the year.
Can you tow my car first thing in the morning?
Yes. Call (212) 629-1028 at 8 AM with the car's location and what happened.
