University of Iowa Student Roadside Guide: What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down

Updated September 7, 2026

A car problem near campus is easier to handle when you can describe exactly where you are and which help you need. IC Roadside & Key offers 24/7 vehicle lockouts, usable-spare changes and battery jumps. Call (319) 936-2108 for a quote and a confirmed arrival estimate. New or used replacement tires have separate availability and currently include a shop step.

Tell the Dispatcher Where to Find You

Give the parking ramp or lot name, level, nearby entrance and your vehicle's year, make and model. At an apartment, include the building address and any access restrictions. On a highway, give the road, direction and nearest exit or marker. A campus building name alone may not identify the correct vehicle entrance.

Choose the Right Roadside Service

Car will not start

Describe what happens when you try to start: lights, clicking, cranking or silence. Those symptoms help with intake but do not prove the battery is the only problem. Ask about a jump start. Follow the vehicle manual's jump-start instructions; some vehicles use designated connection points and specific procedures. If you are unsure, wait for qualified help.

Flat tire with a usable spare

Tell us whether the spare is present and usable, and whether the wheel-lock key is available. Confirm a safe working location before anyone attempts a change. A spare may have speed and distance restrictions; use the limits printed on it and in the vehicle manual.

No usable spare

Provide the tire size or a clear description of the vehicle. We can source a suitable new or used replacement, subject to availability. Today, replacement work includes taking the tire to a shop. Confirm handling, timing and the complete quote before agreeing. Roadside mounting and balancing from a fully equipped mobile shop is a later upgrade.

Keys locked inside

Check whether a spare key is available and tell us the vehicle model and where the keys are. The owner confirms whether the job can be handled and the price before dispatch. If a person or animal is in immediate danger, call 911 rather than waiting for a routine service appointment.

If Your Car Was Towed

First determine whether it was a university, city or private-lot tow. University Parking is (319) 335-1475 and Campus Safety is (319) 335-5022. The University requires a Campus Safety release before collection of a towed and impounded vehicle. Follow its current release instructions. For a private lot, check the signs and contact the property manager.

Our Iowa towing guide explains where to find city contacts, preserve records and check official rules. IC Roadside & Key cannot authorize another operator to release your vehicle.

Game Days, Winter Break and Snow

Check the University's parking information and the signs at your space before a game or extended trip. Do not rely on a general article for a particular lot's event restrictions. A paid meter, visitor space or campus permit does not by itself answer every event-parking question.

For winter street parking, consult Iowa City's snow-parking information and the current declaration. Arrange suitable parking before leaving town rather than leaving a car where temporary restrictions may change.

Late-Night Transportation

The University's Nite Ride page currently lists free fixed-route service for students and employees from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Bring your University ID and check Transit and current service alerts for the route operating that night. Nite Ride is passenger transportation; arrange roadside work separately.

Keep the Cost Clear

Check an existing insurance policy or roadside plan for coverage, authorization requirements and service limits before booking a separate provider. A benefit may arrange a service, reimburse an approved charge or leave part of the bill to you. Confirm with that provider rather than assuming a student or credit-card benefit pays the cost.

For IC, ask for the quote, work included, tire or shop costs where relevant, arrival estimate and payment arrangements. No annual service membership is required. Submitting the website form requests a callback; call (319) 936-2108 for urgent help and confirm acceptance before expecting dispatch.

Frequently Asked Questions