America Had No Tow Trucks Until 1916 — What Happened When Cars Broke Down?

Before tow trucks became part of America’s road system, a broken-down automobile created a difficult recovery problem. This video investigates how stranded cars were moved, repaired, or removed when motorists and mechanics had no purpose-built towing vehicle to rely on. It also explores the need that led to the development of the early tow truck and how specialized recovery equipment changed roadside assistance, repair work, and traffic management. While the exact origins of motorized towing can be described differently across historical accounts, the new machine helped turn vehicle recovery from an improvised task into an organized service. Built by Giants explores the machines and industrial systems that performed America’s hardest work and made modern life possible. #TowTrucks #AutomotiveHistory #AmericanHistory