By Walter Raymond, President & CEO of Baby Kaitlyn Towing
If you’ve lived in New Orleans long enough, you know there are two kinds of drivers: those who’ve needed a tow truck… and those who will. Between our unpredictable weather, legendary potholes, and traffic that moves slower than a Mardi Gras parade, things happen out here. As the President of Baby Kaitlyn Towing — one of the city’s oldest and most trusted towing companies — I’ve seen it all. From luxury cars stuck in Bayou St. John mud to tourists who thought they could “just make it through that puddle,” our fleet has rescued every kind of driver imaginable.
So, let’s talk about the most common reasons people in New Orleans need a tow — and maybe how to avoid becoming our next call (though, if you do, we’ll take good care of you).
1. Flat Tires and Blowouts
Between the cracked streets of Uptown and the crater-sized potholes near the Industrial Canal, it’s a miracle anyone’s tires survive a full season. One minute you’re cruising along Claiborne, the next you hear that unmistakable flop-flop-flop. Sometimes it’s a slow leak. Sometimes it’s a full-on blowout that sounds like a gunshot.
If you’re lucky, you’ve got a spare. If you’re smart, you’ve got our number. Because changing a tire on I-10 at rush hour is about as fun as waiting for your red beans to cook without any rice.
2. Dead Batteries
Nothing says “good morning” like a dead car battery in August when it’s already 98 degrees by 9 a.m. Extreme heat — and yes, sometimes our surprise cold snaps — are brutal on car batteries. If you’ve ever turned your key and heard that sad little click, you know the feeling.
We jumpstart cars all over town — from the French Quarter to Gentilly — and it’s always the same look on the driver’s face: part relief, part embarrassment, part “how much caffeine do I need to deal with this today?” Don’t worry, we’ve seen worse.
3. Accidents and Fender Benders
Nobody plans to get into a wreck, but when you’ve got streetcars, cyclists, and tourists crossing Bourbon Street like it’s a video game, accidents happen. Even a minor fender bender can leave your car un-drivable — especially when those airbags decide to throw a surprise party.
Our drivers are trained to handle these situations with care. We work with insurance companies, body shops, and law enforcement to get your vehicle off the road quickly and safely. And we’ll even lend a sympathetic ear while you tell us about the guy who “came out of nowhere.”
4. Engine Trouble
If your “check engine” light has been on since the Saints won their last playoff game, consider this your friendly reminder — that light means something. Engines fail for all sorts of reasons: overheating, oil leaks, bad fuel pumps… or just old age.
When that happens, we’re there. Whether your car stopped on Airline Highway or you’re sitting under the Causeway Bridge wondering why the smoke looks “a little too smoky,” Baby Kaitlyn Towing has the equipment to handle it.
5. Locked-Out Drivers
This one’s always a heartbreaker. You’re standing outside your car, staring at your keys through the window, realizing you’ve outsmarted yourself. It happens to the best of us — moms juggling groceries, delivery drivers in a rush, even off-duty police officers. (Yes, really.)
Our lockout service is fast, affordable, and nonjudgmental. We don’t ask questions. We just smile, pop the lock, and let you get back on your way.
6. Running Out of Gas
Now, you’d think in 2025 people would have mastered the art of filling up the tank, but life happens. Maybe you were stuck on Chef Menteur during a storm. Maybe your gas gauge was lying again. Either way, we get plenty of calls that start with, “You’re gonna laugh, but…”
Good news — we’ve heard it all. We’ll bring you gas, get you rolling, and you can promise yourself (again) that you’ll never let it drop below a quarter tank.
7. Flooding (Because… New Orleans)
You can’t talk about towing in New Orleans without mentioning flooding. One good afternoon storm can turn the streets into lagoons. People see water and think, “I can make it.” Spoiler alert: you probably can’t.
When the city floods, our phones light up like a Christmas tree. We’ve pulled out cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even one unlucky food truck that learned the hard way that gumbo and deep water don’t mix.
Final Thoughts
At Baby Kaitlyn Towing, we’ve been serving New Orleans drivers for decades. We’ve seen the city through hurricanes, festivals, and everything in between. Whether it’s 2 p.m. on Canal Street or 2 a.m. on Elysian Fields, our team is ready 24/7 with fast, reliable, and professional service — and maybe a joke or two to lighten the mood.
Remember: you don’t need a tow truck until you really need one. Save our number in your phone — 504 669-5938 – because in New Orleans, the only thing less predictable than the weather is the traffic.
Stay safe out there, friends. And if you ever find yourself stranded, just call Baby Kaitlyn Towing — we’ll get you rolling again, no matter where life stalls you out.