Fuel Delivery in Muskoka

Distances between open stations here are longer than most drivers expect, and the gaps get worse after dark and outside the summer season. Highway 169 through Bala, Highway 117 toward Baysville, Highway 141 to Windermere and the township roads around Muskoka Lakes all have stretches where the next pump is well past the point where the low-fuel light stops being a suggestion.

Cold weather, a loaded vehicle and towing a boat or trailer all shorten range too — so the reserve you're used to at home doesn't go as far up here.

• Gasoline or diesel — this one matters most.
• Your exact location: highway and direction, nearest intersection, fire number or a dropped map pin.
• Whether the vehicle is off the travelled lane or still partly in it.
• Year, make and model.
• Whether it coasted to a stop or cut out while driving — those can be different problems.

Get the vehicle as far off the road as momentum allows, hazards on, and wait away from traffic. On Highway 11 specifically, read how to locate yourself on the corridor.

A vehicle that stalls with fuel showing in the tank may have a pump, filter or sensor fault rather than an empty tank, and adding fuel won't change that. If it doesn't start after a top-up, the sensible next step is a tow to a garage rather than more attempts at the roadside.

How much fuel is delivered?

Enough to get you to the next open station, not a full tank. Fill up properly once you're moving.

Diesel as well as gasoline?

Say which one you need when you call — it determines what gets loaded on the truck. Putting the wrong fuel in is a far more expensive problem than an empty tank.

My car ran out and now won't restart.

Diesels in particular can need the fuel system purged of air after running dry, and any vehicle may crank for a while before it catches. If it won't run after refuelling, the outcome is usually a tow to a garage.

Does an electric vehicle out of charge get the same service?

No — a flat traction battery isn't something that can be topped up at the roadside. That call is a flatbed tow to a charger or a garage.

• All Muskoka roadside assistance

  Everything short of a tow.

• Battery boost

  Won't crank after sitting.

• Flat tire assistance

  Spare fitted at the roadside.

• Car lockout help

  Keys locked inside.