Mater is Lightning McQueen’s dedicated tow-truck friend in Pixar’s Cars.
Mater is a rusty, brown tow truck who lives in Radiator Springs and quickly befriends McQueen after the newcomer is ordered to repair the town’s damaged road. Mater’s humor, loyalty, and enthusiasm contrast with McQueen’s initial arrogance, making him central to the film’s emotional transformation.
The character’s full name is Sir Tow Mater, a pun on “tomater,” while his appearance recalls older American tow trucks. Mater tells exaggerated stories about his past, including claims about tractor tipping and unusual automotive adventures. His friends often accept his stories affectionately even when they are hard to believe.
Larry the Cable Guy voices Mater in the Cars films. Mater also stars in the short-form series Mater’s Tall Tales and has major roles in Cars 2 and Cars 3.