Most people have never had to tow their vehicles before. However, if you are unfortunate and your car breaks and you have to tow it, you want to do it without causing any damage to your car. But where should you start?
Here is how to go about it:
Common damages that can happen when your car is being towed
When you tow your vehicle, you hook and secure it before the towing company drives away. While this is usually a straightforward operation, damage does occur on occasion. Some of the common towing damage you may encounter include:
Dents and scrapes: Scratches may occur if the towed vehicle comes into touch with another surface, vehicle, or item. Additionally, incorrect fastening might result in dents and damages.
Brake damage: Engaging your parking brake can result in brake damage. Improper towing practices may also cause brake wear.
Transmission problems: These occur when your car’s parking brake is engaged, or it is in gear while towing.
Engine problems: Towing a car while the engine is still running or inadequately fastening engine components might cause engine damage.
How do you prevent your car from getting damaged during towing?
There are several things you can do to prevent your car from getting damaged during towing. These things include:
Work with the right company
You should work with a reliable towing business that has experience towing your vehicle model. You should note that not all towing service providers understand the requirements of different models. So, when you are contacting the towing company, explain to them the type of vehicle you have and get to know whether they have worked with a similar one before.
As a rule of thumb, you must ensure you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing.
A good way to find a reputable company is to request referrals from family members or friends who use tow businesses. Inquire about their experiences and whether they would recommend the company.
If the company has an online presence, check the company’s website or social media accounts, as well as Google or Yelp reviews.
To be safe, work with a company with a stellar reputation. You don’t want a company that puts your car at risk of getting damaged.
Use the right tow truck
If this is your first time towing your car, you should know that not all tow trucks are ideal for your vehicle. To avoid damage, you must use a tow truck that is ideal for your vehicle. The perfect vehicle to use depends on how your car operates.
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel-drive vehicles have engines in the front, and the engine’s weight pulls down on that end of the car when towing. This extra pressure might damage the transmission during a long-distance tow or if there are many stops and starts along the road.
When towing a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you must use a dolly or a flatbed to elevate all four wheels off the ground during transit.
Rear wheel drive
If your car is rear-wheel drive, ensure the truck has a dolly in the back. This dolly supports two wheels on the ground and allows the two back wheels to hang freely, ensuring no damage while trailing behind the vehicle.
A flatbed tow truck is also suitable for these vehicles because it can load and transport them without causing additional damage. However, if your car has been in an accident, this may not be the best option because it may increase the damage caused by the crash.
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive
If your vehicle is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you will want a different type of tow truck. All-wheel-drive cars have a shaft connecting the front and rear axles, which rotate concurrently. A standard tow truck raises one end of a car, whereas an all-wheel-drive vehicle lifts both.
The solution is a flatbed tow truck, which transports your vehicle on its back rather than lifting it. A flatbed truck may also transport motorcycles and other vehicles.
Properly prepare your car for towing.
It goes without saying that you need to prepare your car properly for towing. Some of the things you need to do to achieve this include:
Inflate the tire
If you have a flat tire, repair it before calling for help. If you don’t know how to change a tire, your towing service can assist you. Make sure to notify them ahead of time.
Another thing to think about is if you have gas in your car. If so, remember to turn off your car totally; otherwise, it may catch fire during transfer, and you don’t want this.
Place your car in the park or neutral gear.
If you have a manual transmission vehicle, ensure it is in park or neutral. Some cars must be pushed back, so find someone else to assist you before the tow truck arrives.
If you have an automatic transmission, use the emergency brake and ensure the tires are firmly pressed on the curb. You should also switch off your headlights, unless you don’t mind spending more money on battery power while driving.
Release the emergency or parking brake
Before towing, be sure to release the parking brake. This is because leaving this engaged might damage the brakes and transmission. It will also make towing the vehicle more difficult.
Roll up your windows
While leaving them down will not cause exterior damage, it may allow dust, water, and debris into the vehicle. And you don’t want this, do you? To avoid this, roll up the windows to keep the car clean and safe.
Parting shot
You should implement these tricks to protect your car from getting damaged during towing. To avoid theft, remove all of your valuables from the vehicle.
If you can’t take these items, try to keep them hidden from sight. You can keep anything of value locked in the trunk before moving it since criminals will take advantage of any opportunity. And you don’t want to be a victim of theft, do you?