What Should You Do Before Towing A Car?

Towing a car can be a hazardous task if not done correctly. Many things can go wrong when towing a car, which is why it is essential to take the proper precautions before attempting to tow one. Here are the most common ways to help ensure a safe tow:

Consider several towing options.

There are a few different ways to tow a car, so you’ll want to consider which is best for your vehicle. The most common options are flatbed towing and dolly towing;

Flatbed towing is the safest way to tow a car because it prevents the vehicle from making any contact with the ground. This is important because it eliminates the risk of damaging the car’s suspension or frame.

On the other hand, Dollies allow the wheels of the vehicle to roll while being towed, which can cause damage if not done properly.

The type of tow truck you use will also play a role in how safe your tow is. Flatbeds are obviously the safest option, but if you don’t have one available, then a tow truck with a winch is your next best bet.

Make sure the tow truck is properly equipped.

In addition to using the right type of tow truck, you also need to ensure that it is adequately equipped for the job. The tow truck should have safety chains, straps, and binders to keep the car secure during transport.

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Some cars require special procedures when being towed. For example, some models need to have their transmission in the park and their parking brake engaged to avoid damage. Ensure you know what these procedures are before attempting to tow your car.

Inspect the tow truck and hitch.

Just as you should inspect your car before towing it, you should also inspect the tow truck and hitch. The tow truck should be in good condition, and the hitch should be properly aligned. If either of these is not up to par, you run the risk of damaging both your car and the tow truck.

Check the weight rating of the tow truck.

The last thing you want is to overload the tow truck and cause an accident. Tow trucks have weight limits, so you need to make sure that your car does not exceed this limit. Make sure you know the weight rating of the tow truck and don’t exceed it. If it does, you run the risk of damaging the tow truck or causing an accident.

Be sure to hook up the chains correctly.

One of the most important things to do when hooking up your car to be towed is to make sure the chains are hooked up correctly. If they’re not, there’s a good chance they could come loose and cause an accident.

Use caution when backing up.

Another thing to be careful of is backing with a towed car. Make sure you have someone to help guide you and take your time. You don’t want to back into anything with a towed car attached.

Remove any personal belongings from the towed car.

It’s important to remember that it will be exposed to the elements for extended periods when towing a car. This can cause damage to any personal belongings that are inside it. So before towing your car, make sure you remove everything from it that you don’t want to get wet or ruined.

Make sure the tires are inflated correctly.

Another way to prevent damage while towing is by ensuring that the tires are inflated correctly. When a car is towed, it puts a lot of stress on the tires, which can cause them to blow out if they’re not properly inflated.

Use caution when driving.

Of course, even if you take all of these precautions, there is still some risk involved in towing a car. That’s why it’s important to use caution when driving, especially when going around corners or over bumps. If possible, have someone ride in the car being towed. This will allow you to keep an eye on things and make sure everything is going smoothly.

Choose the right towing service in Arizona.

If you need to have your car towed in Arizona, it’s vital to choose the right towing service. Many different companies offer this service, so be sure to do your research before choosing one. You want to make sure that the company is reputable and has a good track record.

The bottom line.

Towing your car can be risky, but you can minimize the risk if you take the proper precautions. Just be sure to use caution and follow these tips for a safe tow.

If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to contact a professional towing service in Arizona. At Azteca Towing, we are always happy to help. Give us a call today for a free quote.