Car towing is a fairly common service for people, whether for minor vehicle repairs or a more severe issue such as a car crash. But an improper car tow can cause damage to your vehicle. Here are some tips that will help you prevent your car from getting damaged during a tow.
Choosing The Tow Company
Towing is a safety measure taken by police and other government agencies to get your car off the road. Most of the time, you drive dangerously or are in an accident, which is sometimes due to parking illegally. When agencies reach out for a towing service, you get what you get.
In other circumstances, your car breaks down, and you need to call for roadside service. Towing can be expensive, so it’s essential to know how to protect your vehicle from damage during a tow. Choose a reputable towing company that has experience towing your model of car. Not all tow companies understand needs of different models. Ensure you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing.
Ask for references from family members or friends who use tow companies. Ask them about their experiences and whether they recommend the company. If possible, ask for testimonials on the company’s website or social media pages and reviews on Google or Yelp! Search in your specific area, such as if you are in Chattanooga.
Ask about their insurance policy and if it covers damage by them or their employees. The last thing you want is for something terrible to happen while your car receives a tow. If it does you want them to have appropriate insurance coverage!
The Right Kind Of Tow Truck
The tow truck needs to be the right type for different model cars. Front-wheel-drive vehicles should not use a traditional flatbed tow truck. Instead, you need a tow truck that can lift the front wheels off the ground. If you drive a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, your car will likely be fine on a flatbed tow truck. Check with the car manual to determine how to tow your specific model.
Front-Wheel-Drive
Front-wheel-drive vehicles have their engines in the front, and the engine’s weight pulls down on that end of the car while towing. This additional pressure can cause damage to the transmission during a long-distance tow or if there are lots of stops and starts along the way. You should use a dolly or a flatbed when towing a front-wheel-drive vehicle so that all four wheels are off the ground during transport.
Rear-Wheel-Drive
If your car is rear-wheel-drive, then you’ll want to make sure the truck has a dolly at the back. This dolly supports two wheels on the ground and lets the two back wheels hang down freely, so there is no damage while they’re trailing behind the truck. A flatbed tow truck also works well for these cars, as they can load them up and carry them without damaging them further. If your vehicle has been in an accident, though, this might not be the best option because it could worsen any damage from the crash.
All-Wheel-Drive and Four-Wheel-Drive
If your car is all-wheel-drive or has four-wheel-drive, then you will need a different type of tow truck. All-wheel-drive vehicles have a shaft that connects the front and back axles, they spin simultaneously. A regular tow truck lifts one end of a car, but both will come off the ground with an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The solution is a flatbed tow truck, which carries your vehicle on its back instead of lifting it. A flatbed can also transport motorcycles and other vehicles.
Check Your Car Before Towing
The first step in preventing damage during a tow is to check your car before. You will want to ensure all fluid levels are full and your gas tank is at least half full. You also want to make sure that all of the other mechanical aspects of your car are in proper working order before towing. This way, if there is any damage during the tow, you know there was not something wrong with the car itself.
Other tips to prepare for towing:
- Place your car in neutral
- Roll up all windows
- Release the emergency brake
- Check all straps and hooks
- Be sure all tools are secure in the tow truck
We hope these towing tips were helpful and that you never have the unfortunate experience of needing roadside service. Try to relax and follow these tips to help prevent damage if you do. Have a friend or family member walk alongside the tow truck as they are pulling your vehicle onto the flatbed. Keep an eye on the straps or hooks while securing your vehicle. If all else fails, always remember that you can hire a mechanic to inspect for any damages that may occur during the towing process.
Call Us Today
Doug Yates Towing and Recovery is located in the city limits of Chattanooga, one of Tennessee’s most vibrant business communities. Since 1946 it has been the company’s mission to conduct business with integrity and professionalism in all phases of day-to-day services. We offer 24/7 towing and recovery services for all motorists and vehicle types. Our team of tow truck technicians will help get your vehicle wherever it needs to be safely and securely. You can count on us for all your towing & recovery needs. Give us a call today!