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3 Ways to Tow a Car – Plus Safety Tips

Ways to Tow a Car

Have you ever broken down on the side of the road and didn’t have AAA services? Don’t feel alone. It’s happened to many drivers on the road. Most experts suggest towing a broken-down car with a tow truck but not everyone has access to one. That’s when a tow strap comes in handy.

With a durable tow strap, you can get someone to help you tow your car with their vehicle. However, it’s important to know how to tow a vehicle safely to prevent accidents on the road. Keep reading to find out how to tow with a strap and two other towing methods.

Safety Tips When Towing a Vehicle

Towing a Vehicle

If you’re having your car towed or you’re towing someone else’s vehicle there are a few safety tips to be aware of first. The following safety tips will ensure that you tow the vehicle safely on the road:

  • Tow vehicle must be heavier: The tow vehicle must always be heavier than the car that’s being towed. This is because the towing vehicle needs more engine power and optimal braking to control two cars instead of one.
  • Turn on the ignition: The towed car’s ignition must be turned on to prevent the wheel from locking.
  • Roadworthy: The car that’s doing the towing must be 100% roadworthy. This means the lights must be working correctly and all mirrors must be clean and not cracked. Ensure your turn signals are working.
  • Drive slowly: You must have patience when towing another vehicle. Always drive slower than usual because the braking distance will be longer when towing a heavy car.
  • No sudden stops: Take it easy on the brakes. Avoid sudden stops and brake long when turning corners.
  • Use turn signals: You should be using your turn signals even if you aren’t towing a vehicle. However, it’s important to let the other driver know when you’re going to turn or change lanes so they can steer the vehicle in that direction.
  • Avoid sharp turns: Sharp turns can cause the car that’s being towed to hit into the back of the vehicle that’s towing. Always turn corners slowly and turn wider than usual.

What Happens if You Tow a Vehicle Incorrectly?

Towing a car incorrectly can cause accidents on the road. You’re not only putting yourself at risk but other drivers on the road too. Additionally, towing a vehicle incorrectly can damage the driveline of your vehicle which results in expensive part replacements.

To avoid accidents and damaging your car, follow all safety tips before towing another vehicle. You can also take a look at the owner’s manuals of both vehicles to see if they can in fact be towed using one of the three methods below.

3 Ways to Tow a Car

car towing

1.      Tow Strap

In Australia, it’s perfectly legal to tow a vehicle using a tow strap. But it should be noted that this method is only suitable for short distances. You can also use a tow strap to pull a vehicle out of a ditch or if it’s stuck inmud.

Check the owner’s manual of both vehicles to find the location of the tow points for the cars. Attach the strap to the tow points. Make sure that the cars are no more than 4m apart.

2.      Flat Tow a Car with 4-Wheel Drive

The preferred method to flat tow a 4-wheel drive vehicle is with an RV. However, if you don’t have an RV, you can flat tow a car with another lightweight vehicle. Simply make sure that the towing rate meets the requirements to tow another vehicle.

It will also depend on the type of transmission the towed vehicle has. If you have an automatic transmission, check your owner’s manual to see how to disengage the rear driveshaft. You’ll need a rear driveshaft coupler for this.

If you have a manual transmission, you’ll need to disengage the transfer case, transmission and lockout hubs. Check your owner’s manual to see how this is done.

3.      Towing with a Trailer

The easiest and safest way to tow a vehicle is with a trailer. You can choose an open or closed trailer. There is no need to pull the vehicle along because the car will sit on top of the trailer during transportation.

Some trailers have a pulley system so you can pull the car onto the ramp using a tow strap. Once the car is on top of the trailer you can secure it with ratchet straps. If you don’t have a trailer of your own, you may need to hire one.

Final Thoughts

It can be difficult towing a car if it’s your first time. So, before you decide to tow a vehicle whether you’re using a tow strap or trailer always read the owner’s manual first. This is especially true if you need to adjust a part in the vehicle to tow it.

Depending on what state in Australia you live in there may be certain regulations you have to abide by. Read up on Australia’s towing regulations and go over the safety tips in this article to help you.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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