A Guide on Safely Towing a Car

If a vehicle breaks down to a point where it can’t move on its own, it is towed with another vehicle that can move it to a workshop or any other destination. Here is a complete guide on safe towing for cars and trucks to assist with the process whenever the need arises. These tips for towing a car is going to be extremely helpful in the long run.

It is worth noting that many car insurance companies offer vehicle towing services to their customers. Moreover, for roadside emergencies in the UAE, you can request towing services by calling 999 or connect with independent roadside assistance providers.

TIPS FOR TOWING A CAR – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Safe towing for cars and trucks is quite tricky and requires a different set of skills to cover the journey. Drivers of towing vehicles practice how to accelerate, brake, or take a turn to make sure they reach the destination without any harm to any vehicle, object or person.

However, if the need arises to tow a vehicle without professional help, here are some useful tips to remember:

TIPS FOR DRIVERS TOWING ANOTHER CAR

1. Decide a driving signal before putting the keys in the ignition. It can be the parking lights, two hoots of the horn, or a simple hand gesture that would signal on the road when you need to stop. 
2. Make sure you are accelerating very slowly to avoid jolts and discomfort. Importantly, these jolts can snap the tow rope so you have to be vigilant about it. You can accelerate around 5mph until you feel the rope tighten. Once it does, continue up to around 15mph or so. 
3. Give plenty of warnings, either by using the indicator or brakes. 
4. When turning corners, give yourself more space than usual. Capture a wide-angle to prevent the towed car from cutting across the curbs. 

TIPS FOR DRIVERS OF THE CAR BEING TOWED 

1. When your car is being towed, you will feel the steering and brakes very differently for they are power-assisted by the engine. Therefore, you will have to turn the wheel and hit the brakes harder to match the pace with the car in front.
2. Ensure that the hand brakes are off and the car is in a neutral zone before it is towed. 
3. Keep your eyes on the car in front and try to coordinate every movement. You must remember that reaction time is very important for a safe, towing journey. 
4. Maintain the tension in the tow rope by braking gently when you see that the rope is slackening. This practice eliminates the risk of jolts, snagging, or snapping of the tow rope. 

THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE CAR TOWING

Besides keeping up with the tips for towing a car, here are some other important things to take note of when you encounter any of such situations:

• An “on tow” sign is recommended to be placed on the rear of the vehicle. 
• Always make sure you have inspected the tow rope closely for any signs of damage, defects or abrasion.
• Never use a damaged rope for this purpose as it can snap easily under pressure.
• For the towed car, leave the ignition on to disengage the steering lock. 
• Vehicles with power-assisted steering or brakes require more strength and effort in the midst of towing. 

Conclusively, the most important thing to know is how much the tow vehicle can handle the weight of propelling a car forward. There’s always a manufacturer’s defined towing limit that you must follow. Besides, you should also know how much the car weighs because it’s not wise to assume that a small truck can tow a full-size car. Making such assumptions can result in damage to both or one of the cars.

Besides, buy auto parts and accessories as well as tools that are important for car towing safely and always keep them in your car. Thus. whenever there will be a need, you can timely manage the situation.

After towing your car to a service centre, you get to know that majority of the car’s main parts need complete repair or replacement or if the engine has broken down, then you may need to replace your vehicle. You can consider buying a used car in the UAE that may fit your budget and fulfil your commuting needs.

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more tips and tutorials related to vehicles and their various parts.