If your vehicle stalled out a short distance from home and you need help getting it to your residence in order to repair it, or if your vehicle becomes undriveable for any reason, you can contact a spouse or friend to help tow your vehicle home, or a short distance. When towing you will want to make sure you hook up the broken down vehicle correctly to prevent accidents or damage to you and other drivers. For those who may never have had to tow a vehicle before, Citywide Towing will walk you through the proper steps of preparing a vehicle to be towed.
Is the Car Safe for Towing
Before you attempt to tow another vehicle or be towed yourself, make sure first that it is safe. If the broken down vehicle is stressing or the braking system no longer functions, do not attempt to tow the vehicle. Additionally, it is hazardous to tow a vehicle without brakes, lights, or if you unable to activate the caution lights. If the broken down vehicle meets the requirements of working lights, brakes, and steering, it is safe to tow the vehicle. If the requirements are not met, contact a towing company.
How to Legally Tow a Car with a Pickup Truck or Another Vehicle
In order to legally tow another vehicle, you will first need the proper equipment. Tow straps, chains, or a towing bar is a must. Don’t tow another vehicle with ropes or any other method that is not approved for towing! Tow straps or chains can be kept in a vehicle and is recommended to have as part of a vehicle emergency kit.
Step 1. In order to tow a vehicle, very often you will still need a driver in the broken down vehicle to steer and slow or stop the towed vehicle. The very first step is to have two drivers ready.
Step 2. Locate the loop anchor on both vehicles. They are located in the front and back of all vehicles. There are two ring or loop holes on the left and right side under the bumper. Make sure you hook both sides of the anchor to the vehicle that is being towed.
Step 3. Create a system of hand gestures or signs to help communicate with the other driver. Also establish a set speed; it is better to drive slowly. The recommended speed is 25 mph. After establishing a form of communication and the speed limit is determined, you can begin towing the vehicle.
Step 4. Double check the towing straps, chain, or tow bar and see if they are secure. Have both vehicles turn on their hazard lights before moving. With drivers in both vehicles, proceed to your destination.
Make sure as the driver of the broken down car, to pay close attention to the towing vehicle ahead of you. Be prepared to slow down or stop or you can hit the other vehicle. Just because you’re not controlling the vehicle completely doesn’t mean you can take a nap. As the driver towing the disabled vehicle, make sure not to do any sudden stops and engage the break much earlier than normal to give the person you are towing time to stop and slow down.
Towing & Emergency Roadside Assistance in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
Never attempt to tow a vehicle long distances. It is hazardous and accidents could and do occur. It is better to call a towing company to help you relocate a broken down vehicle. If you need a towing service, contact Citywide Towing.
