Towing a car might seem straightforward, but knowing how to do it correctly is essential to avoid serious issues like trailer breakdowns or accidents on the road. Proper towing techniques not only save time but also ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers. In this guide, we’ll cover quick steps and essential tips for a smooth and secure car towing experience.
Ways to tow car
Here are the essential car towing tips for a smooth and successful towing process:
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Connect your vehicle with the tow dolly
A tow dolly is a trolley used to pull a vehicle. When being towed, the car's front wheels are positioned on the trolley while the rear wheels move on the ground. You must properly connect the vehicle's hitch ball to the tow dolly, then fasten the chains from the dolly to your car to uphold the vehicle firmly.
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Consider weight compatibility
When towing a vehicle, you must examine weight compatibility. Usually, vehicles and trucks have specified towing weight limits, and knowing how much your trailer and tow rig weigh is important.
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Remove the driveshaft
If your vehicle has a four-wheel or rear-wheel drive, removing the driveshaft is important to safeguard the transmission system from potential damage.
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Load the vehicle correctly
Once you connect your vehicle with the tow dolly, ensure the front face of the car hangs properly on the ramp. Your vehicle's width should fit well on the ramp, while the front tyres should sit correctly on the wheel stops. Use tyre straps to tighten the grips, which helps limit the front wheel movement.
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Use strong safety chains
To tow the vehicle safely, use strong safety chains to attach the trailer and the tow vehicle between the ball and the tongue. Cross the chains beneath the hitch for maximum security, which helps keep the tow dolly attached if the hitch fails. Ensure there's enough chain slack for making turns and the chains don’t drag on the pavement.
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Make quick, regular checkups on the towing equipment
Once on the road, it's important to keep checking the equipment. If the towing distance is too long, it's recommended that you examine the connectivity between your vehicle and the tow dolly at regular intervals as you travel.
Conclusion
When towing a car, every small detail plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and smooth journey. Knowing the essential tips ensures a safer towing experience and reduces potentially serious incidents that can harm you and other drivers. Always ensure that your tow vehicle can manage the weight you plan to pull, and if possible, check the manufacturer's manual for additional information. You can check the manufacturer's website if you don't have the manual.
Additionally, securing a robust car insurance policy is equally important. Comprehensive car insurance covers accidents, damages, and provides peace of mind in case of theft, third-party damage, or unforeseen events. Roadside assistance is also a popular add-on available with insurance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.