How to Tow Cars – Different Methods for Towing Vehicles

Introduction:

There are many reasons why you might need to tow cars. Maybe you’re a tow truck driver and it’s your job. Maybe your car has broken down and you need to get it to the nearest service station. Whatever the reason, there are a few different ways you can go about it.

Using Tow Straps:

If your car has become disabled and you need to tow it, using a tow strap is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do so. All you need is another vehicle with a tow hitch and some basic knowledge of how to properly attach the straps.

Here’s A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Use A Tow Strap To Tow A Car:

1. Park the assisting vehicle in front of or behind the disabled vehicle, making sure that both vehicles are facing in the same direction.

2. With both vehicles turned off, set the parking brakes and put each into neutral gear.

3. Locate the tow hitch on both vehicles. On the assisting vehicle, raise or lower the tow hitch so that it’s at the same level as the disabled vehicles.

4. Take the tow strap and loop it around the frame or bumper of the disabled vehicle. Make sure that the hook or shackle is properly secured to avoid coming loose during towing.

5. On the other end of the tow strap, do the same thing on the assisting vehicle’s frame or bumper.

6. Have a passenger get into the disabled vehicle while you get into the assisting vehicle.

7. Slowly drive forward, keeping a tight grip on the steering wheel. The passenger in the disabled vehicle should guide you by waving their arms or yelling directions.

8. Once the disabled vehicle is on the flatbed, secure it with ratchet straps or chains.

Pros:

1. Can be done quickly and easily

2. No need for special equipment

Cons:

1. Not suitable for long distances

2. Rope or chain can snap if not used properly

Using a Dolly:

If you need to tow a front-wheel-drive car, using a dolly is the best way to do so. This is because towing a front-wheel-drive car with all four wheels on the ground can cause damage to the transmission.

Here’s How To Use A Dolly To Tow A Front-Wheel-Drive Car:

1. Park the assisting vehicle in front of or behind the disabled vehicle, making sure that both vehicles are facing in the same direction.

2. With both vehicles turned off, set the parking brakes and put each into neutral gear.

3. Attach the dolly to the disabled vehicle by securing the chains or straps to the front wheels. Make sure that the chains or straps are tight to avoid coming loose during towing.

4. On the other end of the dolly, do the same thing on the assisting vehicle’s frame or bumper.

5. Have a passenger get into the disabled vehicle while you get into the assisting vehicle.

6. Slowly drive forward, keeping a tight grip on the steering wheel. The passenger in the disabled vehicle should guide you by waving their arms or yelling directions.

7. Once the disabled vehicle is on the flatbed, secure it with ratchet straps or chains.

Pros:

1. Can be done quickly and easily

2. No need for special equipment

Cons:

1. Not suitable for long distances

2. Can damage the suspension of the car being towed

Using a Flatbed:

If you have access to a flatbed truck, this is the safest and most effective way to tow cars. This is because all four wheels of the disabled vehicle are off the ground, which prevents any damage from being done to the tires or transmission.

Here’s How To Use A Flatbed To Tow A Car:

1. Park the flatbed in front of the disabled vehicle, making sure that both vehicles are facing in the same direction.

2. With both vehicles turned off, set the parking brakes and put each into neutral gear.

3. Lower the flatbed so that it’s level with the disabled vehicle.

4. Drive the disabled vehicle onto the flatbed. If it’s a rear-wheel-drive car, drive it on backward. If it’s a front-wheel-drive car, drive it forwards.

5. Once the disabled vehicle is on the flatbed, secure it with ratchet straps or chains.

6. Slowly drive the flatbed to wherever you need to take the disabled vehicle.

Towing a car can be a daunting task, but it’s important to know how to do it properly in case of an emergency. By following these steps, you can tow a car safely and effectively.

Pros:

1. Can be done quickly and easily

2. No need for special equipment

Cons:

1. Not suitable for long distances

2. Can be expensive to hire a flatbed truck

Loading a Car on a Trailer:

If you’re planning on towing a car behind your RV, there are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure the process goes smoothly. Here’s how to tow cars:

Choose the right trailer.

There are several different types of trailers that can be used for towing, so it’s important to choose one that’s best suited for your vehicle and your needs.

Attach the trailer to your RV.

This step will vary depending on the type of trailer you’re using, but in general, you’ll need to attach the trailer’s tongue to your RV’s hitch.

Load the car onto the trailer.

Once the trailer is properly attached, you can begin loading your car onto it. Be sure to secure the car in place before starting to tow.

Drive safely.

When you’re driving with a car in tow, be sure to take extra caution and drive slower.

Pros:

1. Can be done quickly and easily

2. No need for special equipment

Cons:

1. Not suitable for long distances

2. Can be expensive to hire a trailer

Conclusion:

Now that you know the different ways to tow a car, you can decide which method is best for your needs. If you need to tow a vehicle long distance, then hiring a professional towing company may be the best option. However, if you only need to tow a car a short distance, then using a dolly or flatbed trailer may be the best option for you. Whichever method you choose, just make sure that you follow all the safety guidelines to ensure a safe and successful tow.