If you are stuck and unable to get the car started, you may need to tow it to a mechanic or to a safe place to do repairs yourself. Here are some tips to help you tow cars safely.
Steps
Step 1. Find someone with a vehicle powerful enough to drag yours
A small sedan or car will probably not be suitable for towing an SUV or large pickup truck.
Step 2. Purchase an appropriate tow strap
If necessary, a chain could be used to tow a vehicle for a short distance, but it can be dangerous, as the chains are not elastic and the links could break during towing. A nylon or polyester strap with loops at the ends is the best choice for safe towing.
Step 3. Find the right place to attach the tow strap
A tow hitch with ball on the bumper will be fine for the tow vehicle, but hooking up the car to tow it can be tricky, as suspension components are not designed to be towed and other metal components can cut or crush the belt. Ideally, a rounded part of the frame or a front bumper support could be used for the connection, but these vary considerably from vehicle to vehicle.
Step 4. Check the brakes, steering and warning lights to make sure they are working sufficiently for towing
If your vehicle is equipped with power brakes and power steering, their use is limited if the engine is not running while you are being towed. In this case, renting a platform would be the best option.
Step 5. Inspect the tow connections and discuss with the towing party how to communicate with signs
Plan a precise route and try to choose one in order to avoid congested areas or roads where you travel at high speed.
Step 6. Get behind the wheel of the vehicle to be towed, remove the handbrake and put the vehicle in neutral
Hold the foot brake lightly to prevent the vehicle from rolling until the tow vehicle resumes play.
Step 7. Show a flag to the tow vehicle until the tow line is taut, then release the brake of the vehicle to be towed and prepare to be towed
Step 8. Drive on a straight track with the vehicle pulling the towed car
Brake lightly if the vehicle pulling you slows down, or starts down a hill, where your speed could get you close to it. If the tow line loosens as you travel the result could be a serious jolt if the vehicle towing yours suddenly accelerates. By keeping the tow line taut, this risk is greatly reduced.
Step 9. Activate the warning light in the towed vehicle to let the cars behind you know that you are going slow
Advice
- In some jurisdictions it is required that there be a “Vehicle Towing” or “Towing” sign on the rear of the vehicle being towed.
- Use the hazard warning lights while being towed to warn of traffic.
- In some jurisdictions it is prohibited to tow a vehicle on public roads.
- The person behind the brakes for the most part; this keeps the line taut.
