If you are stuck by the roadside, and you can’t get your car going, you may want to pull it to a mechanic’s shop or rather a safe place to perform a DIY repair. Breaking is a big problem, and you need to have the basic understanding of how towing works.
Before you pull a car, there are some useful things you need to keep in mind. The “On Tow” warning sign should be visible and well placed on the car being towed. Ensure that the tow rope and poles you use come with “On Tow” sign. Inspect the towing cable or towing pole to make sure that it can withstand tension. For the car to be towed, the engine must be left running for power steering to work.
Find someone with a rope that is powerful enough to tow your car. You also need to have a suitable tow strap. You can also use a chain to tow vehicles if the distance involved is short. However, chains can be dangerous as they do not stretch and links can break during the towing process.
Find a suitable joint to attach your towing strap. A bumper hitch with a trailer ball will work for the tow vehicle. However, hooking to the car to be towed can be tricky because suspension components are not designed for pulling pressure.
Before you start the towing process, check the car brakes and warning lamps to ensure that they are functioning properly. If the vehicle to be towed comes with power brakes and a power steering, their use will not help, if the engine of the vehicle to be towed is damaged or not running. In such a case, you may need to use flatbed towing as compared to pulling the car.
Driver Towing the Car
The driver pulling the car must be conscientious. They need to keep the driving speed at a maximum of 15 mph. Driving at this speed enabled the driver being towed to have sufficient time to control his vehicle fully.
Gently use the clutch to avoid any rope snatching. Snatching may cause the vehicle being towed to be jerked forward suddenly. Snatching may also make the driver uncomfortable leading to loss of control
Always keep a relative driving distance between the two vehicles. At all times, avoid instant braking, as such could cause disturbances to the other driver. Ensure that you use brake lights well and not just on sudden on/off. Longer braking time gives the other driver sufficient time to act accordingly.
When towing a car, clearly indicate in ample time, any maneuvers you intend to make, to have the other driver comfortable with your actions.
The Driver Being Towed
Your main mandate is to keep a keen eye on the warning signs from the driver towing your vehicle. In case the form of towing involved is not a flat bed towing, tension in the rope must always be stiff. Make use of slow braking to have this tension maintained at all times.
