You should know that towing another car is not a simple operation, although it may seem so, so you must be very careful, especially if you had never done it before because you just bought your first car. In the following cheap towing NYC blog post, we will tackle some of the most challenging aspects of how to tow a car.
The most appropriate time to tow another car is when it has a breakdown and is causing an obstruction or if the vehicle is in a dangerous location and needs to be towed to a safer location.
It can be tempting to search your garage for any old rope but don’t. The consequences of it breaking while towing another car are high, so do the right thing and buy a rope or cable designed for this type of action. It will always be useful to have this type of rope in your trunk in case you are the one who gets stranded in the middle of the road in the future. This way, you will have what you need to ask for help. Towing ropes or cables are available in various ranges depending on their ability to pull weight. A rope up to 3.5 tons and meets safety standards should cover almost any eventuality when towing.
Legally, there is no minimum length, but it is advisable to leave enough distance between the two cars so that the one behind has enough time to react to the brakes and the curves. However, there is a maximum allowed length of 4.5 meters, and if you use a rope longer than 1.5 meters, you must place a piece of coloured cloth in the middle so that other drivers can see the rope.
Yes! It is important that when towing another vehicle, you place a sign on the latter that can indicate and notify other drivers that it is being towed. Thanks to this signal, they will be able to keep their distance.
A resounding yes! The steering lock will still be on if the other car is not on. This could cause that, while you are going in one direction, the car you are towing is going in another. And in the first curve you have to make, your desire to help would not end well.
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Again, the answer is yes, especially if it’s dark. Even if it’s daytime, don’t forget to turn them on and use hand signals in addition to your turn signals. Helps avoid misunderstandings while towing a friend’s or stranger’s car.
If the drive wheels of a car with an automatic transmission are in contact with the road while the vehicle is being towed and the engine is not running, there is a chance of causing transmission damage. You must consult the owner’s manual of the other vehicle. There you will find a section that deals with towing. Moreover, some manufacturers impose a distance and speed limit for automatic transmission cars.
Also, just like with manual transmission cars, ensure the gearbox is neutral.
Carefully, very carefully. You do this by keeping your speed as low as possible and pulling away as smoothly as possible, modulating the clutch to avoid suddenly pulling on the rope. That will prevent a nasty jerking action on the other car, and there will be less chance of the rope snapping.
Also, when you need to brake, do so slightly ahead of time to activate your brake lights, so the other car (the one being towed) knows ahead of time to apply the brakes. In the same way, it will also be useful if, with the help of your hands, you indicate to your friend that you are about to stop.
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge as your engine will be under a higher load than usual so overheating is a potential problem. It is advisable to have someone by your side to keep a closer eye on what is happening behind you and keep you up to date.
Avoid any hard manoeuvring, sudden braking or acceleration and remember, if the towed car doesn’t have a running engine, it also won’t have power steering or brakes, which could result in two stalled cars instead of one.
Your friend, the other driver, will have to be much more careful than you; he probably has the hardest part of the whole operation. First, his car may not have engine power, so the brakes and power steering will require much more physical effort to operate. Additionally, remind him that his car should also be neutral. The other driver should be aware of your vehicle’s brake lights and gauges and any hand signals you may be sending them. It’s also a good idea to keep tension on the tow rope as much as possible by braking lightly while towing. This will prevent the rope from dragging along the path, which could shorten its life considerably. Finally, both you and the other driver must be fully qualified, that is, you must both have a current driver’s license.
Before the two starts, agreeing on a few simple hand signals is a good idea so you’ll know quickly if something’s wrong. Have signs to slow down or stop. We hope that these tips have resolved your doubts and can help you with the towing of another car. Do not forget that safety must come first.
If you want more information about our SUVs, Crossovers, minivans or any other vehicles and automotive 24 towing services, contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
