Everything about car towing
An emergency can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Sometimes it is best to tow the vehicle quickly to the nearest repair location and this can be done with a tow rope by asking a friendly driver. Here it often turns out that misfortunes like to go in pairs.
What you need to know in order not to increase losses and not cause trouble to those who wanted to help. Below we present several rules for towing vehicles and tips on how to do it properly.
- The first rule – let’s not get carried away. The fact that the car broke down does not mean that it still needs to be crashed, damaging the car of the kind driver who agreed to tow us away. If possible, use assistance insurance and tow using a tow truck. If not, you need to know everything we write about below.
- After the emergency parking has been properly secured, check if you have a towing rope or a rigid tow.
- CORD- it should be marked alternately with white and red stripes or be fitted with a yellow or red flag. The line can also be yellow or red, or even white, as long as it has the aforementioned flag. Before buying a cable, it is worth checking whether the manufacturer has specified its strength and whether it is appropriate for the weight of our car. Instead of a rope, it can be used for passenger cars RIGID HOLE, which can be purchased in a folding version. The rigid towing line must not be longer than 3 meters and the towing line must be a minimum of 4 meters and a maximum of 6 meters. Check that the car has front and rear towing hooks. It is better to do all this now, when the car is operational. The prudent one is always insured, and the guarded … as we know, evil will not happen. It is also worth having work gloves and a flashlight in the car.
- A towing line is required when the operation of the braking system depends on the operation of the engine, which is usually trucks. Another reason for using a tow bar is also the weight of trucks, but that does not mean that it cannot be used on passenger cars.
- In order to tow a car on a rope, it must have both working (foot) and emergency (manual) braking systems in working order. If only one of them is functional, you can tow the car on a tow bar.
- The towed car must be marked on the left rear with a warning reflective triangle. The regulations allow for “sending yellow flash signals” instead of the triangle, it is about marking, for example, with a yellow beacon, which can be bought in any major automotive store. When towing in rain or fog, the yellow “rooster” will work much better than the triangle. There are only problems with the triangle and you should avoid putting it behind the rear window, especially if you have tinted windows. Most drivers hang it on the rear wiper, if there is one in the vehicle.
- Remember that the speed of the towing vehicle must not exceed 30 km / h in built-up areas and 60 km / h outside this area. It’s all about basic security. The towing driver must not forget that he is pulling a car with limited braking and turning ability a few meters behind the bumper, as most often the power steering does not work and the engine is turned off.
- A more experienced driver should tow. If one of them has no experience, the other one should calmly explain to him a rule: “The towing always accelerates and the towed brake” . It will be possible. Long hoot and high beam – stop immediately. The towing vehicle must also warn the rear that he is about to start braking, e.g. by short flashes of the STOP light. Then the one in the rear starts to brake harder.
- The ignition switch must always be on in the towed vehicle! Otherwise, the steering lock may prevent the wheels from turning. The battery should also be functional, otherwise it should not be towed.
- DRIVING TECHNIQUE – The most important thing for both drivers is to keep the tow rope taut. Forgetting about it usually ends with one of the towed car’s wheels hitting the cable, and what usually causes it to break immediately. Also, starting from the intersection with the cable lying loosely on the road will cause its sudden tension and, as a result, breaking it, which may result in damage to one of the vehicles.
- Factory towing hooks must be used for towing. It is not allowed to hook the ropes on rockers, bumpers, etc. It is also forbidden to use towing hooks from other cars, because strong tension of the rope may cause their tearing or damage to the thread. Only vehicles equipped with towing hooks, which have been standard on every car since 2000, may be towed.
- TRIP TACTICS – It’s best to tow at night and choose a route with little travel. This will allow us to travel without frequent stopping and starting, avoiding busy intersections. Maintaining a constant speed will ensure a smooth, predictable ride, without sudden jerks and braking. Avoid stopping at pedestrian crossings. They may not notice the rope, and when starting, a quickly taut rope can be harmful. In winter, in a towed vehicle, open the window to prevent the windows from misting up, and if you drive for a long time in cold weather, drivers should change trains.
- BAD SINS – Most drivers travel too fast when towing, there is no warning triangle on the rear of the vehicle and they turn on the hazard.
