Wednesday 20 May 2015

Safety Tips for Towing a Vehicle


Breaking down is a real nuisance so it's good to be prepared with knowledge on how to tow a Vehicle. It may seem a little daunting at first so read our guide on how to tow a vehicle safely for some helpful advice.

Before towing a vehicle
  • An 'On Tow' sign must be displayed at the rear of the vehicle being towed. And you'll be pleased to know that all Halfords tow ropes and towing poles are supplied with an 'On Tow' sign that you can use.
  • Inspect the tow rope or towing pole for any damage, defects or abrasion before you use it. Do not use a damaged tow rope or towing pole.
  • On the towed vehicle, leave the ignition switch in the 'on' position to disengage the steering lock. Vehicles with power steering and/or power-assisted will require much more strength and effort to operate when being towed if the engine isn't running.
How to tow a vehicle safely
The driver towing must:
  • Drive with extreme care, keeping speed right down to a maximum of 17 mph. This minimizes the forces generated and gives the driver being towed more time to react to what is happening.
  • Carefully use the clutch to pull away gently, to prevent any 'snatching' of the rope, which can result in the towed vehicle being jerked forwards suddenly. This is not only uncomfortable for the driver, but is the main reason for tow ropes breaking.
  • Try to avoid any sudden braking. If possible, press very lightly on the brake pedal in advance of actually braking. This illuminates your brake lights and gives plenty of warning to the driver being towed. Remember, towing poles are not designed to act as a brake for the towed vehicle.
  • When towing a vehicle, indicate in plenty of time in advance of any maneuver, to forewarn the driver being towed and all other traffic.
  • Avoid any sudden changes of direction or excessive maneuvers, as the driver being towed will find it hard to steer and brake when the engine in their vehicle is not running.
The driver being towed must:
  • Carefully watch the brake lights and indicators of the vehicle that is towing, for maximum notice of any upcoming moves.
  • Actively steer and brake your vehicle in coordination with the vehicle that is towing.
  • Try to keep some tension in the towrope or towing pole at all times, which will minimize any jolting. This can be achieved by applying light braking pressure whilst being towed. When using a towrope, this will take up any slack and help to extend the rope's life by keeping it out of contact with the road surface.

20 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I never considered there were so many more things for the driver doing the towing to be looking out for. I have a brother in law who works for a tow truck company and these might make some good tips for him. Being able to remember the different things you need to be doing while towing a truck seems like it might help the experience go smoother. http://www.keytowingandstorage.ca/en/automotive_towing_and_recovery.html

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  3. I think you're spot on about needing to know these things. Safety has to be a major priority when learning a new skill like this one. Hopefully people will be able to figure out the best way to approach this on their own. I know that I would really struggle without help, so if people can find information like this and get that help it will do a lot of good.
    http://www.marvsqualitytowing.com/services.html

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  4. Although both cars should brake and steer, do so very gently. Coming to an abrupt stop can either snap the tow rope or cause the car being towed to crash. It's a tricky business, and if you have farther than a few blocks to go, I'd wait and call a professional. You don't want to make things worse. http://www.pennsaukentowing.com

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  5. Is it normal that the towing companies provide the towing sign? I have never been told to have one with me before. I would think they would have one if no one doesn't really know too much about it. http://www.executivetowingservices.com.au

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  6. I think it's really beneficial to be able to find ways to do things properly, especially when you've never done that thing before. Hopefully people will be able to find good ways to go about this when they have to fix it for themselves. I know that a lot of problems are very easy to avoid if people just do their research first. Hopefully people will be able to realize that and prepare themselves properly with these tips.
    http://flynnstowingrecovery.com/

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  7. This article has some good tips for towing that I didn't know about like putting up a sign or the ignition for the car. I have only towed things when other people, who were more experienced were around me. Thanks for the tips they help beginners like me! Towing

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  8. When I was out moving equipment for my dad we had to tow it with a trailer and it wasn't the best experience. The tow hook came lose and when we were driving slow it came off and the trailer stopped in the middle of the road. It was extremely embarrassing because we had backed up traffic and had to move the trailer. Wish I found this article earlier, maybe I wouldn't have been in that situation! http://www.santafetowservice.com/services/transportation

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  9. I like that you mentioned keeping speeds low when towing! Unless you have a professional tow truck, it just isn't safe to go fast when pulling another vehicle with a tow strap. if an undriveable vehicle needs to be transported long distances, I always suggest they hire a tow truck to take it.
    http://www.tiptoptowing.ca/towing_services.html

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  10. I didn't realize that anyone trying to tow another vehicle, aside from actual tow trucks, should keep their speed so low. Though, it makes sense, since going too fast would make it very difficult for the person in the car being towed to react fast enough to stops or turns. I don't think I'll be trying to move any cars that way myself anytime soon, but it should be good information to keep in mind anyway. You never know when a situation like that will come up.
    http://www.aaatowingandrecovery.com/services.html

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  11. You have to be prepared for any situation you never know what might happen.

    HAPPY TOWING

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  12. Thanks for the towing safety tips! I needed my car towed and consulted this for information since I had never done it before. It worked out just fine. Do you know how long it's typical to use a towing rope before replacing it? http://www.haroldstowing.ca/heavy_hauling.html

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  13. Oh wow, that sure is good to know about that "on tow" signal light on certain vehicles. It sure reminds me about taking a look at several trucks that have that feature. I wonder though, are there any tow parts that would b e able to resist the colder conditions when it comes to car towing?

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  14. I know a towing company that has an excellent service and awesome employees.

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  19. It's a good idea to keep your tow rope or towing pole in the boot of your car with other breakdown essentials such as jump leads and a petrol can, so you have everything handy for when you need it.

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