7 Helpful Tips to Protect Your Vehicle from Damages before Getting Towed

People occasionally need towing services. They may need them for routine car maintenance or a more serious problem like a collision. Be warned, though, that a bad car tow can harm our car. Checking the vehicle before the tow is the first step in preventing damage.

Before a semi-truck towing or one that’s for regular automobiles, make sure that the gas tank is at least half full and that all fluid levels are full. We should also make sure that our car is in good operating condition. In this way, we can be sure that the vehicle wasn’t damaged during the tow. Here are some pointers that will surely help.

1. Never Be Inside a Towed Car
   First of all, it’s illegal to have somebody inside a vehicle that’s being towed. Then, there’s also the likelihood of a disaster happening if the tow truck becomes accidentally separated from the towed car. We might instinctively think that we can manage the steering and braking while it’s in safe transit. It’s best not to have us near those two controls and unconsciously react to outside stimulus.
   
   
2. Roll Up the Windows
   While having our car towed, it’s important to wind up all of the windows. This simple precautionary measure stops any dirt and debris from being thrown up from the tow truck’s rear and into the vehicle. This could make our upholstery dirty and necessitate costly detailing afterward. 
   
   
3. Make Sure the Car Is in Neutral
   Whether the vehicle is manual transmission or automatic transmission, it must be towed only when it’s in Neutral mode. With the transmission in neutral, the wheels can roll freely without restriction from the brakes and transmission. In an emergency, we should start the car and leave it running with the transmission in neutral. Doing this will keep the transmission oiled. This is not advisable for long-distance travel with towing, though.
   
   
4. Release Emergency or Parking Brake
   A car’s parking brake should never be engaged when it is being towed. This can damage the vehicle. A flatbed truck can be the solution to the problem. Carry it and drive it to the destination. Otherwise, our car must not be used in semi-towing service with the handbrake or the parking brake on.
   
   
5. Make Sure Warning Lights Are On
   A car is usually turned on electrically when it is being towed so that its warning lights can be connected to those of the tow truck. When the brakes are applied by the tow operator, the vehicle being pulled will light up its brake lights as well. For the lights to work, it’s important for the key to be in the ignition and turned on without starting the ignition.
   
   
6. Use Flatbed Truck for Power Steering Vehicles
   It’s best to carry on a flatbed truck or raise the front wheels of power steering vehicles on a platform. Using a tow cable can cause the power steering to malfunction. We then run the risk of damaging it. Again, if a vehicle with power steering needs to be towed, it’s ideal to use a truck that can carry it with all wheels off the ground.
   
   
7. Hang A Sign at The Back of the Car
   It’s important to let the drivers behind us know that our vehicle is being towed. If they’re directly behind a car that’s being towed, it may be hard for them to see that they’re following a tow in progress. An “IN TOW” sign will help and should be placed at the back for all to see.

Find A Professional Towing Company

We hope that these pointers were useful and that you never encounter unfortunate situations that require towing. It would be a good idea to use them to avoid damage. Here’s the last tip to keep in mind in the event that you’ll need roadside assistance: For light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty towing, get in touch with Classic Towing. Browse through our website today to look at our list of services, or call us at 630-392-6844 for more information.