When you are driving your car, the last thing you want to think about is what will happen if your car breaks down. However, the reality is that car breakdowns do happen, and when they do, it can be a stressful situation. One of the options available to you in such a situation is to call for a car towing service. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about car towing.
What is car towing?
Car towing is the process of pulling a car, usually by a specialized vehicle, to another location. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as moving a car to a repair shop or impounding a car that is parked illegally. Car towing vehicles can range from small trucks to large flatbeds, and the choice of vehicle depends on the size and weight of the car being towed.
There are several types of car towing, each of which is used for different purposes. Here are the most common types of car towing:
Flatbed towing: In flatbed towing, the car is loaded onto a flatbed truck and secured with straps or chains. This type of towing is suitable for cars that are completely immobile, as the car is lifted onto the truck and does not touch the ground.
Wheel-lift towing: Wheel-lift towing involves lifting the car by the front or rear wheels and towing it with the other two wheels on the ground. This type of towing is used for cars that are still mobile but cannot be driven due to a mechanical issue.
Hook and chain towing: In hook and chain towing, a chain is wrapped around the car's frame or axle and lifted off the ground. This type of towing is rarely used today, as it can cause damage to the car's frame or suspension.
Dollies towing: Dollies towing involves attaching a small trailer with two wheels to the back of the car being towed. The car's front wheels are placed on the dolly, and the back wheels remain on the ground. This type of towing is suitable for front-wheel-drive cars.
What to do if your car needs to be towed
If your car breaks down and you need it towed, there are a few things you should do to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Here's what you need to do:
Find a safe location to park your car: If your car breaks down on a busy road or highway, move it to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Call a reputable towing company: Look for a towing company that has a good reputation and is available 24/7. You can also ask for recommendations from family and friends.
Provide details about your car: When you call the towing company, provide them with details about your car, such as its make and model, its location, and the reason for the breakdown.
Wait for the towing company to arrive: Once you have arranged for a tow truck to come, wait for them to arrive. If you feel uncomfortable waiting alone, call a friend or family member to keep you company.
Prepare your car for towing: Remove any personal belongings from your car, and make sure the car is in neutral and the emergency brake is off.
Provide necessary documentation: If you are having your car towed to a repair shop, make sure you have your insurance information and driver's license with you.
Tips for choosing a car towing service
Choosing the right car towing service is important to ensure that your car is towed safely and efficiently. Here are some tips for choosing a car towing service:
