About 5.4 million passengers experience car accidents every year, and even the best-maintained vehicles can break down. When you are facing the prospect of car repairs and associated expenses, you might be tempted to forgo towing costs by doing it yourself. There are some very good reasons you should think twice about this.
The article below explains the dangers of towing a car yourself and why you should leave it up to a professional. Keep reading to find out what those are, so that you can make the most informed decision possible.
Lack of Proper Equipment for Towing a Car
You may have seen (or owned) those heavy-duty towing straps or chains designed specifically for towing one vehicle with another. Will they work? Maybe, but there are many risks associated with using these.
Since DIY towing cables only pull cars and do not create separation between the vehicles, they require a driver in the towed car to repeatedly apply the brakes. Besides the prospect of running into the car doing the towing, there is a danger of the rear driver applying the brakes while the front driver is accelerating.
Professional tow trucks are designed for this express purpose. They will have all of the necessary equipment and will have the power to ensure vehicle safety. They also will be able to retrieve vehicles from ditches or ones that have overturned.
Tow trucks will have safety chains and towing lights. Tow trucks come equipped with towing mirrors that can expand the field of vision, eliminating blind spots. Such equipment goes a long way toward ensuring successful towing.
Inexperience
Another danger associated with DIY towing is a lack of experience and knowledge. Without proper training, people may fail to attach tow ropes in the right spots. They will not know how to distribute weight correctly or maneuver safely in traffic.
Does the towing vehicle have enough power to pull another car? Is there a safe place to attach a towing cable? Being uncertain about these basic things could lead to catastrophe.
All this is dangerous to the cars and drivers involved. Going with a professional towing company gives you access to technicians who can address any challenge and know how to get your car where it needs to go.
Road Hazards
Even if you know what you are doing and have a vehicle and equipment that can tow another one, you may not be out of the woods. Towing a vehicle on roads with other vehicles, as well as other safety hazards, is tricky. Depending on the route, you may need to be able to comfortably change lanes, merge into traffic, navigate turns, and start and stop with some regularity.
Inadequate control of the vehicle can lead to accidents. This can endanger the passengers of the towed vehicles as well as other road users.
Professional towing services will have the experience to navigate these dangers. It greatly reduces the chance of crashes or other threats.
Vehicle Damage
Professional companies will ensure safe car towing to your destination. You have no such guarantee with DIY towing. You can seriously damage either or both vehicles.
As mentioned, there is the danger of the two vehicles colliding. This can result in scratches, dents, and paint damage. It also can cause more serious harm, including to the engine of the towed vehicle.
Failing to put the towed car in neutral could very easily result in transmission damage. Excessive strain on the front vehicle could lead to engine or transmission damage as well.
Improper towing methods could also put undue stress on the brake systems of both vehicles. It can lead to overheating and premature wear on the pads and rotors. Brake fluid leaks are common with improper DIY towing.
Excessive force from the tow cable can cause damage to suspension components. Common examples are bent control arms or damaged struts or shocks. It can also cause wheel misalignment.
A final common type of damage that occurs during DIY towing is to the axles and drivetrains. This is often from sudden changes in direction. In these cases, drivers might experience axle or differential issues.
Tow trucks elevate either two or all four wheels off the ground. This allows you to avoid such dangers.
Legal and Liability Issues
Towing regulations can vary by location. If DIY towing results in damage to other vehicles, property, or individuals, drivers could face legal consequences. This includes lawsuits as well as fines for improper driving practices.
Prominent towing companies will be licensed and insured. Should the unforeseeable happen while towing a car, you can have the assurance you are not to blame and any further harm done to your or other vehicles will be made right.
Inadequate Insurance
Most insurance plans cover accidents or harm done to vehicles during specific circumstances. Common ones include when the policyholder is at fault, or when another driver is at fault. Comprehensive insurance might cover damage from hail or other weather events, as well as theft or vandalism.
There is a very good chance that DIY towing falls outside the scope of your insurance plan. If this is the case, then you may be personally liable for damage done to your or other vehicles or drivers. Hiring a professional towing service lets you avoid this risk.
Costs
It is easy to see how any of the dangers mentioned above could end up costing much more than the price of professional towing. While there is a chance that DIY towing could save you a few dollars, it is a huge risk. Hiring a professional towing service is smart for many reasons, including financially.
Find a Car Towing Service Near You
Now that you understand the importance of leaving towing a car up to the pros, you can have the peace of mind that your vehicle will get to the repair shop safe and secure. Doing so will help you avoid any serious damage common with DIY towing.
Hanifen provides high-quality, 24/7 towing services to the Des Moines area. We keep well-maintained trucks and towing equipment that can tackle any light-, medium-, and heavy-duty towing job. Reach out to us today for quick service.