Practical Advice For When Your Car Needs Towing
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Towing companies are mandated and regulated by state and local regulations which mean that they have an obligation, by law, to pick up and deliver your stranded vehicle with proper procedure. Generally speaking, towing services are well versed on those particular laws. If you are towing your vehicle yourself you will need to follow these same guidelines. The following are a list of tips and advice for either properly towing your vehicle yourself or for making sure that a towing service is abiding by the state and local regulations.
It is strongly advised to never ride in a vehicle that is being towed. All passengers should get out of the car before the towing process begins.
Once the vehicle has been lifted, do not get under it.
If your vehicle has sustained damage, either jot down, or make a mental note of the damages. Take a photo if your cell phone has picture taking capabilities.
Check the axles, the steering wheel, and the condition of the transmission if at all possible.
Turn off the ignition and make sure that it is not in the lock position.
If possible, make sure the steering wheel is in a straight ahead position; you want all four wheels in a straight line. You may need a rope to secure the steering wheel into place.
When towing with the front wheels facing the opposite direction of the tow truck, make sure that the vehicle is in the neutral position.
If you are towing a vehicle (specifically an automatic transmission model) with the front wheels facing in the opposite direction, place the front wheels on a dolly. Not following this advice could easily lead to major transmission damage which can be a costly car repair.
When towing with the rear wheels on the ground (facing the same direction of the tow truck), make sure that the vehicle is in the neutral position.
You may have to change the keys position to put a car in the neutral position. After putting the vehicle in neutral, turn the ignition key back to the off position.
If you have to tow a vehicle on all four wheels (not advised) you need to observe a slow speed limit of less than 30 MPH and do not tow it more than 30 or 40 miles.
Never tow a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground backwards. Once again, this can cause major transmission damage and costly car repairs.
Make sure that all towing chains are attached to main structures of a vehicle.
Always make sure that chains are correctly routed and not touching steering or brake systems. Never attach a chain to a bumper for obvious reasons. And never pull on the vehicle from an angle.
Make sure that all safety chains are tight and secure.
Having a vehicle towed is a relatively easy process. Be sure to follow these simple rules of thumb to save money on more costly car repairs.
Article Source: Gate Articles
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