Safety Measures To Consider When Towing Another Vehicle

Towing a vehicle of any size can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. You not only put yourself at risk of injury but can also endanger any people around you or damage the vehicle you intend to tow.

If you’re uncomfortable towing a vehicle, a towing service in Sacramento, such as AJ’s Towing, can always assist you. However, if you’re confident in your towing abilities, your number one priority should be safety. Here are some safety tips to consider.

Towing Method

You can tow other vehicles in various ways, including using a flatbed trailer, a tow dolly, or a tow bar. The vehicle type, condition, and distance it needs to be hauled determine the most suitable method. Flatbeds are the easiest and safest method for personal towing, as the entire car is being hauled without its tires touching the ground. Alternatively, a tow bar pulls the other vehicle along on all four wheels, whereas the tow dolly lifts the front tires of the car you’re hauling.

If you’re unsure which to use or whether your vehicle is capable of hauling another, reach out to a Sacramento towing service for insight. Additionally, you must check that your vehicle can handle the weight of the one you’re planning to haul.

Prep Your Towing Vehicle

You won’t be able to safely tow another vehicle if yours isn’t in proper working condition. You should check that your tires have the right amount of pressure and no indications of cracks or dry rot. You should also make sure that the lug nuts are tight.

Towing a vehicle puts a lot of stress on your car, so you should have your vehicle checked out at a shop beforehand. Consider asking a trained mechanic to change your fluids and check your brake pads and rotors to ensure everything is in working order. You certainly don’t want to break down during the hauling process and need roadside assistance.

Check for Hazards

When you get to the towing location, you should investigate the area. Make sure there are no obstacles between your vehicle and the one you’ll be hauling. Also, take note of the traffic and decide whether it is safe enough for you to do the job yourself or if you should contact a Sacramento towing service instead. If there is too much traffic or the vehicle is too close to the road, a tree, or in a ditch, you may not be able to help.

Secure the Equipment

If you feel you can safely tow the vehicle, you should move yours into place and hook up accordingly. The flatbed method requires you to secure the axles, tires, or the vehicle’s frame with straps. If you use a tow dolly, you must check that it is properly attached to your car and that the wiring and lighting are hooked up correctly before reinforcing a strap to secure the vehicle.

Alternatively, if you’re using a tow bar, you must attach the tow bar arms, lock the bar latches, connect the safety cables, and secure the wiring harness. If hooked up correctly, the taillights on the vehicle you’re hauling should synchronize with the one you’re driving.

Keep in mind that things don’t always go as planned. Even if you do everything right, the equipment might be faulty, which means you may have to contact a Sacramento towing service for assistance.

Obey Driving Laws

While you should always heed driving laws, this is even more important if you tow another vehicle, as you’re hauling more weight than you’re used to. You should be extra cautious during the entire trip by following speed limits, using proper signals, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.

Towing another vehicle is a big responsibility for the driver. If you’d rather hire a professional to handle the hard work, our dependable Sacramento towing service can help! Contact AJ’s Towing today!