Towing is an uncomplicated job. You fix a chain or a rope to the vehicle, move away and voilà! The truth is, though, that it can be risky and complicated even to tow a car yourself, and it can become downright dangerous if it is not done correctly. The thought of saving money by towing the vehicle might seem tempting, but it may result in costly consequences.
Remember that someone could always get injured, so take the necessary precautions while undertaking such tasks, either in a car or on your own. Here are 7 reasons why you should not attempt a DIY tow.
1. You Risk Serious Damage to Your Vehicle
Towing is not as easy as just attaching a rope to your car. Lacking the proper towing attire, such as a flat-bed truck or high-quality tow straps, can cause severe damage to both vehicles. The incorrect attachment of ropes or chains to the bumper, frame, or undercarriage can cause stress in all areas. When the essential parts of the vehicle, like the wheels and tires, are affected, the repair cost may be several times the price of professional towing.
Further, most people do not know that modern vehicles have sensitive towing systems and must be handled carefully. For instance, incorrect towing can cause havoc on a car’s transmission or drivetrain, especially for a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive car. Such damage might destroy the vehicle’s functionality, resulting in high downtime and repair bills.
2. Lack of Professional Equipment
Professional towing companies employ specialized equipment to guarantee a safe and effective process. This comprises flatbed tow trucks, wheel-lift systems and stabilizing straps. If you did not have access to these tools, your DIY effort might be a wash, and all parties involved are at risk.
For example, it is easy to use a regular rope or chain to fix it, but this will not withstand the forces that come with towing. Pieces of weak or frayed materials may break under the pressure, and thus, vehicles can collide or other drivers on the road, and can be harmed. Inadequate equipment is one of the key reasons DIY towing frequently leads to situations that can be avoided.
3. You Could Violate Road Safety Laws
Towing your car while under the influence may, without your knowledge, put you in contravention of the local traffic laws. The states and jurisdictions have several rules and regulations related to vehicle towing, and failure to comply with these rules may lead to hefty fines or penalties. For instance, some of the areas require that vehicles being towed have proper lighting that is necessary, such as brake lights or turn indicators, to ensure that other road users are able to see them.
Failure to ensure that you have the legal requirements to tow your vehicle may also make you responsible in case of an accident. It’s no excuse for the ignorance of the law, even if you are towing with the best of motives. Professional towing companies know these regulations, and your vehicle is picked up and moved without risk of breaking the law.
4. Risk of Injury or Accidents
Towing a vehicle requires precision, experience, and attention to detail. A substandard tow can result in deadly accidents or injuries. For example, inadequate attachment of the towline may cause the vehicle to come loose on the road, thus posing a considerable threat to other drivers, pedestrians, and even cyclists.
Moreover, a towed vehicle swaying or jump-starting might result in a loss of control, especially on uneven (uphill) terrain. This leads to a higher probability of collisions or rollover accidents. What you attempt without knowing the basics of towing safety puts your car and life at risk when doing a DIY tow.
5. It May Void Your Insurance Coverage
Did you know that failure to tow your vehicle properly can cause you to lose your insurance coverage? The vast majority of auto insurance companies have policies about the towing of vehicles. If they find that the act of negligence or incorrect practices led to damage or an accident, they may decline to pay for the expenses.
Depending on whether the matter is damaging another vehicle, injuring a pedestrian, or even causing damage to your car, DIY towing could make you financially liable. On the one hand, insured tow services are professional and hence minimize liability on your side.
6. You Lack the Necessary Driving Skills
Towing is not as easy as it seems. It is a skill and a set of techniques that only an experienced driver can boast of. All everyday drivers lack it. For instance, towing changes your vehicle’s balance, making it difficult to accelerate, brake, or manoeuvre. Lack of experience may make navigating sharp turns, uneven roads, or sudden stops difficult.
Even activities like reversing while towing may seem different, even life-threatening, for green hands. With this much at risk, it is safer to take advantage of professional drivers who have spent years learning and can guarantee seamless towing services.
7. The Cost of Failure is High
DIY towing may be economical because it eliminates professional fees. However, the possible risks and the resulting consequences often make it a false economy. Accidents or damage caused by negligent towing can mean a much larger bill, from repair to medical bills in the worst-case scenario or even lawyer fees if one is involved in liability cases.
Instead of tackling a potentially dangerous DIY tow, think of the peace of mind that hiring a professional towing service offers. With the right equipment, skills, and insurance, professionals guarantee that you get it right from the first try, saving you time, money, and stress in the long term.
The Importance of Safety During Towing
Towing safety is of extreme importance to guarantee the safety of people and their property. Correct towing entails adhering to weight limits, properly loading the load onto the trailer, and keen driving to compensate for the increased stress on the vehicle. Even minor errors can cause accidents, injuries, or damage, which explains the need for safety protocols to never be compromised.
The Benefits of Professional Towing Services
When one chooses to use professional towing services, many advantages come along, which go beyond the mere aspect of convenience. Professionals have the right equipment and deep knowledge of various scenarios regarding towing, ranging from big vehicles to fragile cargo. They ensure that risks are reduced and your car or cargo arrives at the intended place without problems.
Conclusion
DIY sense of adventure is excellent in many cases, but towing the car – it shouldn’t be one of them. The cost to your vehicle, safety, and bank account is way more than the savings. Towing is a job that calls for skills, proper equipment, and high safety regulation levels, and that is why there are professional towing services like 75 Towing and Recovery.
If you require a tow, never take unnecessary risks. Do not hesitate to find a reputable towing specialist and save your car, yourself, and everyone else on the road. Your safety and peace of mind are priceless, aren’t they?