Now, the very name of this topic would lead many to believe that we are broaching on a relatively small topic. However, yes, even we agree that this one doesn’t want one to be a MBA or even a graduate for that matter. But then towing too has its own rules as also limitations. If they are not followed then the towed vehicle as also the one towing it stand to be at a loss. It is quite observed that during times of heavy rains, cars do stall and this becomes a pain with the cars behind us honking till death and embarrassment writ large on our faces. Here are a few tips to follow when the vehicle is being towed or you intend to tow someone else’s car upto the nearest service station.
First up is the towing material to be used. Towing material usually consists of a towing rope. This towing rope is a graded one for towing purposes and hence, a normal rope or any other thing wouldn’t be a good substitute. As an example, a car which weighs more than 1000 kgs (only a few cars weigh below that mark) has to be towed by a towing rope which is graded for that weight. Moreover, when towing, remember to also include the weight of the driver into the car’s overall weight. All professional tow ropes have a rating for the vehicle weight that they can afford to pull. For small cars and also mid size sedans, a tow rope which has been graded for 2 metric tonnes or even 2k kgs should be sufficient. A smaller vehicle can never be used to tow a relatively bigger one as this can cause harm to the former.
When towing a car, do ensure that the towed car is put in neutral and also the handbrake is disengaged. This is done to prevent any damage to the wheels of the towed car. Moreover, the towed car can suffer serious damage to its internals and also the towing vehicle would have to expend more energy in order to accommodate for the extra frictional force. The steering of the car which is being towed would usually be an electronic one or rather a hydraulic one, as most of the new age cars do. If it is indeed a powered steering, then remember to keep the ignition in on position. This is done so that the steering doesn’t get locked and towing the car becomes hectic. Most of the cars nowadays have a tow hook like screw on types and at specified places like the one at the rear and one at the front. This can be used to attach the towing car.
The tow rope can be attached to towing vehicle to start with the towing process and it has to be made sure that the fastening is double looped and secured to a very sturdy part of the vehicle’s undercarriage. The latter part should only be done if the vehicle being towed is of the older types and wouldn’t have any tow hooks protruding out of it. Whilst the car is being towed, make sure that other than the driver, there is no one sitting in the car. Carrying passengers around in a car which is being towed spells potential harm to both the car as also the passengers. Behind the vehicle which is being towed, place a clear sign which should be visible to other road users that this car is being towed away. If a sign is not possible, then the hazard lights or the parking lights of the car would do the trick. This would convey to the other road users that your vehicle needs to be given the extra space. Speeds of above 20-30 kmph are strictly dissuaded as this would increase the tension between the tow cable and also the towing and towed vehicles. Moreover the distance that the car would be towed should also be restricted till the place where the nearest workshop is or at the particular patron’s place.
Towing is usually done with the help of professionals from the towing facility. Amateurs are strictly advised not to undertake this exercise and even if they do, then they need to keep the aforementioned tips in mind.
