If you need to get an automobile from point A to point B, towing your own vehicle might seem like a simple solution. After all, going the DIY route usually saves time and money, right?
But when it comes to towing a vehicle, many people learn the hard way that the DIY approach is fraught with risks. While a quick YouTube tutorial might make you feel like a towing expert, transporting a vehicle should be left to professionals.
The Dangers of DIY Towing
Towing your own vehicle comes with risks and can even be a dangerous endeavor. Not to mention, DIY towing can end up costing a vehicle owner more in the long run due to expensive mistakes.
Towing is a technical job. You need to understand the complexities of towing to avoid complications. Even the smallest slip-ups can have a devastating impact. Whether you need to move a broken-down truck or a fully functioning sedan, the best choice is to work with a local tow service, and here’s why.
#1 – Vehicle Damage
Towing a vehicle the wrong way can cause significant damage to the vehicle in tow. You must take the proper precautions to ensure the vehicle is connected correctly and loaded appropriately.
And to make matters more complicated, each type of vehicle needs to be towed a certain way depending on the make, model, and features of the automobile. Without the knowledge and expertise of a certified towing company, you could make a mess of your car in no time.
The vehicle in tow is not the only vehicle susceptible to damage during a DIY tow, though. The tow vehicle must be able to haul a lot of weight, and not every kind of vehicle is cut out for the job.
Beware: if you plan to use your vehicle to tow another car, you are putting your automobile’s engine, transmission, brake system, suspension, tires, axles, and more at risk of needing costly repairs afterward.
#2 – Safety
The possibility of damage is not the only reason you should avoid using a vehicle that is not rated for towing. DIY towing without the proper equipment is downright dangerous. While a professional company with a team of trained individuals might make towing look like a job anyone can handle, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Poor DIY towing execution can pose a threat to those within the tow vehicle and other drivers on the road as well. Unfortunately, lives are lost due to unsafe towing practices.
#3 – Driving Skills
Why is DIY towing so unsafe? Since there are significant differences between tow truck driving and normal, everyday driving, you need a specific skill set to operate a tow vehicle.
You need to make significantly wider turns. You need to break earlier and slower. You need more room when merging lanes or passing other vehicles. You will have limited visibility, which makes those basic maneuvers even more of a challenge. Driving up or down hills can get extremely tricky. You cannot make sharp or drastic movements. Even driving on a windy day can be problematic.
#4 – Knowledge Base
Do you know the gross weight rating of your vehicle? Do you know how to balance your tow load? Do you know how to calculate tongue weight (the measurement of the downward force exerted at a vehicle-trailer coupling point )? Do you know the rating of your towbar? Do you know whether your vehicle requires a separate braking system due to its overall weight in order to legally tow another vehicle?
The answers to these questions are of critical importance. Do you have the knowledge and expertise to safely carry out a tow service? Do not underestimate just how complex towing a vehicle can be, and make sure you understand what components are required to ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you.
#5 – Regulations
Are you aware that you can break the law by towing a vehicle illegally? Every state has certain laws and regulations to follow, which means towing protocols vary based on your location.
While the average adult does not remain up-to-date on all the latest legal specifications you must follow to avoid getting in trouble with the law, professional towing companies do.
Furthermore, you can run into insurance coverage problems during a DIY tow. Insurance companies have rules to follow, too. If you get in an accident while breaking those rules, your insurance company can refuse coverage. There are a lot of legal ramifications to think through with a self-tow.
Professional Towing = The Smart Choice
There are plenty of circumstances where the do-it-yourself route makes sense, but towing a vehicle is not one of them.
Utilizing the expertise of a professional towing company that understands the complexities and technicalities of the job is the way to go.
Perhaps you are in need of emergency vehicle transport? Maybe you simply want to get a car from one spot to the next? No matter the reason, you won’t regret choosing the safe and smart option. Our certified two-truck team offers 24-hour affordable towing in Ogden, Layton, Bountiful, and beyond. Contact us for a quote.
Infographic
If you’ve ever considered towing your vehicle on your own, think again. Towing your vehicle may seem simple, but it comes with significant risks, including vehicle damage, safety hazards, and legal complications. Towing demands knowledge and a unique skill set. Discover the essential reasons to avoid DIY towing in this informative infographic.
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