Security Systems

How to safely tow a car?

How to safely tow a car? When driving a car, we do not assume that we may have a breakdown that will immobilize our vehicle. What to do when this happens?

First of all, prevention

As conscientious car users, we must check it regularly. They will allow you to eliminate a potential threat in advance and reduce the likelihood of immobilization on the road.

How to safely tow a car?Po drugie-assistance

If we often travel, stay alone with our family and care about safety and comfort, let's use the assistance service. Thanks to this, if the car is immobilized, we will be able to use a replacement car, and our vehicle will be towed and repaired.

Third - preparation for towing

If we decide to evacuate the car, remember that this requires proper training of both vehicles and drivers. – First of all, we need to assess whether our car is suitable for towing. We have to check that the brakes, steering and lights are working. If so, the car can be towed and now is the time to prepare a suitable rope between 4 and 6 meters long. The rope must be marked with a yellow or red flag so that other road users can see it, says Radoslav Jaskulski, an instructor at the Auto Skoda School.

The tractor and the towed vehicle must be connected in such a way that they cannot be separated. To do this, use the factory tow hooks. It is forbidden to hook the cables to rocker arms, bumpers, etc. Also, you should not use towing hooks from other cars - a strong cable tension can lead to their rupture or damage to the thread.

How to safely tow a car?The towed vehicle must be properly marked, it must have a reflective triangle on the left rear, and in case of poor visibility, the parking lights must be switched on. The tractor must have low beam headlights on. Before driving, drivers must set up a sign system that they will use to communicate. It is especially important to identify the alarm signal, for example a flash of light or a hand gesture. Since it is more difficult to drive a towed vehicle, a more experienced driver should drive it.

Fourth - towing

Driving in tow requires concentration, careful observation of the road and its surroundings, and the cooperation of drivers. Just getting off the tow truck can be tricky. You should start moving slowly until the rope is taut, only then you can press the gas pedal harder. The cable between the cars must be taut at all times. A weak rope can become tangled and create a dangerous situation. When towing, be aware of the rules. The speed of the towing vehicle in built-up areas should not exceed 30 km/h, and outside built-up areas - 60 km/h.

How to safely tow a car?Fifth - tactics and driving technique

If possible, choose a route that is less popular. This will allow us to travel without frequent stops and starts, avoiding busy intersections. Remember that slower vehicle speeds give us more options to respond safely in emergencies. Maintaining a constant speed will ensure a smooth, predictable ride, free of sudden jerks and braking that can be dangerous. Avoid stopping at crosswalks. They may not notice the rope, and at the start, a quickly pulled rope can cause damage.

In the event of a car breakdown, the best solution is to call a tow truck that will transport our vehicle safely. Towing a car requires experience and skills on the part of drivers. For your own comfort and safety, it is better to entrust this to professionals who do this every day. However, if we decide to do it ourselves, let's act with our imagination.

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