When your vehicle breaks down or needs to be moved, towing is often the most convenient option. However, many drivers wonder, 'Is towing bad for your car?' The quick answer: YES, if done improperly. While towing is an indispensable service in most cases, it comes with risks that can result in expensive repairs. In this blog, Vehicle Transport Hub discusses the possible dangers, popular misconceptions, safety precautions, and alternatives to conventional towing.
Types of Towing Damage
All towing procedures are not the same, and using the incorrect one to tow your vehicle can lead to some significant problems. The following are some of the most prevalent forms of damage that your vehicle can experience while being inappropriately towed:
1. Transmission Damage
Dragging a vehicle with the drive wheels on the road can cause extensive transmission damage, particularly in automatic transmissions. It most frequently happens when a rope or chain tows a front-wheel-drive vehicle without raising the front wheels.
2. Undercarriage Damage
When a tow truck incorrectly hooks your vehicle, it may scratch or dent the exhaust system, oil pan, or suspension. Incorrect loading onto a flatbed can also result in undercarriage scraping.
3. Bumper or Frame Damage
Hard starts/stops or improper attachment points while towing can tear off bumpers or twist the car frame, especially in cars with low ground clearance.
4. Wheel and Tire Misalignment
Incorrect alignment of the car on the tow truck or dragging the vehicle can result in misalignment of the tires or uneven wear, which can affect the way your car drives afterward.
How to Prevent Car Damage When Towing
To keep your car in condition while towing, observe these precautions:
1. Be Familiar With Your Drivetrain Type
Recognize if your car is front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive. Each of them requires a different method of towing. Towing restrictions are available for all vehicle types. These will tell you how to tow the vehicle as well as the speed that should not be exceeded if the drive wheels must be on the ground.
2. Get a Flatbed Tow Truck
Whenever it is possible, use a flatbed tow truck. This technique raises your vehicle completely from the road, thereby greatly minimizing the occurrence of damage to the transmission, wheels, and frame.
3. Engage a Professional Tow Service
Only use a licensed and insured tow company such as Vehicle Transport Hub. Our professionals are trained to operate the correct equipment and follow the appropriate procedures for your vehicle type.
4. Tie Down Everything
Secure your vehicle tightly with soft straps and wheel nets. Free chains or hooks can scratch paint, dent, or cause worse damage.
5. Disengage the Parking Brake
If your vehicle has its parking brake on as it is being towed, this may lead to friction damage. Have it off before towing.
What Are Other Car Transportation Options?
Occasionally, towing is not the best or most efficient option, particularly over long distances. Some alternatives available from Vehicle Transport Hub include:
1. Enclosed Auto Transport
Perfect for high-end or antique vehicles, enclosed shipping protects your car from road hazards, the elements, and theft.
2. Open Carrier Transport
Cheaper than other options, open carrier shipping is popular with regular cars and provides safe transport with less wear and tear than towing.
3. Driveaway Services
A professional driver transports your car to its destination. Suitable for driveaway cars and trucks when personal transport is not possible.
4. Car Shipping by Rail or Freight
Most suitable for interstate relocation or moving multiple vehicles, the process is both cost-effective and safe.
Things To Keep In Mind Before You Tow Your Vehicle
Before you tow your car, consider the following:
1. Distance
Towing a short distance may be feasible, but for more than 50 miles, shipping is typically safer and less expensive.
2. Vehicle Condition
If your vehicle is already in poor shape or low to the ground, towing could further damage it. A flatbed or enclosed haul might be a better option.
3. Type of Vehicle
Vintage, classic, or luxury cars require specialized handling and should never be towed with outdated rope or chain methods.
4. Cost and Insurance
Ensure the towing firm provides adequate insurance coverage. Determine the pricing structure to ensure there are no additional fees.
5. Time Constraints
If you're in a hurry, some towing services may not be able to meet your deadline. Car shipping companies, such as Vehicle Transport Hub, often provide more predictable delivery windows.
Preventing Car Tow Damage: FAQs
Q: Can towing damage an automatic transmission?
Yes. Towing with the drive wheels on the ground without using a flatbed can destroy the transmission.
Q: Is towing safe for electric or hybrid vehicles?
Only if it is done on a flatbed tow truck can these cars have intricate drivetrains that can be easily ruined.
Q: Can I tow my car by myself with a rope?
It's not advised. Incorrect towing can cause some serious harm, and you might not even be allowed to do it in certain places.
Q: What's the safest way to tow a low-clearance vehicle?
Flatbed towing is the safest method to avoid scraping the undercarriage or bumpers.
Q: Should personal items be taken out before towing?
Yes. Personal belongings can move around during transportation and aren't insured by the towing company.
Towing can be harmful to your vehicle if not done correctly, but with the proper procedure and a reputable service provider, it can be completely safe. At Vehicle Transport Hub, we take great care in preserving your investment. That's why we offer a variety of secure, cost-effective, and professional car transport services, ranging from local towing to cross-country auto transport.
Require professional car towing or transport? Please leave it to the pros at Vehicle Transport Hub. Call us today for a quote and peace of mind mile after mile.
