Car towing is a necessary part of owning a vehicle, but it can be expensive. The good news is that you can save money by building roadside assistance into your car insurance plan or getting a membership to a third-party service provider like AAA. You can also minimize the cost of towing by learning what to expect and comparing rates before you hire a service.
The average towing bill is around $100, but it can be much more expensive if your car is involved in a collision or you drive an oversized vehicle. You can also make the process of calling a tow truck and receiving your bill less stressful by following these simple tips.
Before you tow your car, find out what your towing capacity is and what the maximum weight of the load should be. To do this, check your owner’s manual for information on your car’s towing capabilities, as well as the maximum trailer weight and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). You can also find this information online by entering your vehicle’s VIN and other details into a calculator.
When you’re ready to tow, avoid hooking the strap to any other point on your vehicle that is not a factory-fitted hitch point. This can cause permanent damage and is dangerous. Ensure that your tow strap is securely hooked to the hitch point and that it has a bright color or material for visibility. Finally, be sure to give the tow strap a couple of hard tugs to test its strength and durability.
Another option is to use a tow dolly. This attaches to the back of your vehicle with a standard trailer hitch, and the front wheels of the car remorquage auto are driven up onto the dolly. Then, the back wheels are freed to spin as if the car were on a flatbed trailer. This towing method should only be used on front-wheel drive cars that are put in neutral and with a driver who can safely handle the turning and driving of a car on a trailer.
A flatbed trailer is a similar option that works well for hauling collector’s cars to events, as well as regular vehicles to destinations far from home. With this option, the car is loaded up on the trailer using ramps and a wench, then secured down with straps for safety. A driver can still drive the car while it’s on a flatbed, but they must be careful not to shift gears or apply the brakes.
For long-distance towing, a professional vehicle transporter can be the best option. They’re specially equipped to recover, load and transport cars and have the resources to tow them to their destination quickly and efficiently. Before hiring a company for this service, check their website for reviews from previous customers and to verify that they’re licensed and insured. It’s also a good idea to get a quote from several companies so you can compare prices and choose the best option for your situation.