Getting stuck on the side of the road can be stressful, frustrating, embarrassing, and frightening all in equal measure. When you find yourself in that situation, it's easy just to want to end the nightmare and get home as quickly as possible. While this is understandable, it's also critical to avoid creating an even higher repair bill for yourself in the future.
Fortunately, you won't have to take too many steps to keep your car safe on its ride to the shop. Keep these four simple tips in mind for a safe and smooth tow.
1. Provide Vehicle Information
When you contact a towing company, be sure to provide as much information about your vehicle as possible. Most services will provide either a flatbed or a wheel lift truck, and the type you need will vary based on your vehicle's configuration. If you drive an all-wheel-drive vehicle, then the safest option will always be to load your car onto a flatbed.
2. Explain Your Situation
In addition to providing some information about your car, you will also want to be clear about its location. If you drive a two-wheel-drive vehicle, then a hook-and-chain or wheel-lift truck will need access to the drive wheels to tow it safely. If the drive wheels are in a position where the truck can't lift them, then you may need a flatbed to avoid damage to your transmission.
3. Secure Loose Loads
Tow trucks are great at hauling disabled vehicles, but they aren't exactly known for smooth rides. If you have any heavy objects in a hatch area or an open truck bed, then it may be a good idea to secure them. Securing interior items will help to avoid damage to your car as they shift around while securing external loads will help to keep your stuff from being strewn across the highway.
4. Talk to Your Driver
When the truck arrives, let your driver know the situation. Are you able to shift the car into neutral? Does it start at all? Is a tire flat or punctured? The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the tow operator to safely lift your car. Depending on the problem that left you stranded, special precautions may be necessary to avoid causing additional damage.
As with any stressful event, the key to getting through a roadside emergency is to remain calm, assess the situation, and act deliberately. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your breakdown doesn't turn into a much more expensive disaster.
Contact a company like Green's Towing & Auto Repair Inc to learn more.
Share12 May 2020
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