When your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road or is involved in an accident, it’s essential to understand the towing process, particularly if a wheel lift tow truck is dispatched to assist you. Wheel lift towing is a common method used to transport vehicles safely to a repair facility or another location. In this guide, we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to look into the intricacies of the wheel lift towing process, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how it works.
How Does Wheel Lift Towing Work?
1) Dispatch and Arrival: The wheel lift towing process typically begins with a call to a towing service provider. Upon receiving your request, the dispatcher will assess the situation and dispatch a suitable wheel lift tow truck to your location. Once the tow truck arrives, the operator will evaluate the condition of your vehicle and determine the best approach for towing.
2) Vehicle Preparation: Before loading your vehicle onto the tow truck, the operator will take certain precautions to ensure a safe towing process. This may include securing loose parts, disengaging the parking brake, and placing the vehicle in neutral. Additionally, if your vehicle has rear-wheel drive, the operator may need to disconnect the drive shaft to prevent damage during towing.
3) Attachment of the Wheel Lift: The key component of a wheel lift tow truck is, as the name suggests, the wheel lift mechanism. This hydraulic or pneumatic device is used to lift the front or rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground. The operator carefully positions the wheel lift under the appropriate wheels of the vehicle and secures them in place using straps or chains.
4) Lifting and Towing: Once the wheel lift is securely attached, the operator activates the lifting mechanism, raising the vehicle off the ground. With the front or rear wheels lifted, depending on the towing configuration, the vehicle is then ready to be towed. The tow truck operator drives slowly and cautiously, ensuring the stability and safety of the towed vehicle throughout the journey.
5) Transport to Destination: Once the vehicle is loaded onto the wheel lift tow truck, it is transported to its designated destination. This could be a repair facility, an impound lot, or another location specified by the vehicle owner. Throughout the transport, the tow truck operator maintains communication with the dispatcher and follows established safety protocols to ensure a smooth journey.
6) Unloading and Conclusion: Upon reaching the destination, the operator carefully lowers the vehicle back onto its wheels using the wheel lift mechanism. Any necessary paperwork, such as towing invoices or release forms, is completed, and the vehicle owner is provided with any relevant information regarding the towing process.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
Basically, understanding the wheel lift towing process is crucial for anyone who may find themselves in need of towing services. By familiarizing yourself with the steps involved, you can ensure a seamless experience during what can often be a stressful situation on the road. From dispatch to arrival, vehicle preparation to transport, and unloading, the wheel lift towing process is designed to safely and efficiently transport your vehicle to its destination. Call Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance when you need a tow.
