Towing your own vehicle may seem like a money-saving idea, especially if you have access to a rope or chain and a friend with a truck. But what many people don’t realize is that DIY towing comes with serious risks, to your vehicle, your safety, and even the people around you. Today, we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to discuss why it’s best to leave vehicle towing to trained professionals.
You Could Damage Your Vehicle
Towing isn’t just about moving a car from Point A to Point B. If not done properly, it can cause serious damage to your transmission, brakes, suspension, or frame. Front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel, and four-wheel-drive vehicles all require different towing methods. Using the wrong one, like dragging a four-wheel-drive car with all four wheels on the ground, can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Professionals understand the exact towing procedure for your specific vehicle type. They use flatbed or wheel-lift trucks designed to avoid wear and tear during transport. Trying to figure it out on your own, especially with no experience, is a gamble you don’t want to take.
Improper Towing Is Extremely Dangerous
DIY towing often involves makeshift equipment like ropes, chains, or tow straps, which are not meant to handle the weight and tension of a moving vehicle. These can snap mid-transport, sending your car rolling into traffic or another vehicle. Even if the equipment holds, your braking distance increases dramatically, and the person towing your vehicle must maintain constant tension and control, something that’s hard to do without training.
In addition, many drivers don’t know how to safely secure a vehicle’s steering, lights, and brakes during a tow. An unsecured vehicle can sway, swerve, or even fishtail into another lane, creating a hazardous situation for everyone on the road.
It’s Likely Illegal in Many Areas
Depending on your state or city, towing a vehicle without proper equipment or licensing may be illegal. There are safety regulations that govern how vehicles must be towed on public roads, including the need for tow lights, safety chains, and visibility markers. Violating these laws can result in tickets, fines, or even liability if an accident occurs.
Professional tow truck drivers are licensed, insured, and trained to follow all local and state regulations. Hiring a certified towing company not only ensures safety but also keeps you on the right side of the law.
Time, Stress, and Hidden Costs
What begins as a quick DIY solution often ends in frustration. Without the right tools, you might spend hours troubleshooting problems, calling friends for help, or dealing with added damage. In the end, you may still need a tow, only now with more expenses.
Let the Pros Handle It
Towing companies exist for a reason: they have the training, tools, and experience to do the job quickly and safely. If your vehicle is broken down or needs to be moved, don’t risk injury, damage, or legal trouble by trying to tow it yourself. Call a professional, such as Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance, you’ll save time, money, and headaches in the long run.
