Towing involves a lot of hard work and stepping out of your comfort zone. It can be an exciting career path, but there are many things to consider before starting your towing company.
Cities and towns use tow trucks to remove vehicles with accumulated parking tickets, lapsed registrations, or illegally parked on private property. However, these vehicles often need to be returned to their owners. Contact Azteca Towing now!
Taking detailed photographs of your car before it’s towed is a great idea. It will serve as a record of its current condition and provide valuable information should any disputes or insurance claims arise later on. It’s also a good idea to remove any personal items from the car that may move around during transport.
If you’re using a trailer, make sure that the receiver hitch is in excellent condition and that all of the safety chains are firmly attached. You should also check that the ball nut and receiver pin are securely tightened.
Additionally, make sure that the tires on both your towing vehicle and your trailer are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which can cause your engine to work harder and use more fuel. It can also increase the temperature of your tires, which can cause them to blow out. If you’re towing at a high speed, it’s a good idea to upgrade your suspension with heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers.
It’s important to check that the lights on your trailer are working and that they are synchronized with those on your towing vehicle. This will allow drivers around you to see your trailer and avoid a collision. You should also ensure that the brake and blinker lights are functional.
Many people forget to check the lights and tires on their trailer, but these are just as important (if not more) than those on your towing vehicle. If your trailer’s tires aren’t inflated correctly, they can quickly become damaged or flat. If the tires are older, they may have dry rot, which can result in blowouts or sudden deflation.
Lastly, make sure the electrical connections between your towing vehicle and trailer are secure and working properly. This will prevent any problems or damage to your vehicle as you drive.
Towing puts a lot of strain on your vehicle, which makes regular maintenance even more critical. It’s especially important to check fluid levels and replace them as needed, as well as make sure that your radiator and other cooling systems are functioning well. Also, don’t forget to change the oil frequently and clean any filters, including those for your engine, transmission, and differential coolers.
Maintain a Steady Speed
When towing a vehicle, it’s important to slow down and drive more cautiously. This not only reduces the risk of accidents but also extends the life of your vehicle’s transmission and brakes, which are working overtime to control the added weight and speed. It’s also important to keep in mind that braking distances are much longer when towing, so allow more space and time to pass other vehicles on the road.
The extra load on your towing vehicle can also affect acceleration and braking, especially when driving up or down inclines. For example, it can take almost twice as long for a towing vehicle to accelerate from zero to 60 mph than it does without a trailer. This increased workload on your engine and braking system can result in overheating, power loss, and brake fade, which may increase the likelihood of an accident or unsafe stopping conditions.
If you’re driving uphill with a trailer, make sure your towing equipment is positioned to evenly distribute the load and avoid shifts in weight. It’s also a good idea to use safety chains to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle, as this can help prevent the swaying that occurs when driving uphill. In addition, a weight distribution hitch can greatly reduce the load on your towing vehicle and improve stability and performance when towing uphill or downhill.
It’s also essential to ensure that all of your lights and signals are in working order. In particular, the hazard and blinker lights on your towing vehicle and trailer must be functioning properly. Also, it’s a good idea to add reflective decals and markers on your towing vehicle to enhance visibility.
When towing, it’s also a good idea to have clear communication between the driver and the team members who are helping with the load. This can be achieved through hand gestures, two-way radios, and signals on the truck. The crew should also be prepared for adverse weather conditions, as snowy and icy roads can significantly impact the performance of your vehicle and trailer. By following these simple towing tips, you can enjoy a safe and successful towing experience.
Take Turns and Corners Carefully
When making turns with a trailer attached, it’s best to keep the vehicle and trailer in their own lane of travel. Doing so allows you to see the road better and reduces the chances of your trailer swinging into other lanes. It also helps you maintain control of the trailer, especially if the turn is tight or has a curve.
Some turns may become tighter or looser at surprising points, so always scope the entire turn ahead of you as you approach it. If possible, peer through foliage and other obstacles to help you anticipate what will happen once you enter it.
Also, remember that trailer tires tend to end up closer to the inside of a turn than those of your tow vehicle. This can cause your trailer to hit curbs and other objects as you turn. In addition, slamming on the brakes can cause your trailer to sway, which in turn can throw off its cargo. It’s best to practice these maneuvers in an empty parking lot before trying them out on the road. Doing so can help you get a feel for your towing setup and iron out any issues before using it in traffic. Also, this way you can try them out without risking the lives of other drivers.
Call for Roadside Assistance
Even if you’re an experienced mechanic, there are certain issues that you can’t solve on your own. Valves break, belts wear out and batteries die – these problems are the domain of roadside assistance professionals, who can help you get back on the road. They can do a number of things, from replacing a flat tire to charging a dead battery and more. Most roadside assistance providers cover the cost of the service, but you may have to pay for items like gas or a new tire.
You can call for roadside assistance via an app or a dedicated phone line, depending on the provider you choose. When you call, you will be asked a series of questions to determine what the problem is and whether it can be solved over the phone. If not, they will dispatch a roadside professional or a truck to tow your vehicle to the nearest repair shop within the coverage area.
Roadside assistance is essential, especially if you drive often or in unfamiliar places. You should consider buying a roadside assistance plan if you’re worried about the potential for breakdowns and accidents while driving. Most insurance companies and some automakers offer plans that include towing and other roadside assistance services.
When most people think of roadside assistance, they picture a tow truck coming to rescue their car on the side of the road. However, roadside assistance can also come in handy when you’re stuck at home or work. It’s important to note that you cannot use a roadside assistance service if your vehicle was involved in an illegal situation, such as an accident or being parked in violation of the law.
Lemonade Car is a new way of doing car insurance that includes roadside assistance as part of the plan. To learn more about what Lemonade car offers, click here to visit our website and see how this innovative policy can benefit you. We also encourage you to sign up for a free trial of Lemonade Car! You’ll be glad you did.