Safely Towing Your Car

Safely Towing Your Car
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn]Levi Quinn

When a car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, then it may have to be towed. It is important to know how to tow a car safely to avoid any unnecessary but costly damage that may arise from a carelessly towed car. First and foremost, it is important for the car to be placed in neutral. Not putting the car in neutral means that its wheels stay locked and this can cause costly damage to the vehicle while at the same time posing a serious risk to safety.

Secondly, the vehicle owner should fasten the trailer hitch's tow chain to the car which is to be towed. The fastening needs to be double looped then made to a strong part in the undercarriage of the vehicle. To ensure safety, it is important that the car being towed does not carry any passengers. This is actually illegal. It is also advisable to give a clear sign to those behind the vehicle so that they know that they car is being towed and give it a wide berth. When towing a car, the speed should ideally be at 45 mph. Any higher speed will only put a strain on the tow cable and pose a great safety risk with a very high likelihood of an accident. It is important to limit the distance over which the car will be towed so as to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the vehicle.

When towing the vehicle using a Ready Brake, it is important for the driver to ensure it is the last thing that touches the tow bar. As the black cable channel is routed for Ready Brake installation, it should be secured with fastening devices such as zip ties to the engine compartment; especially at the places in the routing where bending takes place. The ready brake should follow a direct path as opposed to going round in circles.

When using the Ready Brake to tow the car, the tow bar should be level within two inches to achieve the best results. This will ensure that the braking system is at its most efficient. A DL100 should also be installed in the monitoring device of the dash light to enable the driver know then the brakes are applied. After installation of the aircraft cable to the towed vehicle, it should be able to freely move without any bind. If it does not, then it is highly likely that the black conduit was not properly installed.

Always remember when towing a vehicle that it should never go beyond towing limits of the two rig or the tow bar. Drivers should also remember that there is an increased length on the RV and their driving should be adjusted accordingly. All the turn signals as well as brake lights should be thoroughly checked before towing the vehicle and a significant stopping distance catered for. Following these steps carefully will ensure that the towed vehicle arrives at its destination safely and with no damage other than what caused it to break down in the first place.

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