In case of serious breakdowns and the inability to continue driving, there are two options: towing the car or calling a tow truck.
If you do not have the necessary knowledge and equipment for towing, we recommend that you contact professionals and call a tow truck Winnipeg near me. This will ensure careful and safe transportation of the car without additional damage.
We will tell you in more detail about the rules and types of towing, we will analyze the process of moving a car and the features of choosing a cable.
Types of car towing
Flexible coupling
This is the most widely used type of attachment of the tractor to the towbar. Let us list the general rules for towing a passenger car with a flexible coupling:
1. There must be a driver behind the wheel of the vehicle being towed.
2. The recommended distance is from four to six meters.
3. At least 2 flags 20×20 cm with red and white reflective stripes must be installed on the rope.
4. Towing vehicles with inoperative brakes, faulty steering, or on icy conditions is prohibited.
Rigid coupling
When towing a car with a rigid hitch, fixed elements are used, and the second car becomes a kind of trailer. Let’s list the basic rules for towing a passenger car with a rigid hitch:
1. There must be a driver behind the wheel of the vehicle being towed. Always, except in cases where the coupling device is designed so that the “trailer” turns after the tractor.
2. It is not recommended to exceed a distance of 4 meters.
3. It is prohibited to tow a vehicle that has problems with steering or non-working brakes. The exception is a situation when the weight of the tow vehicle is 2 or more times greater than the weight of the “trailer”.
Partial loading
Partial loading is a method of transportation using a truck and a special towing device. During transportation, one part of the car is lifted onto a frame or platform, and the other remains on the road.
Let’s note the basic rules of towing:
1. The vehicle being towed must have no driver or passengers.
2. This is the only way to tow a vehicle that has control problems.
If you cannot tow your car, we recommend calling a tow truck . By calling a tow truck, you get a number of advantages that will give you peace of mind and confidence: safety, reliability, saving time and effort.
Which cars can be towed and which cannot?
Rules and restrictions may vary depending on the type of transmission, the weight of the towed vehicle, and its design features. It is important to take this into account in order to tow correctly and safely.
Let’s list the recommendations for cars with different types of gearboxes:
1. Cars with manual transmission (manual transmission) can act as both a towing and a towed vehicle.
2. Cars with automatic transmission (AT) can be towed, but not further than 50 kilometers and not accelerating faster than 40-50 km/h. A running car with an automatic transmission should not be operated without a load from the engine: the transmission oil will overheat and the transmission will fail.
3. Cars with a CVT can also break down due to overheating, so it is not recommended to transport them by tow. Instead, you should choose a partial loading method or call a tow truck.
4. Cars with a “robot” are similar to those with a manual transmission, so they can be easily towed.
Preparing for towing a car
Let’s list the basic rules that should be taken into account to ensure that towing a car is safe:
- Make sure the wheels turn, the brakes are working properly, and all suspension components, wheel bearings, axles, brake calipers, and transmission do not interfere with the car’s coasting.
- Agree with the other driver on signals to indicate readiness, acceleration, deceleration and stopping.
- Plan your route, avoiding narrow passages, sharp turns and difficult intersections. Also, avoid driving on streets where the sign “No trailers allowed” is installed.
- If long-term towing is planned, coordinate stops to check the condition of the cable and fasteners.
- If it is cold outside, make sure the driver of the towed vehicle is dressed warmly.
- Keep in mind that windows may freeze in winter and fog up in spring and fall. A Roadside assistance is designed to improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of your vehicle, device, or online presence. Whether you need a battery jump-start, system optimization or a boost-up service helps you get back on track quickly and effectively.
What a truck driver should know
When towing, it is important for the driver of the car in front to:
- Choose a wide and safe trajectory when entering turns.
- Plan your actions in advance, assess the traffic situation and choose safe moments for changing lanes, leaving the acceleration lane or crossing intersections.
- Monitor engine temperature to avoid overheating.
Problems can arise not only with a car with an internal combustion engine, but also with an electric car.
What a towed vehicle driver needs to know
The main task of the driver of the towed vehicle is to not crash into the bumper of the towing vehicle.
You also need:
1. Before starting, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the ACC position or use the start button. This will help prevent the steering wheel from locking.
2. Move the gear shift lever to neutral position (N).
3. Keep in mind that changing lanes and braking may require more effort.
4. Make sure that the cable does not sag and that there are no sudden jerks when moving.
5. If the cable becomes slack and then wraps around the wheel, stop, get out and slowly roll the car away.
6. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles being towed and other road users.
7. When making sudden maneuvers, remember that you may not have time to press the brake or turn the steering wheel.
The process of towing a car
When a vehicle is towing another vehicle, it is important to:
- Check that both vehicles are in good working order.
- Make sure the tow rope or cable is strong, free of damage, and suitable for the weight and type of vehicle you intend to tow.
- Ensure that the attachment points for the cables are secure and safe.
- Ensure that passengers leave the towed vehicle.
- The driver of the towed vehicle must be prepared to prevent a collision or sudden jerky loads.
- Keep to the speed limit, signal when turning and maintain a safe distance.
- To disconnect a cable or rope, stop in a safe place.
How to choose a good rope
Please pay attention to the following parameters:
1. Purpose. You need a towing rope, not a snatch rope. A towing rope has flags and does not stretch. A snatch rope has no flags and can stretch, redistributing the load to pull out a stuck vehicle.
2. Type. In stores you will find a tape sling with a flat weave or a special reel, as well as ropes with a round weave.
A flat weave webbing sling is typically softer and more flexible, allowing the load to be distributed evenly across the towed vehicle.
The tape measure has a convenient shape and is stored in a special reel.
Round braid ropes are stiffer and stronger, making them suitable for heavier tasks.
3. Length. According to traffic regulations, it is recommended to use a rope 4-6 meters long. Do not buy one that is too long, so as not to confuse other road users and not to create emergency situations.
4. Fastening. There may be a hook or a loop at the end of the rope. The loop can be passed through a special eye and tied into a strong knot.
5. Material. Metal cables are very strong, but not elastic, so they do not compensate for jerky loads well – as a result, they are transferred to the car bodies. Straps made of synthetic materials are more elastic and strong enough.
6. Durability. It is better to buy a rope with a large safety margin, designed for double the curb weight of the car. The strongest synthetic ropes are made of nylon, Kevlar, polyester and polyester.
7. Quality: When choosing a towing rope, look for markings and certifications that it meets safety standards.
Conclusions
Towing is a responsible task that requires strict adherence to rules and safety measures.
If you have problems with your car and do not have sufficient experience or skills in moving vehicles, we recommend contacting a towing service.
Calling a Winnipeg Towing Service ensures careful movement of the vehicle and ensures safety on the roads.