How Tow Trucks Work: What Happens When Your Car Gets Towed And What Risks You Should Watch Out For

2025-06-02 02:11:49

(MENAFN- The Arabian Post) A tow truck is a bright representative of specialized equipment, a vehicle designed for transportation, loading and unloading of vehicles in case of breakdowns, accidents, traffic violations, when the driver is unable to deliver the vehicle to its destination. Transportation is carried out by full or partial loading or towing. Evacuators are equipped with a special platform with a winch or manipulator installed on it. If you want a reliable solution, you can rent industrial vehicle in UAE . In this article, we will consider in detail all types of tow trucks, their features and technical aspects.

Types of Tow Trucks and What Makes Them Different

The modern market offers several types of tow trucks, each designed to perform specific jobs. Flatbed tow trucks are equipped with a flat platform and a winch for loading the entire vehicle. There are also wheel elevators that elevator only one axle, leaving the rest of the wheels on the ground. It is recommended to order a tow truck with a crane-manipulator if your car has been damaged in an accident or cannot move on its own wheels. It is also worth ordering if it is about transportation of agricultural or construction equipment. Among the advantages of the crane-manipulator it is worth noting the efficiency, versatility and amazing load capacity. Our drivers will load and unload the car as quickly as possible without damaging the paintwork. At the same time, the weight of the cargo can reach 80 tons, so the tow truck with a crane-manipulator can be ordered both for transportation of motorcycles and trucks.

What kind of tow truck you need depends on the size and weight of your car, the type of breakdown and the availability of the location.

The Tow Truck Process: What Actually Happens

Getting your car towed involves a few key steps:

You call the tow service and give them the lowdown - your location, car model, and what's wrong.

The tow truck shows up (usually anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour in the city).

The operator checks out the situation and decides the best way to load your car.

They prep your car for loading - like turning off the alarm and putting the transmission in neutral.

Your car gets loaded onto the tow truck using special gear.

The vehicle is securely fastened so it doesn't budge during the ride.

Finally, they drive it to the spot you requested and unload it. See also Lotus Technology Battles Mounting Losses Amid US Tariff Pressures

One thing to keep in mind: a good towing service makes sure your car stays safe through every step of the process.

Technical Details of Towing Different Types of Cars

Towing cars with different drivetrains comes with its own set of rules. For front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars, it's best to tow by lifting the front wheels off the ground to avoid messing up the transmission. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars, on the other hand, should be towed with the rear wheels lifted. When it comes to all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles, the safest bet is to use a flatbed tow truck that lifts the whole car. Towing AWD or 4WD cars by just one axle can seriously damage the transfer case. Also, automatic transmission cars should never be towed with their drive wheels on the ground - doing so can wreck the transmission. Whether you're transporting vehicles or heavy machinery, companies offering construction equipment rental Dubai often provide specialized towing and transport services to ensure safe and damage-free handling.

Risks of Improper Towing

If a tow isn't done right, the chances of damage go way up. Poorly securing the car can make it slip off the flatbed or cause body damage. Towing an automatic car with a rope or chain can lead to costly transmission repairs. Clumsy loading can mess up bumpers, spoilers, or the car's undercarriage. Not locking the steering wheel in place during transport can damage the steering rack. And ignoring the special needs of AWD or 4WD rides often ends with busted transfer cases and differentials.

See also BYD Surpasses Tesla in European EV Sales Amid Market Shifts How to Pick a Reliable Tow Service

Choosing a solid tow service is key to making sure your car gets transported safely. First off, check out the company's rep and read customer reviews. Pay attention to how fast the dispatcher responds when you call - a pro will ask the right questions about your car model and what's wrong. Make sure to ask about insurance coverage during the tow. Also, find out what types of tow trucks they have - a good company will match the right truck to your situation. Bonus points if they offer extras like on-site mechanic visits for diagnostics or passenger rides - that usually means they take their job seriously.

What Car Owners Should Do When Getting Towed

When your car's getting towed, it's important to work smoothly with the tow service. First, give the dispatcher your exact location and a clear rundown of your car's condition. Snap some photos of your car before the tow truck arrives to document any existing damage. Watch the loading process, and if you can, ask the operator about any special handling your car might need. Don't forget to grab all your valuables from inside the car. And the most important thing - agree on the price and drop-off location upfront. It's super helpful to already know which shop or service center you want your car taken to, so you don't waste time stressing over it later.

Also published on Medium .

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