Top 10 Towing Risks

The Main Risks

Cars breakdown every day and for various purposes. You could have trouble with the engine or have a dead battery that needs to be replaced on the spot. Regardless of the case, you’ll certainly need the assistance of a professional towing company to help out. You must also take into consideration the various risks associated with towing. Below is a list of the top 10 towing risks.

1. All About the Tires – Blown out tires are major problems that must be addressed immediately. Repair any flat tires before hoisting them onto the flatbed truck. Tires must be changed to prevent the load from flipping over due to instability. Check the pressure gauge on the tires as well for added safety measures.
2. Reckless Towing – Under no circumstances should the towing crew stand on the sides of the truck. One sudden turn could spell disaster for everybody, especially the crew members standing outside holding on to the vehicle. Always ride inside the truck with the doors locked.
3. Emergency Equipment – This should go without saying. Every single towing provider should have a complete emergency kit with all the necessary equipment stored and ready to go. The basics should include a flashlight, red fluorescent triangle lamp, tool set and spare tires in the trunk. Always be prepared!
4. Sharp Turns – You should drive slower than usual during steep downhill slopes or sharp turns. Not only can you cause serious damage to the axle and chassis of the truck, you could also lose control and topple over entirely, so be careful.
5. Visibility Issues – Visibility becomes reduced during bad weather and when it get’s dark. Make sure you keep your headlights on at all times and make sure you pay extra close attention to road signs. Slow down for pedestrians as well.
6. Not a Towing Vehicle – Never attempt to connect a larger vehicle to a modern SUV or sedan. Trailer hitches aren’t suitable for all vehicles. Your vehicle must meet requirements before hooking up any trailers.
7. Swaying – Stabilize the load by driving at a slower pace and abiding by the speed limit regulations to prevent the truck from swaying. This dangerous process can push the truck over, so be aware of the speed you’re accelerating at.
8. Proper Equipment – Check your owner’s manual to ensure that you have the proper equipment and that your vehicle can safely handle the weight capacity of the load.
9. Don’t Speed – This is fairly obvious. Keep enough braking distance between the next vehicle at all times.
10. Applying the Brakes – Once again, make sure you’re braking when necessary and slowing down when sharp turns begin.

Contact Emergency Towing Right Away!

Emergency Towing provides you with reliable towing round-the-clock and all around outstanding towing in the East Bay area. We cover the San Jose, San Francisco & Oakland areas with a fully staffed team of dedicated professionals. Don’t settle for anything less than the best! Call us today for more details.