The Do’s and Don’ts of Towing a Car

When towing a car, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and take the necessary precautions to avoid them. Continue below to review some of the most vital Do’s and Don’t of car towing, plus where to turn if you require professional tow truck assistance or long distance towing service in Central Indiana.

Call 317-247-8484 if You Need Help Towing a Car in Indianapolis Indiana!
Call 317-247-8484 if You Need a Tow Truck in Indianapolis Indiana!

Car Towing: What You Should and Should Not Do

If you’re towing a car, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do. Here are the most important Do’s and Don’ts to remember when towing a car.

1. DO make sure your appointed tow vehicle is up to the task. If it’s not, you could end up damaging both vehicles.

2. DON’T exceed the towing capacity of either vehicle. You could end up causing serious damage to both cars.

3. DO use a tow strap or chain to connect the two cars together. This will help distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of damage to either car.

4. DON’T forget to apply the parking brake on both cars before disconnecting them from each other. This will help keep them in place while you’re disconnecting them.

5. DO ensure that the towing vehicle is firmly attached to the car being towed before you start to drive. This will help to avoid any nasty surprises!

6. DON’T attempt to tow a car without proper towing equipment and instruction. Improper towing could lead to personal injury or damage to both vehicles. 

7. DO check to make sure that the towing vehicle’s brakes, steering, and lights are working properly before towing a vehicle.

8. DON’T forget to double-check the tow bar and straps to make sure they’re secure before you start to drive.

9. DO keep an eye out for road hazards and other drivers to make sure that you’re towing safely.

10. DON’T forget to read the owner’s manual of your tow vehicle to make sure you understand any specific towing instructions.

Practice Safe Towing and Car Care

Following these dos and don’ts will help to ensure that you tow your car safely and securely, and can avoid any potential damages to either vehicle. You may need to consider long distance towing service for extended trips if you do not have much experience with towing a vehicle.

Do you think a professional tow truck operator might be the better option for your towing needs? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services you can afford. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

Related Posts:

The Best Way to Transport or Tow a Custom Car
Trailer Towing Tips You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road
Will My Car Insurance Pay For Towing Fees?

Should I Install a Transmission Cooler to Tow a Trailer With My Car?

If you are new to the world of trailer towing, you are already on the right track. Research and preparation are critical parts to towing safety. In order to tow your trailer, you need to fully understand the parts, process, laws, and safety regulations involved. On your way to learning how to tow, you have probably already gathered most of your towing parts, including your hitch receiver, ball mount, hitch ball, pin and clips, safety chains, and more.

But if you plan on using an automatic transmission vehicle to tow your trailer, there is another towing accessory that should never be overlooked, and that is an aftermarket transmission cooler. This is especially important this time of year when seasons are warming up.

Continue reading to learn what a transmission cooler is and what it does, and better understand their importance.

24 Hour Towing Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

The Importance of Transmission Protection When Towing a Trailer

When towing a trailer, a vehicle’s automatic transmission must work harder to manage the extra weight and resistance of its load. And when a transmission works harder, it creates more heat, which is not good for transmissions. An aftermarket transmission cooler is a towing accessory that prevents an automatic transmission from overheating as it tows. This allows a vehicle to perform at its strongest while towing.

They operate by cooling heated fluid from the transmission, power steering, and engine. The heated fluid passes over the fins in the cooler, cools down, and then flows back to its original source in a loop-like pattern. This process keeps the transmission and other vehicular components from overheating as you tow your trailer.

How to Install a Transmission Cooler

There are a few different installation methods for transmission coolers. Most often, they are attached to the radiator or air conditioner condenser with narrow plastic rods, pads, and fasteners.  You can also install them using a metal bracket mounting kit. Be sure to choose a cooler with quality cooling performance. The general rule of thumb is, “the bigger the cooler, the better the cooling capacity.”

Also, “plate-and-fin” coolers tend to perform better than “tube-and-fin” coolers. So that is something to think about when choosing one for your vehicle. Consider talking to a local and trusted tow truck operator for advice on mounting a transmission cooler for towing purposes.

Do you need professional trailer towing? Or are you dealing with a roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

Related Posts:

3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Trailer Hitch
6 Maintenance Tips for Your Personal Watercraft Trailer
3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter

Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

How to Calculate Your Towing Weights

When it comes to safe towing, whether hauling a trailer full of your friend’s furniture or towing your Jetski back to the dock for the summer, the most essential element to ensure is on point is your towing weight. Towing weight doesn’t just include the weight of the cargo you are pulling; it also includes how much weight your towing vehicle can pull. Specifically, you will need to always calculate three towing weights: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Tongue Weight (TW), and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Continue below to learn what these weights and ratings mean, and how to do the math for your towing setup.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Towing Weight Calculations

You weren’t the best at arithmetic in school? That won’t pose a problem. Calculating your towing weights is easy as long as you have a calculator nearby; and if you are like most, you have a smart phone with a calculator application already on it. Again, you will be calculating your tongue weight, gross vehicle weight rating, and the gross combined weight rating.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is how much weight your make and model towing vehicle can safely haul. This includes the capacity of the weight of the trailer and the weight of the cargo. An F-150 will have a higher gross vehicle weight rating compared to a Mini Cooper. You can find your vehicle’s recommended gross vehicle weight rating in the owners’ manual, or online on your dealership’s website.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total weight of everything involved in your intended towing job. This includes the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), as well as the weight of the trailer, cargo, passengers, and even fuel.

Tongue Weight (TW)

Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of force, or weight, being pushed down onto the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. You don’t ever want to put too much weight on this ball, or your car will lift off the ground in the front and your brakes will go into overdrive. This can all damage your car, as well as your towing gear.

How to Do the Math:

Add up everything you plan to haul to get your Gross Combined Weight Rating GCWR.
Take this number and compare it your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Your total should be less than your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Do you need professional towing service for long-distance relocations or roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Towing Acronyms for Vehicle Manufacturer Specifications
A Brief Explanation of Tongue Weight (TW)
A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Do a Pre-Trip Check Before Pulling a Trailer

It does not matter large or small your trailer is, nor how much experience you might have pulling one; everyone should perform a solid towing safety inspection before hitting the road for a long-distance trip. Continue below to either learn or refresh your memory on how to do a pre-trip check before pulling a trailer long distance.

Indiana Towing and Vehicle Transportation Services 317-247-8484
Indiana Towing and Vehicle Transportation Services 317-247-8484

Pre-Trip Trailer Towing Inspection

Everything needs to be inspected for optimal safety and performance when preparing to pull a trailer. Even for short-distance towing, inspecting your towing and vehicle setup is vital for both the safety of you and your passengers, as well as your cargo. All towing and trailer equipment needs to be checked and if necessary, serviced or replaced, including hitch and receiver, safety chains, electrical setups, hitch and turn signals, lights, and the overall trailer clearance.

In addition to checking all equipment, it is wise to review your state’s trailer towing requirements or regulations, and in all states that you plan to pass through as well. Some states require you to stay in the far right lanes, or drive at a certain speed, when towing a trailer. You do not want to be in violation of any towing rules, as this could slow you down from getting to your destination, plus make you pay a fine!

For Beginners

If you have never pulled at trailer before, it is vital that you practice. It takes a lot longer to come to a complete stop when towing a trailer, plus taking turns, backing up, parking, and maneuvering through traffic is all different than driving a regular car. Furthermore, you need to educate yourself on all proper trailer setup and maintenance practices in order to remain safe and within local and state regulations.

Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist:

Check that the trailer is properly attached to the hitch, and perfectly secure. The trailer’s tongue should be connected to the hitch, and all locking mechanisms are secured.

You should not be able to lift the trailer off the hitch after it has been snapped and locked in place. Your safety chains should be criss-crossed between the towing vehicle and the trailer.

Check that all electrical wires are connected, and that the brake lights and turn signals are working in conjunction with one another. It helps to have a partner work the towing vehicle’s brakes and turn signals while you stand behind the trailer and watch for them to come on. No partner? Use the reflection of windows or windshields instead.

Do you need some help with towing some cargo long-distance? Contact Zore’s Towing for professional long-distance towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

You Might Also Like:

Long Distance Driving Tips for Summer
How to Prepare a Car for a Long Distance Tow
What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

3 Steps to Choose the Right Ball Mount for Your Tow Hitch

When it comes to properly setting up your vehicle and trailer arrangement, one of the most vital elements to get absolutely right is your ball mount. Choosing the correct ball mount for your trailer hitch is important for guaranteeing a safe towing connection, as well as staying within state and local regulations for towing a trailer.

24 Hour Tow Truck and Roadside Assistance
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance for Indiana 317-247-8484

Why is a Proper Ball Mount So Vital?

Ensuring that you match the correct ball mount to your trailer hitch is important for many reasons. Not only does it mean that you have a balanced and level connection between the trailer and your towing vehicle, but it also means that your towing weight rating is equal to or higher than the weight of the load in your trailer. These two factors provide a safe and efficient tow.

How to Measure Your Ball Mount

To check that your ball mount is the proper height for your trailer, and therefore a suitable match, all you need to do is follow this 3-Step Rule:

1. Calculate Trailer Hitch Height

Your first step is to find out what your trailer hitch’s height is so that you can match your ball mount perfectly. Do this by measuring from the top of the hitch receiver tube all the way down to the ground.

2. Calculate Coupler Height

Your next step is to calculate your coupler height. Begin by ensuring your trailer is perfectly level. Then, measure the distance from the bottom of the coupler to the ground.

3. Calculate the Difference

The third step requires you to calculate the difference between the first and second values. Subtract the trailer coupler height from the hitch receiver height to get your result. This new value is how much drop you need in your ball mount.

Here is an Example:
Receiver Height = 24 inches
Trailer Coupler Height = 18 inches
Math = (24 – 18 = 6)
Drop Amount = 6 inches

≫ Higher hitch height? A drop with your ball mount is necessary.
Higher coupler height? A raise with your ball mount is necessary.

Do you need towing service in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services at competitive prices. We serve all of Central Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter
Do I Need a Hitch Ball When I Buy a New Ball Mount?
3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Trailer Hitch

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Why You Can Never Ignore Vehicular Towing Capacity

Whether you are planning to hook up a camper to your truck, tow a personal watercraft to the lake, or dinghy tow another car across the state, the most important factor to review first is the tow capacity of the vehicle you plan on doing the towing. Continue below to learn more about car and truck towing capacities, including why they are so important and how to calculate yours.

Indiana Towing Services 317-247-8484
Indiana Towing Services 317-247-8484

The Basic Rules of Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is the weight limit your towing vehicle can pull. These capacities vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on make, model, year, features, and more. Towing capacity is formulated by comprehending five principal components of a towing vehicle. These include the transmission, brakes, axles, motor, and edge. Additionally, incorporating the towing vehicle’s weight, trailer weight, cargo weight, and the total combined weight of its occupants will provide a general understanding of how much weight your towing vehicle will have to pull.

From there, you must then check with the vehicle’s owners’ manual to see how much weight your make and model vehicle can tow, and compare that with the total combined weight you need to tow. If the total combined weight exceeds the recommended towing capacity, you cannot safely tow with that vehicle. You must either reduce the weight of the cargo and vessel, or get a towing vehicle with a higher towing capacity.

The Purpose of a Tow Capacity Rating

There is a reason why towing capacity exists. There are several consequences to ignoring a vehicle’s towing limit. This includes safety hazards, mechanical damages, and more. The most dangerous, and common, consequence to exceeding a vehicle’s towing capacity is losing the ability to brake. You never want this to happen to you, especially when accompanied by other passengers or carrying flammable cargoes.

When the towing limit is met or exceeded, they can easily achieve regular speeds on the road, but when it comes time to stop, problems arise. The vehicle is basically too heavy to come to a stop at the regular amount of time you expect. It takes much longer, especially at higher speeds, to come to a complete stop. In some cases, the load is so heavy, the vehicle cannot stop at all, or in time, to avoid a dangerous or fatal collision.

In less extreme cases, surpassing the towing limit can prohibit a vehicle from driving uphill, even at the slightest incline. Since the load is too heavy, the vehicle already has trouble getting up to speed, so when it comes time to drive up an incline, it could simply give out or burn rubber right in its place. Not only does this bring the towing task to a fast halt, but it can also cause major damage to the towing vehicle and tires.

Do you need tow truck assistance or long-distance towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 to request free estimates for Central Indiana towing and recovery!

You Might Also Like:

3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter
Suggested Cars and Trucks with High Towing Capacities
How to Prepare Your Car for a Spring Break Road Trip

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Safety Tips for Towing a Camper or RV This Fall

Prime camping season is approaching fast, which means avid travelers are planning road trips to through wine country, to the coast, and much more!  When long road trips are on the itinerary, it is common for the voyage to include some type of towing or hauling. Common things to tow on road trips are boats, campers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more. When this is in the plan, be sure to catch up on some safety tips for towing one of these commodities before starting your journey. Making sure everyone and everything on board is safe is the most important part of towing and RV or camper. 

Continue reading to learn the most common and basic tips for novice towers planning to hit the open road.

Emergency RV Towing and Roadside Assistance
Emergency RV Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana 317-247-8484

Vital Weight Capacity and Distribution Tips

Always be sure to consider the weight capacity of your vehicle, and the distribution of all items inside the haul. This is very important in order to prevent a multitude of accidents on the road, as well as, damage to the vehicles. Your camper or RV should have come with a manual or guide. In here, you can find the total weight of the vehicle you are planning to tow.  With this number in mind, compare it to the weight of the vehicle doing the towing. The heavier your vehicle is, the larger the load it can haul. If you have a lighter vehicle, it will only be able to tow light loads. 

On the same topic, not only does your load weight need to be an appropriate match to your vehicle’s towing capacity, it is important to evenly distribute the weight in both vehicles. Many people pack up their cars, trucks, or mini vans with luggage and supplies for their vacation, however, it is common and convenient to also pack up the camper or RV with supplies and other cargoes. This is perfectly safe and acceptable so long as the weight ratios remain similar. Packing too much in the camper or RV can outweigh the vehicle towing it, causing distress on the hitch and the vehicle doing the hauling. Be careful when considering how to pack for a trip while hauling an RV or camper.

Proper Towing Hitches

It is vital to be wise when buying a trailer hitch for the type of haul you’ll be performing. It should be able to hold the total trailer weight of the RV or camper. A stabilizer bar is another tool that can greatly reduce the chances of swaying and swerving on the road. It is highly recommended to use a stabilizer bar along with your tow hitch to ensure a safe and secure ride.

If you are unsure about which tow hitch to use, ask a professional for advice. They can give you accurate information about using proper tow hitches, for free.  Simply tell them what you are planning to haul, which vehicle is doing the hauling, and the weight of both. They can give you accurate information on which tow hitch to use.  You can call a professional towing company, or a retail company that specializes in tow hitches and related towing accessories.

Smartly Position Your Towing Vehicle

Once you have the right hitch, it is helpful to simply back the vehicle up to the front of the RV or camper. The towing ball should be set directly under the hitch. Then you can lower the hitch over the ball and complete all the necessary connections. For example, the RV or camper latch must be secure and connected properly, safety chains should be used to provide extra security, and brake systems should be tested and inspected before any departures.

Who to Trust for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Emergency Towing in Indiana

If your towing vehicle breaks down while hauling a camper or RV in Central Indiana, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and emergency towing. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

What a Driver Must Do to Tow another Car Safely

There are many reasons why you might have to tow another vehicle with your own vehicle. Whether taking a cross-country road trip with your RV and primary vehicle in tow, moving to another state for work, or helping a friend transport their broken-down vehicle to their auto repair shop, the most important factor is safety. There are certain protocols that you, as the driver of the vehicle towing the other vehicle, must take in order to protect both people and cargo on the road.

Continue reading to learn some vital driving safety tips for towing another vehicle with your own.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Safety Tips for the Driver of the Towing Vehicle

✅ Use Extreme Caution

Always drive with superior care and caution. Never exceed 16 miles per hour on the road, and be sure to stay alert of all surroundings, both in front of you, beside you, and behind you. Driving too fast with another vehicle in tow can create too much inertia, or force, that can easily turn into uncontrollable momentum. As a result, your vehicle might have trouble coming to a stop on demand.

✅ Utilize the Clutch Properly

When pulling away for the first time with the other vehicle in tow behind you, it is vital that you operate your clutch properly. Being gentle with the clutch, pull out delicately, and at a very slow pace. If you are not using a vehicle with a manual clutch, just be sure to pull out slowly and carefully. If you pull out abruptly, you can snap the towrope or towing pole that connects your car to the towed one. As a result, the towed vehicle can whip forward and smash into the back of yours, or worse, come off on the road and smash into another person or vehicle.

✅ Be Slow and Gentle When Braking

Never slam on the brakes, or brake suddenly, when towing another vehicle with your own. This can cause the same type of problems with pulling out too fast, as mentioned above, but it can also cause massive damage to both vehicles. Give yourself several hundred feet to brake slowly, before coming to a stop, turning, or yielding. Apply the brakes gradually and gently to avoid sudden braking. Likewise, use your turn signals far ahead of time to warn drivers around you.

If the Driver is Sitting in the Car Being Towed…

In the case that you are utilizing a towing method that allows the driver to sit inside their own car while your car tows it, there are certain precautions they must take as well. They should remain fully alert, watching all braking and turn signaling. This allows them to actively steer and brake in coordination with the other vehicle, as needed. Also, they should keep constant tension in the towrope or towing pole to reduce jerking and similar abrupt movements.

Indianapolis Indiana Towing and Recovery Services You Can Trust

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and recovery services, or roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

FAQS About Tow Dollies

There are various ways to transport a vehicle using another vehicle. From flatbed tows and trailer hitches, to crane towing, dingy towing, and more, the option you choose primarily depends on the vehicle you are using to tow and the equipment available to you. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about tow dollies, and learn what you need to know before getting started on your towing job.

Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484
Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Which Tow Dolly Do I Use?

Not only is it vital that your hitch and towing vehicle meet the particular weight rating of your tow dolly, it is equally important that you have all the other necessary components to go along with them. In order to choose the right tow dolly for your towing needs, you must refer to the towing vehicle’s owners’ manual for its specifications.

How Do I Install a Tow Dolly?

Tow dollies are installed in a very similar way to most hitch systems. In order to set one up on your towing vehicle, you will need to refer to the instructions laid out in your owners’ manual, as well as, the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the tow dolly. You will basically check the hitch ball height then connect the couple on it, and then attach safety chains and other necessary components, such as lights and brakes, to finish.

Do I Need Brake Lights on a Tow Dolly?

State laws regarding tow dollies vary, but most require vehicles in rear-end tow to be equipped with functioning lights for all operations, including stopping, turning, and running. Tow dollies are not required to have weight distributing, sway control devices

Can I Put a Car Backwards on a Tow Dolly?

The short answer to this question is no. Vehicles in tow should always be loaded facing forward. Not only can you be cited for an expensive traffic offense for loading a car on a tow dolly backwards, you can also cause serious accidents and injuries to other people and property.

Can a Car Tow an SUV or Truck on a Dolly?

So long as the tow vehicle is at least 750 pounds heavier than the vehicle-in-tow, you are in good shape. But before you hit the road, be sure to refer to the towing vehicle’s owners’ manual for accurate maximum weight specifications for the vehicle-in-tow.

How Do I Drive Safely With a Tow Dolly?

The basic rules of safety for using a tow dolly, besides ensuring that your dolly is suited for your towing vehicle and applications, is to ensure all connects are secure and operational, reduce your driving speed, ensure all lights are working, ensure that the hitch, hitch-ball, and coupler handwheel are tight, ensure all mirrors are in place, ensure tires are inflated properly, ensure all ramps securely stored and latched, wear your seat belt, anticipate stops and brake early, and use your turn signals.

Need Some Towing Assistance in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Before and After Safe Towing Tips

If you are planning to hook up a trailer and tow a cargo, it is important to know exactly how to do so safely, whether you are traveling a long distance or just around the corner. Keep in mind that towing safety starts before you leave the drive, and continues a long the journey.

Continue reading to learn some vital before and after towing tips that will help to ensure everyone’s safety, including your cargo.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Before You Tow

There are several things you need to do before you even put the keys in the ignition and drive away. In fact, the safest form of towing involves a focus on preparation. Here is what you need to do before heading out on the road with your rig:

If you are towing a vehicle, place an “On Tow” sign in the rear window to alert other drivers to be cautious. Many towing ropes and poles come with this sign, but you may have to purchase it separately. Do not make your own sign; store-bought signs are made with safety features, like reflective technology.

Always do a full inspection of your towing ropes and poles. Look for damage, defects, abrasives, rips, tears, and frays. These are all signs that your equipment is unsafe to use. Do not use your towing ropes or poles if they show signs of damage like this.

If you are towing another vehicle, be sure to leave the ignition switch in the “ON” position. This will disengage the steering lock, allowing for more controlled towing. This is especially important for vehicles that have power steering and/or power-assisted steering.

After You Hit the Road

Once you are on the road with your cargo in tow, the responsibility to tow safely remains just as strong. The most important duty is to drive with extreme caution and care. However, there is more to it than that. Here are some important reminders for safe towing while out on the open road:

Maintain a minimal speed. If towing another vehicle, try to remain under 20 miles per hour. If you are towing anything else, stay 5 to 10 mph BELOW the mandatory speed limit for optimal safety. If you are driving too fast, you can lose control of your reaction times, and take much longer to come to a stop.

Relating to speed and caution, be sure to signal and plan maneuvers ahead of time. This helps to forewarn other drivers on the road. This includes using your turn signals and hazard lights. Furthermore, try not to brake suddenly, and instead, plan ahead in advance.

Operate the clutch slowly and carefully so to not snap or snag a towing rope. This can cause the towed cargo to jerk forward suddenly, which can cause all sorts of dangerous situations. For the same reasons, do not suddenly change direction or use excessive maneuvers.

Need a Professional Tow?

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!