Have you ever considered what you would do if you were driving and found yourself stuck by the roadside? You likely hope to avoid such a situation, but it’s smart to be ready just in case. If you do end up stranded, reaching out to a towing service is typically your best choice.
A Car towing service is not only reliable but also offers expert help in various scenarios. To improve your knowledge about towing services, here are 10 things to know about car towing services.
1. Understanding the Causes for Towing Services
Towing services are important for a range of reasons. Some of the usual situations where drivers require towing services include:
- Car accidents involving another vehicle
- Engine overheating issues
- Transmission breakdowns
- Running out of fuel
- Getting stuck in ditches, mud, or snow
- Dealing with flat tires
- Needing a battery jump-start
Additionally, you might find yourself in need of towing services if you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle.
2. Knowing the Capacity of Tow Trucks
The main thing that matters for a tow truck is how much it can pull. Regular trucks can carry people or things, but towing is different. When a truck tows something, it needs to be able to pull a weight greater than its towing.
If it can’t, both vehicles could get damaged. A truck’s towing ability depends on its power, how strong it is, and how well it can push or pull. It also needs the right cooling system and other parts to work.
3. Understanding the Types of Vehicles That Can Be Towed
If you’re unsure about whether towing services are available for your specific vehicle, rest assured that they are. Towing companies cater to many vehicles, not just passenger cars. They can tow vehicle trailers, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), in addition to various passenger vehicles.
4. Licensing and Certification
Running a car towing business is a responsibility that requires specialized skills. Towed vehicles share the road with many others that are moving at high speeds.
For this reason, all the truck drivers who handle your vehicle towing should be experienced individuals with valid driver’s licenses and proper towing certifications. It’s crucial to ensure that your car doesn’t pose a risk to other road users. With experienced drivers, your damaged vehicle will be towed to the repair shop efficiently and safely.
5. Drive System
Tow trucks have three main ways to drive: rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and either four-wheel or all-wheel drive. These different drive systems offer varying performance based on factors like the type of ground they’re on, how heavy the load is, and how much fuel they use to do the job efficiently.
6. Understanding Different Types of Tow Trucks
Using the appropriate tow truck is crucial for safely towing vehicles without causing harm to them.
The most commonly utilized tow truck varieties are:
Hydraulic Flatbed: This truck features a hydraulic-operated ramp to load vehicles onto its flatbed.
Integrated Tow Truck: Equipped with extra axles, this type is designed for heavy-duty vehicles.
Hook and Chain: This truck employs a hook and chain for towing, primarily used for wrecked cars.
Wheel Lift: Utilizing specialized equipment, this truck secures vehicles by their front or rear drive wheels.
7. Understanding the Distinction Between a Wrecker and a Tow Truck Driver
Tow Truck Driver: These professionals are responsible for towing vehicles from one location to another. They don’t have the authorization to perform any repairs on the vehicles they tow.
Wrecker: Wreckers not only tow vehicles but also offer on-site repair and maintenance services. In addition to towing, they can provide immediate assistance to address certain issues with the stranded vehicle.
8. Tow Packages
Many people tend to think that regular tow trucks only have a towing ball or hitch at the back. However, this is not accurate. There are actually different kinds of tow packages available, and they differ depending on the specific towing service you need.
9. What Will be the Impact on the Vehicle?
While tow trucks might not offer the same level of comfort as luxury cars, they still need to provide a certain level of comfort for their drivers. This comfort is important because drivers need to be able to operate the truck smoothly, even when it’s carrying a heavy load.
The comfort of a tow truck should be designed to minimize vibrations, especially when it’s lifting or pulling a weight. This contributes to the overall experience of using the tow truck.
10. Understanding Towing Service Costs
Towing service costs can vary, typically falling within the range of Rs. 499 to Rs. 5,000, depending on the distance and the condition of the vehicle. This often includes a hookup fee, along with the initial five to ten km that the tow truck driver travels to tow your vehicle. Beyond this initial distance, the driver typically charges between Rs. 200 per km.
Conclusion
Towing services or Roadside assistance services is needed everywhere by everyone using vehicle. This is the reason that global vehicle Roadside Assistance market is growing. Before contacting a tow truck, consider contacting your car insurance provider. If your insurance includes tow truck services, you might not need to pay anything. Roadside assistance membership clubs can also help cover the costs associated with towing services.
