Three Dangers of DIY Towing

When a breakdown occurs, drivers are often tempted to tow their own vehicle to a repair shop instead of calling professional towing services. Instead of saving time and money, however, self-towing is more likely to lead to further vehicle damage and even possible injury. Here are three of the biggest dangers of DIY towing.

Exterior Vehicle Damage

One of the most important reasons to call car towing professionals is that they have the proper frames, axles, and tools to haul away vehicles safely. When drivers attempt DIY towing, they often do so with a rope, chain, or other unsafe methods, which inevitably allows the car being towed to drift and jolt dangerously. Both vehicles can easily sustain severe exterior damage from colliding into each other or from the improper DIY towing tools themselves.

Interior Vehicle Damage

Towing professionals are also better suited to hauling vehicles because their trucks are outfitted with specially designed engines that allow them to carry significant weight during a tow. Most typical consumer cars simply don't have the engine power to safely pull another vehicle's weight. During a DIY tow, if the vehicle that's being pulled weighs more than the lead vehicle's maximum load capacity, the lead vehicle's engine, brakes, and transmission can all be severely damaged.

Unsafe Driving

To tow safely, the driver must know how to maneuver with all of the extra weight and length of the vehicle that's being pulled. Towing professionals are trained and experienced in special safe driving methods, including making extra wide turns and taking additional precautions when towing uphill or downhill. It's unlikely that an untrained driver attempting a DIY tow will know to use these methods and take such precautions. Their inexperience will increase the risk of accidents, vehicle damage, and even serious injury.

Hiring a professional towing service is the safest and most efficient way to move a broken-down vehicle. At Troyz Towing & Storage, we offer car and motorcycle towing services throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. If you're in a bind on the road, give us a call at 904-712-1804 for emergency towing and 24/7 roadside assistance.