Towing a lowered car demands expertise and the right equipment to prevent damage. I’ll guide you through the proper method. Many lowered vehicles are damaged by well-meaning but inexperienced tow operators. Preparation and a reliable towing service are key to preserving your car’s appearance.

Navigating the Difficulties of Towing a Lowered Vehicle:

If you’ve ever spotted a lowered car gliding down the road, you know they command attention. But what about when that sleek ride requires a tow?

With over a decade in the towing service industry, I can attest firsthand that towing a lowered vehicle presents distinct challenges.

Potential Risks and Key Considerations:

In car towing, ground clearance is paramount. This is particularly critical for lowered vehicles.

The limited space between the undercarriage and the road surface increases the risk of damage during towing. Even minor bumps or uneven surfaces can cause the vehicle to bottom out, potentially harming bumpers, side skirts, or the exhaust system.

Possible Vehicle Damage:

Towing lowered cars often results in damage like scraped bumpers, cracked side skirts, and bent suspension. Lowered suspension systems are vulnerable due to their altered height and firmer springs. Use proper equipment and extreme caution to prevent costly repairs.

Preparing Your Lowered Vehicle for Towing:

So, you find yourself needing to tow a lowered car. What’s next? With years of experience coordinating tows for modified vehicles, I can emphasize that preparation is absolutely crucial.

Selecting the Ideal Towing Service:

Choosing a towing company experienced in handling lowered cars is crucial. Not all services can manage vehicles with low ground clearance. Geyers Towing specializes in towing custom vehicles, including those with low-clearance. Selecting a company familiar with these requirements ensures safe loading and transportation with suitable equipment.

Clearly Communicate Your Vehicle’s Requirements:

After choosing the right towing provider, it’s essential to have a detailed discussion. Clearly communicate your car’s lowered suspension, custom body kit, and modifications to the tow truck operator. Providing photos of your vehicle helps them understand its unique features, ensuring they handle it with precision and care to avoid any potential damage.

Guide on Towing a Lowered Car: Step-by-Step

Now that you’ve selected the ideal towing company and communicated your vehicle’s requirements, it’s time to focus on the specifics of towing your lowered car.

Positioning the Tow Truck and Loading Ramp:

Positioning the flatbed tow truck and ramp correctly is crucial in towing operations. Park the truck on a flat, level surface with enough space to extend the ramp smoothly. A shallow ramp angle is essential to safely load lowered vehicles, reducing the risk of undercarriage scraping. Some trucks offer adjustable or specialized ramps for low-clearance vehicles, which enhance the loading process’s safety and efficiency.

Loading the Lowered Vehicle onto the Flatbed:

Once the ramp is set, loading the vehicle demands careful attention. Proceed slowly and cautiously, with a spotter guiding the driver to avoid the car bottoming out on the ramp. Precision is crucial over force during this delicate process. To prevent scraping the front bumper, consider using wooden blocks or shorter ramps for additional clearance. Creative solutions like using a 2×8 board as a ramp extension can also effectively mitigate risks during loading.

Securing the Vehicle on the Flatbed:

After safely loading your vehicle onto the flatbed, ensure it’s securely fastened with proper towing straps or chains at designated points. Use tire stops to prevent wheel movement and maintain stability during transit, avoiding damage to suspension components.

Unloading the Lowered Car:

When unloading, the process mirrors the reverse of loading but is equally crucial. Position the ramp correctly with a shallow angle and employ a spotter to guide the driver, ensuring the car clears the ramp without scraping. If additional clearance is needed, use wooden blocks or shorter ramps again. Approach unloading slowly and steadily to ensure a smooth operation for your lowered vehicle.

Alternative Methods for Transporting Lowered Vehicles

While flatbed towing is frequently the preferred method for lowered cars, it’s not the sole option available. Depending on your vehicle’s requirements, there are several alternatives worth exploring.

Utilizing a Tow Dolly or Trailer:

For lowered vehicles with minimal ground clearance, using a tow trailer or dolly can lift the car’s rear wheels off the ground, avoiding undercarriage scraping. However, compatibility varies based on factors like drivetrain, weight distribution, and manufacturer recommendations. Consultation with a professional before using this method is crucial.

Flat Towing Using a Tow Bar:

Flat towing with a tow bar involves attaching it to the front of your lowered vehicle and towing it behind another vehicle, keeping all wheels on the ground. It’s suitable if your car has enough ground clearance but requires disengaging steering and brakes, and setting the transmission to neutral. Not all vehicles are suitable for this method, so professional advice is recommended beforehand.

Preventing Damage and Ensuring a Seamless Towing Experience

With your lowered car prepared for towing and the appropriate method chosen, the next priority is to ensure a damage-free and smooth towing experience.

Monitoring Ground Clearance During Loading and Unloading:

Monitoring clearance during loading and unloading of a lowered vehicle is essential. Assign a dedicated observer to watch for bumper, side skirt, and undercarriage clearance, alerting the driver to avoid damage.

Collaborating Closely with the Tow Truck Operator:

Towing a lowered car relies on teamwork with the tow truck driver as your key ally. Maintain clear communication and collaborate closely throughout. Share your insights, ask questions, and guide as needed. An experienced driver values your input for safe towing. Both of you aim to transport your car safely, so effective teamwork is crucial for success.

Inspecting for Damage Post-Towing:

After towing your lowered car, conduct a thorough inspection of its bumpers, side skirts, undercarriage, and suspension components for any damage. Document any issues with clear photos and notify the towing service promptly to address them. Keeping records of your vehicle’s condition before and after towing can aid in insurance claims or disputes. Stay proactive to ensure your lowered car receives proper care throughout the towing process.

Closing Remarks:

To tow a lowered car safely, choose an experienced towing company familiar with handling low-clearance vehicles. Clear communication with the towing operator about your car’s specific needs is essential. Ensure they use appropriate towing equipment such as flatbed trucks or tow dollies to minimize potential damage. Document your car’s condition with photos before and after towing to monitor for any issues that may arise. Promptly address any concerns to preserve your car’s appearance and condition throughout the towing process. These steps will help ensure a smooth and stress-free towing experience for your lowered vehicle.

Most tow trucks you encounter are operated by private companies, while others are under the jurisdiction of government entities such as local or state authorities. These can include emergency responders like fire services, police departments, or agencies responsible for road maintenance. The U.S. military also utilizes its own specialized models.

One of the primary functions of tow trucks is aiding stranded motorists who have experienced accidents or breakdowns. By relocating the vehicle to a safe location, further damage is minimized, ensuring the safety of other drivers on the road. However, this is just one aspect of the diverse services provided by tow trucks.

Additionally, tow trucks are frequently employed to transport heavy-duty cargo, which can range from intact vehicles to machinery and equipment requiring secure and reliable transportation. It’s not uncommon to witness a tow truck hauling items like snowmobiles, showcasing the versatility of their capabilities.

There’s a towing scenario no driver wants to encounter: being towed away for an infraction. Whether it’s a parking violation, obstructing traffic, or neglecting auto insurance payments, these offenses could result in your vehicle being towed to an impound yard.

It’s not a pleasant thought, is it? Instead, let’s delve into the different types of towing trucks and examine their advantages and disadvantages.

The Versatility and Safety of Flatbed Tow Trucks

Among the most prevalent towing methods, flatbed tow trucks—also known as “rollbacks” or “slides”—are highly versatile and maneuverable vehicles. They excel in handling short-distance hauls, accommodating both single and multiple vehicles ranging from lightweight to heavy-duty, and transporting them to destinations that larger trucks might struggle to access.

These trucks feature a long, flatbed onto which vehicles can either be driven or winched up if they are immobilized due to mechanical issues or accidents. Opting for a flatbed ensures a safer transport experience, particularly when transporting a single vehicle, as there’s no risk of contact with other vehicles that could potentially cause damage such as scraping, scratching, or leaking onto it.

Flatbed tow trucks also come in specialized designs that offer enhanced capabilities beyond the standard model. Step decks feature ramps for easier loading and unloading, and their lower height accommodates taller cargo. Removable goosenecks are ideal for transporting extra-long loads, with a detachable front that transforms into a ramp. Double drops combine the advantages of both designs, enabling the transportation of both long and tall items.

Now that you’re acquainted with the standout performer in towing, let’s introduce you to other types of tow trucks you’ll encounter on the road.

The Four Main Types of Towing:

1. Hook and Chain Tow Trucks: Traditional Towing Method:

These models represent the earliest forms of towing vehicles but have declined in popularity due to their rugged simplicity. They feature a large, heavy hook attached to a chain, which is fastened to the vehicle’s axle or bumper to pull it to its destination.

A boom is employed to lift either the front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle while the remaining wheels stay in contact with the ground. However, hook and chain tow trucks can potentially cause damage by impacting bumpers, axles, drivetrains, or leaving substantial scratches on the vehicle’s paintwork, as the chain must be wrapped around the car’s frame.

Today, their utility is limited, primarily seen in cases where the truck is used to haul other cargo or transport vehicles for scrapping purposes.

2. Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks: Modern Alternatives in Towing:

Wheel-lift tow trucks offer a safer alternative to hook and chain methods. These trucks secure the front or rear tires of the towed vehicle into a yoke attached beneath the drive wheels, partially lifting it off the road. This method significantly reduces stress on the vehicle during towing.

Compared to flatbeds, wheel-lift tow trucks are smaller and have a lower height profile. This makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces and areas with limited clearance, as the towed vehicle remains closer to the ground during transport.

3. Boom Tow Trucks: Utilizing Extended Reach:

Hydraulic Boom Tow Trucks: Versatility and Power in Towing Operations

The term “boom” refers to the hydraulic arm mounted on the chassis of these tow trucks. The boom operates alongside a winch and either a belt lift or sling mechanism to assist in retrieving vehicles from challenging situations. Some booms are equipped to swivel, enhancing the versatility of these trucks.

Those with swiveling capabilities are often referred to as “rotators,” which prove especially beneficial for handling tasks at difficult angles, adverse weather conditions, or when dealing with heavy loads.

The capacity to manage weight and the maneuverability of the boom can vary between different trucks. Leading towing companies typically maintain a fleet equipped with various boom configurations suited for different types of jobs. Alternatively, they may operate a heavy-duty rig capable of handling both large and small towing assignments effectively.

4. Integrated Tow Trucks: Advanced Towing Solutions:

Integrated tow trucks, also known as “self-loaders,” excel in efficiency as their drivers rarely need to exit the cab to secure vehicles. These trucks are renowned for their robust stability and capacity to handle substantial loads, achieved through a combination of multiple mechanisms and designs. Typically equipped with extra axles, integrated tow trucks integrate features of both wheel lifts and booms into a single vehicle.

Selecting the appropriate towing method can significantly simplify the process of relocating your vehicle to its destination. Conversely, choosing poorly can complicate matters, underscoring the importance of understanding the nuances of different towing methods.

Limitations of Different Towing Methods:

Take your time when selecting a towing vehicle—rushing into a decision can exacerbate your situation. Before the towing team arrives, ensure you provide detailed information over the phone. Consider the following issues:

Wheel-lifts and hook and chain methods keep one set of the towed vehicle’s wheels in contact with the road, potentially causing wear, especially if these wheels are locked. Flatbeds eliminate this issue by fully elevating the vehicle.

Four-wheel drive vehicles cannot be towed using hook and chain or boom tow trucks due to the risk of damaging the drivetrain.

Using an inappropriate boom truck for the job can lead to severe consequences, such as the tow truck tipping over or dropping the vehicle due to misjudged load capacities.

Opting for a boom truck with a larger capacity than necessary isn’t always beneficial; some vehicles require smaller rigs to minimize stress.

Flatbed transport requires meticulous securing to prevent vehicles from slipping off, as there are no containment walls. Success hinges on the expertise and responsibility of drivers.

Choosing the right auto transport company involves verifying their licensing, insurance coverage, and their reputation for responsive customer service. For reliable service, contact a trusted provider like Geyers, ensuring peace of mind and effective towing solutions.

When to Contact a Towing Service

If your vehicle breaks down, without the aid of a tow truck, you could find yourself stranded on the road until a family member, friend, or a compassionate stranger lends a hand. Yet, opting for a professional towing service offers a superior solution. They arrive equipped with tools to handle various car problems, potentially resolving issues on the spot and avoiding the necessity for a tow altogether.

A tow truck is equipped to assist with the following issues:

• Jump-starting vehicles
• Installing batteries
• Addressing engine breakdowns
• Changing flat tires
• Rescuing locked-out situations
• Performing flatbed towing

After your vehicle is secured onto a towing truck, it’s important to ensure the towing company handles your car carefully and provides transparent pricing to avoid any manipulation of costs.

Tips for Selecting the Appropriate Towing Service

Choosing a towing company proactively is advisable. Here’s what our team’s towing service offers, along with tips on selecting the right provider, ensuring you have a reliable contact when emergencies arise.

1. Reviewing Customer Feedback

Before selecting a towing company, it’s crucial to assess its reputation. Seek recommendations from trusted sources such as family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors regarding reliable towing services they’ve used.

Additionally, explore online reviews. Utilize platforms like Facebook for direct recommendations and check reviews on Google, Yelp, Yellowpages, or Angieslist for local services. Pay attention to companies with consistently high ratings averaging between 4 and 5 stars. Reading customer testimonials provides insights into others’ experiences with different towing services.

Engagement with reviews indicates a company’s commitment to customer care. While towing expertise is essential, positive customer feedback is a better indicator of service quality than technical proficiency alone.

2. Understand the Variety of Towing Services Available

Different towing companies vary in their offerings, from specialized services to comprehensive solutions. It’s wise to research beforehand to understand the scope of services provided by each local provider before encountering an emergency.

For instance, if your vehicle breaks down late at night, you’ll require a towing service that operates around the clock with roadside assistance. When transporting a vehicle across state lines, an interstate towing company is essential. Some towing companies integrate their services with auto body shops, while others focus solely on towing operations.

At Gross & Son, we provide 24/7 towing service alongside a certified auto body shop. Our offerings include collision repair, automotive detailing, tire alignment, glass and window repair, as well as wash and vacuum services.

3. Explore Pricing Options

When faced with the urgent need for a tow, it’s crucial to avoid any potential exploitation by ensuring you know the towing company’s pricing upfront.

Two essential costs to inquire about are:

1. Mileage rate – the charge per mile for transporting your vehicle to your desired destination.
2. Hook-up fee – the cost associated with attaching your vehicle to the tow truck.

Additionally, many towing services may apply extra charges for specific situations such as towing on holidays, off-road towing, interstate towing, and others. It’s important to compare pricing among local towing services before making your choice.

4. Dependability and Expertise

The most dependable towing services usually offer round-the-clock roadside assistance. Companies lacking this service may respond at their discretion, potentially leading to unreliable service quality, regardless of your situation.

Additionally, a significant track record of towing experience must accompany that reliability. A new towing company may struggle to demonstrate their value and trustworthiness.

Does insurance cover the cost of towing?

Before hiring a towing service, it’s important to check if your insurance covers it. If a towing company doesn’t cooperate with major insurance providers, you’ll need to pay for the towing expense yourself. When researching local towing companies, make a note of which ones are affiliated with your insurance provider.

Ever found yourself stranded on the roadside, pondering if your dealership could rescue you with a tow? You’re not the only one. The query “Do dealerships provide towing?” often arises, particularly during unforeseen breakdowns that disrupt plans.

Let’s dive into the specifics and discuss the level of support you can expect from car dealerships concerning towing services. Familiarizing yourself with these provisions could prove invaluable, whether you’re driving away from the dealership or deep into your ownership journey.

Do Dealerships Provide Towing Services?

When purchasing a car from a dealership, it’s common to expect towing services to be included. But what does this encompass exactly? Let’s delve deeper into the roadside assistance programs typically provided by car dealerships.

What’s Included in a Dealership’s Roadside Assistance Program?

Dealerships frequently offer roadside assistance coverage as either a component of their warranty or as an independent feature. This commonly involves towing services within a specific radius, typically around 15 miles, or to the nearest qualified repair facility.

Other frequently covered services encompass:

• Winching in scenarios where your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, snow, water, or sand within 100 feet of the roadway.
• Jump-starts to revive dead batteries.
• Towing electric vehicles to the closest charging station.
• Locksmith assistance in cases of lost keys or locking them inside the vehicle.
• Tire changes for flat tires.
• Fuel delivery (fuel expenses are your responsibility).

Typical Concerns Handled by Roadside Assistance

What instances does your dealership’s roadside assistance extend support for? Here are some of the most prevalent issues addressed:

• Towing your vehicle to a designated repair shop within the defined radius.
• Assisting in winching your car out if it becomes stuck near a roadway.
• Jump-starting a dead battery.
• Towing an electric vehicle to a nearby charging facility.
• Offering locksmith services for lockouts or lost keys.
• Performing tire changes for flat tires.
• Providing fuel delivery (costs covered by you).

Constraints of Roadside Assistance

Although dealerships provide towing and various useful services, it’s essential to be aware of certain restrictions:

• Towing is typically confined to a 15-mile radius or the nearest accredited repair facility.
• Winching assistance is applicable only within 100 feet of a road or highway.
• While fuel delivery is offered, you are responsible for the fuel expenses.
• Coverage might be subject to a specific duration, such as the warranty period.

While dealership roadside assistance can prove invaluable in numerous situations, comprehending the extent and limitations of your particular coverage is crucial.

Actions to Follow When Your Vehicle Breaks Down

Imagine this scenario: You’re cruising down the highway when your car suddenly emits a worrying noise and loses power. Uh-oh, it seems you’re facing a breakdown. What’s the next step? Here’s your guide on how to handle the situation.

How to Reach Out to Your Dealership for Towing Services

In the event of a vehicle breakdown requiring a tow, adhere to these steps to utilize your dealership’s roadside assistance:

1. Locate the roadside assistance contact details provided by your dealership (refer to your warranty/owner’s manual or search for a decal in the car).
2. Place a call to the provided number and furnish your location, vehicle make/model, and a brief description of the issue.
3. The dealership will dispatch a tow service to either a repair shop or the dealership, depending on your coverage.
4. Towing will be arranged in accordance with your roadside assistance terms, typically within a 15-mile radius or to the nearest qualifying shop.

Options if Your Dealership Doesn’t Offer Towing Services

If your dealership doesn’t provide towing services, don’t worry, you still have alternatives:

1. Check if your car insurance policy includes roadside assistance coverage.
2. Consider purchasing a separate roadside assistance plan from a reputable provider.
3. If you have a non-operational car intended for sale or trade-in, arrange for its towing to the dealership at your own expense and negotiate the towing fee into the transaction.
4. Contact a reliable, local towing company directly to tow the vehicle to your residence or a repair shop, bearing the cost yourself.

While dealership towing may be convenient, there are other options available if your dealer doesn’t offer this service or if your car breaks down beyond their service area.

Selecting a Dependable Roadside Assistance Provider

If your dealership doesn’t provide roadside assistance or if you seek supplementary coverage, it’s crucial to identify a trustworthy roadside assistance provider. However, with numerous options available, how do you make the right choice? Here are some essential factors to contemplate.

Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Service Provider

When seeking a roadside assistance provider, consider the following aspects:

1. Coverage Area: Ensure they offer services in the areas where you frequently travel.
2. Services Provided: Opt for a program that includes assistance for common situations like towing, jump-starts, lockouts, and flat tires.
3. Cost: Compare pricing, including annual membership fees and charges per incident.
4. Reputation: Read reviews and seek recommendations to identify a provider known for delivering prompt and reliable service.
5. Integration with Dealership: Check if the dealership has a preferred provider that seamlessly integrates with their service department, enhancing your overall experience.

Understanding Towing Coverage in Car Insurance

Car insurance can sometimes cover towing after an accident, depending on your policy:

• Collision coverage typically pays for towing if your car is damaged in an accident.
• Comprehensive coverage often includes towing for non-collision damage like vandalism or natural disasters.
• Some policies have separate roadside assistance coverage, offering towing for breakdowns not caused by a covered loss.
• Verify your coverage by checking your policy or contacting your insurance company.

Maximizing Your Dealership’s Roadside Assistance Program

If your dealership provides a roadside assistance program, it’s essential to ensure you’re optimizing its benefits. Let’s explore how you can leverage your coverage to its fullest extent and thoroughly understand all the details in the fine print.

Tips for Maximizing Your Coverage

To make the most of your dealership’s roadside assistance coverage, consider the following:

1. Familiarize yourself with the services covered and the corresponding conditions by thoroughly reviewing your agreement.
2. Keep the contact information for roadside assistance easily accessible in your vehicle, phone, or wallet.
3. Store the assistance number in your phone for quick access during emergencies.
4. If you have a preferred repair shop, inquire whether roadside assistance can tow your vehicle there or if it’s limited to the dealership.
5. Adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations to minimize the risk of preventable breakdowns.
6. When selling your car, ensure the roadside coverage transfers to the new owner and provide them with the necessary details.

Closing Remarks

In our exploration of whether dealerships offer towing, we’ve not only found answers but also gained valuable insights into the intricate workings of integrated service networks, aimed at alleviating the challenges encountered on life’s journeys. So, the next time your vehicle decides to take an unexpected roadside break, remember – reaching out to your dealer could offer the swift solution you need.