How to Safely Tow Another Vehicle Without a Tow Truck

Imagine this: a friend calls you from the side of the road—their car won’t start, and they need a little help getting home or to a repair shop. You don’t have a tow truck on hand, but you do have another vehicle and a bit of know-how. Can you tow their car safely? The answer is yes, but it comes with important precautions. Doing it wrong can cause serious damage or even accidents, so safety has to be your number one priority.

Know the Basics

Before hooking up the two vehicles, it’s crucial to understand a few key points:

• Vehicle type matters: Front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive cars behave differently when being towed. For example, towing an all-wheel-drive car incorrectly can damage its transmission.
• Towing equipment: Never attempt to tow with just a rope tied to the bumpers. Use a proper tow strap or chain rated for the vehicle’s weight. Adjustable tow bars are even better if available.
• Weight distribution: The towing vehicle should be large enough and have sufficient braking power to handle the extra load.

Steps for Safe Towing

1. Prepare Both Vehicles
   Ensure the towed car is in neutral, parking brake off, and wheels straight. Check that the transmission type allows towing without damage—automatic and all-wheel-drive cars often have restrictions.
2. Secure the Tow Strap or Rope
   Attach the tow strap to the designated towing points on both vehicles. Avoid hooking it to bumpers or axles—these can break and cause accidents.
3. Communicate with Your Partner
   The driver in the towed vehicle should know to steer gently and avoid sudden braking. Keep both drivers’ cell phones handy if possible for emergency communication.
4. Drive Slowly and Smoothly
   Avoid sudden starts, stops, or sharp turns. Keep speeds low—ideally under 30 mph (50 km/h). This reduces strain on both vehicles and lowers the risk of swaying or accidents.
5. Use Signals and Warnings
   Make sure all brake lights and hazard lights are working. Other drivers need to see what’s happening, especially when you’re towing a car on busy roads.

When to Avoid DIY Towing

Not every situation is suitable for towing without a professional. Avoid this method if:

• The vehicle is all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive.
• Roads are busy, icy, or steep.
• You don’t have proper towing equipment.

In these cases, calling a professional towing service is safer and prevents costly damage. One driver we assisted tried to tow their friend’s all-wheel-drive SUV with a rope on a busy highway. The rope snapped, causing damage to both vehicles and nearly a serious accident. Professional towing would have been the safer option.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with the right equipment and precautions, things can go wrong. Keep a roadside safety kit in your car—warning triangles, reflective vests, and flashlights—and know when to call for professional help. Tow trucks exist for a reason: they’re designed to safely transport vehicles in a wide range of situations, and sometimes the safest solution is to let the experts handle it.

Helping a friend in need can be rewarding, but towing without a tow truck requires knowledge, preparation, and care. With proper planning and caution, it’s possible—but never underestimate the value of calling a professional when the situation calls for it.

 

If you are in Northcote, and looking for a nearby tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.

Richmond Tow Trucks

123 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121

0485 856 565

www.richmondtowtrucks.com.au