You may need to tow your car for many reasons: transportation, moving, taking your car along on a trip, recovering, etc. No matter the reason, you need to do some research on how to properly tow your car. Some easy-to-follow tips will make it easy for you to get the project done in a safe and time-efficient manner. Before we enlist the tips, it’s important to follow the local laws for whichever province you need to travel through when transporting your car. For example, it’s a common law to use appropriate towing lights and mirrors in Canada.
Using a tow dolly
A tow dolly provides you with an efficient way to move your car while allowing your car to get some of the load off the towing vehicle. The rear wheels of your car rests on the ground when towed. This technique is more effective when towing is front-wheel drive. In case of four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, you have to disconnect the driveshaft to travel long distances. Before you secure your car, make sure not to exceed the towing capacity.
1. Connect the tow dolly
Start with attaching the tow dolly to the hitch ball on the towing vehicle. Properly seat the coupler on the hitch ball and tighten the coupler until having a secure and tight connection. You can slightly move the tow vehicle to see if the coupler is securely fastened. Next step is to attach the safety chains from the dolly to the tow vehicle. Safety chains will keep the dolly connected to the tow vehicle even if the coupler comes off the hitch. It’s important to check the connection several times if you’re traveling long distances.
2. Load your car
After properly connecting the tow dolly, it’s time to drive your car onto the dolly ramp facing forward. The entire width of your car should fit on the ramp. When loading your car, make sure to check all clearances such as air dams and spoilers. After the loading process, don’t forget to secure your car. Both front tires must firmly be placed against the wheel stops. Tire straps can be used to secure both front wheels.
3. Disconnect the driveshaft
You need to disconnect the driveshaft if your vehicle is four-wheel drive or rear wheel drive. It will help you prevent transmission damage. For this, you need to find the point underneath where driveshaft connects to the differential. After locating that point, look for the u-joint that holds the driveshaft to the differential housing. Now, secure the driveshaft to the undercarriage of the towed vehicle with the help of a bungee or strap. After removing the four bolts at the u-joint, push the driveshaft as far as possible to adjust the bungee cord or strap.
If you’re not sure how to tow your car using your own resources, it’s safe to call a professional towing company. For example, in Edmonton, you have Action Towing, a company where we provide a complete range of towing services. Whether you need to transport your expensive car or your vehicle is stuck, call us for quick and affordable services!
