When your car breaks down or you get into an accident, the immediate reaction is often to find a quick solution to get your vehicle off the road. Many drivers consider towing their vehicle to save time and money.

While this may seem like a practical and cost-effective option, DIY towing can lead to serious and costly damage to your car. Without the proper equipment and expertise, you risk damaging essential components like the transmission, suspension, and braking system.

Towing a vehicle is not as simple as attaching a strap and pulling it to the nearest repair shop. Vehicles are designed with complex systems that need to be handled carefully during transportation.

A mistake during DIY towing can result in permanent damage to these systems leading to costly repairs and even safety issues when you get back on the road.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons why people attempt DIY towing, the specific types of damage that can result, and why professional towing companies are the safer and more reliable choice.

Common Reasons For Attempting DIY Towing

Many drivers attempt to tow their vehicles because they underestimate the complexity involved. Here are some common reasons why people try to handle towing themselves:

a) To Save Money

Professional towing services come at a cost, which can lead some drivers to attempt to save money by towing their vehicles using a tow strap, rope, or even another vehicle. However, the cost of repairing damage caused by improper towing often far exceeds the cost of professional towing.

DIY towing may seem like a quick way to avoid paying a tow truck fee, but it often ends up costing more in the long run. For example, damage to the transmission or suspension from improper towing can lead to repair bills in the thousands of dollars.

b) Lack Of Immediate Access To A Tow Truck

If you’re in a remote area or it’s late at night, you may think it’s easier to ask a friend or family member for help rather than waiting for a tow truck. However, improper towing in these situations can increase the risk of damage or even cause an accident.

Some drivers try to attach their car to another vehicle using a rope or chain, but this can create significant safety hazards. If the rope snaps or the towing vehicle loses control, both cars can sustain damage or cause an accident on the road.

c) Misunderstanding The Risks

Many drivers assume that towing is as simple as attaching a rope and pulling the car to a repair shop. However, towing requires specialized equipment and knowledge of the vehicle’s weight distribution, transmission type, and braking system. Without this understanding, you’re likely to damage your vehicle.

Certain types of cars, such as all-wheel-drive or automatic-transmission vehicles, require specific towing methods to avoid damage. Without knowing these requirements, you risk damaging the drivetrain, suspension, or transmission.

How DIY Towing Can Damage Your Vehicle

DIY towing often leads to significant mechanical and structural damage to your vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at how different parts of the vehicle can suffer from improper towing:

a) Transmission Damage

Improper towing techniques, especially on vehicles with automatic transmissions, can cause severe transmission damage. For instance, towing a front-wheel-drive car with the drive wheels on the ground can cause the transmission to overheat and fail.

In an article on winter driving preparedness, Forbes advises, “If you can’t get the vehicle free after several minutes, call a tow truck to avoid causing damage to your car.”

b) Suspension And Alignment Issues

Vehicles are designed with specific weight distributions, and towing at the wrong angle can throw off the alignment and put stress on the suspension system. If the suspension is damaged, you may notice poor handling, uneven tire wear, and increased stopping distances.

When a vehicle is towed without proper support for the suspension, the shocks and struts can compress unevenly, causing long-term suspension issues. This leads to uneven tire wear, steering problems, and poor handling.

c) Damage To Tires And Wheels

DIY towing with a rope or strap can lead to dragging, which puts immense pressure on the tires and wheel bearings. This can result in blown tires or misaligned wheels. If the wheels are not lifted off the ground properly, the axles and wheel hubs can also sustain damage.

Additionally, incorrect tire pressure during towing can lead to excessive heat buildup in the tires, increasing the risk of a blowout. Professional tow truck operators check tire pressure and vehicle weight to avoid these issues.

d) Paint And Body Damage

Improperly securing the vehicle during towing can cause the rope or chain to scratch the paint or dent the body panels. Additionally, sudden jerks or uneven pressure can strain the frame and lead to misalignment issues.

Flatbed tow trucks use soft straps and padded anchor points to avoid damaging the paint and bodywork. DIY towing often involves rough handling, which leads to cosmetic and structural damage.

e) Brake System Damage

Towing a vehicle with the parking brake engaged or with the brake system under pressure can cause significant damage to the brake pads, rotors, and callipers. The heat generated during towing can also cause the brake fluid to overheat, leading to reduced braking efficiency.

Brake systems are designed to work under specific pressure and temperature conditions. Improper towing places excessive strain on the braking components, increasing the risk of brake failure.

Why Professional Towing Services Are The Better Option

Hiring a professional towing service in Calgary ensures that your vehicle is handled with care and transported safely. Here’s why professional towing is a better choice:

Expertise And Proper Equipment

Professional tow truck operators are trained to handle different types of vehicles, from small cars to heavy-duty trucks. They know the correct towing techniques and use specialized equipment like flatbed trucks and wheel lifts to avoid damage.

Insurance And Liability Coverage

Reputable towing companies carry insurance that protects your vehicle in case of accidental damage during towing. If you attempt DIY towing and damage your vehicle, you’ll be responsible for the repair costs.

Fast And Reliable Service

Professional towing services in Calgary are available 24/7, ensuring that you get help when you need it most. This reduces the stress and risks involved in trying to tow your vehicle yourself.

Legal And Safety Risks Of DIY Towing

Aside from damaging your vehicle, DIY towing poses additional risks that most drivers overlook:

a) Legal Issues

In Calgary, there are specific laws governing how vehicles can be towed on public roads. Improper towing methods can result in fines or penalties. Professional towing companies are familiar with these regulations and ensure compliance.

b) Increased Risk Of Accidents

DIY towing often leads to dangerous situations, such as losing control of the vehicle or causing a rear-end collision. A professional towing service reduces this risk by securing the vehicle properly and following traffic regulations.

c) Personal Injury

Attempting to tow a vehicle without the right equipment can lead to personal injury. Strained muscles, back injuries, and cuts from sharp towing equipment are common hazards of DIY towing.

About AAA Towing

AAA Towing has been providing reliable towing and roadside assistance in Calgary and the surrounding areas for years. We specialize in light-duty and heavy-duty towing, vehicle recovery, and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Our trained operators and modern fleet ensure that your vehicle is transported safely and securely. When you need professional towing services in Calgary, trust AAA Towing to get you back on the road quickly and safely.

Contact us today for more information.