When your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road, the first thing you want to do is get it towed to safety as quickly and inexpensively as possible. However, opting for a cheap tow in Sydney can end up being a costly mistake in the long run. It is important to avoid the temptation of opting for cheap towing services because they may not provide the necessary level of expertise, equipment, and training needed to safely and effectively tow your vehicle. In this blog, we’ll explore the dangers of choosing a cheap towing service and why it’s important to invest in quality towing to ensure the safety of you and your vehicle.
Some red flags to watch out for are companies advertising on being cheap – so always ask yourself: does your daily-use vehicle deserve better treatment or would you rather risk losing it off the road even longer?
Here are a few reasons why opting for a cheap towing service can be a costly mistake and why you should avoid these services:
Hidden Fees
When it comes to towing your vehicle, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential hidden fees that cheap towing services may add on top of their advertised prices. These hidden fees can significantly impact the overall cost of towing and turn a seemingly cheap service into an expensive mistake.
Some common hidden fees that cheap towing services may add include:
- Mileage Fees
Fees may be added if your vehicle needs to be towed beyond a certain distance
- Fuel Surcharges
Fuel surcharges may be added to compensate for the rising cost of fuel
- Hook-up Fees / Recovery Fees / Salvage Fees
Fees may be added if your vehicle needs to be winched out of a difficult position or if it requires additional equipment to be towed
- Administration Fees
Fees may be added to cover the cost of paperwork and processing. Some cheap towing services may use this as an opportunity to add on unnecessary charges. For instance, they may charge an excessive amount for filling out a simple form or sending an email.
- Road Tolls
A towing servcie provider may not include the cost of road tolls in their initial quote and may try to charge you extra when dropping off.
These hidden fees can quickly add up, resulting in a towing bill that is significantly higher than the advertised price.
To avoid falling victim to hidden fees, it’s essential to choose a reputable towing service that provides transparent pricing and clear communication. A reliable towing service will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved and answer any questions you may have about the fees.
Lack of Proper Equipment
Cheap towing services may cut corners by using subpar equipment, which can lead to a host of risks and dangers.
Subpar towing equipment may not be strong enough to handle the weight of your vehicle, leading to damage or even a complete failure of the equipment. This can result in your vehicle falling off the tow truck or being dragged along the road, leading to significant damage and even accidents. In addition, subpar equipment may not have the necessary safety features, such as brake controllers and emergency lights, which can put both the towing operator and other drivers on the road at risk.
Untrained and Unqualified Staff
Cheap towing services may be tempted to cut corners by employing untrained or unqualified staff, which can lead to a host of risks and dangers.
Untrained staff may not have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate towing equipment properly, increasing the likelihood of damage to your vehicle or even an accident. They may also lack the expertise needed to navigate complex situations, such as recovering a vehicle from a difficult position or handling a roadside emergency. Inexperienced tow truck operators may also cause damage to your vehicle by improperly securing it to the tow truck or using inappropriate towing methods.
Cheap towing services may employ untrained and unqualified staff due to the cost of hiring and training qualified operators. They may also cut corners by hiring temporary or seasonal workers who lack the necessary training and experience.
Damage to Your Vehicle
Improper towing techniques can result in significant damage to your vehicle, including scratches, dents, and even structural damage. This can happen when the towing equipment is not used correctly or when the tow truck operator is inexperienced and does not know how to secure the vehicle properly. For instance, using the wrong type of tow truck or failing to secure the vehicle properly can lead to the vehicle being damaged in transit.
In addition to the potential for vehicle damage, improper towing techniques can also pose risks to other drivers on the road. A poorly secured vehicle can come loose and pose a hazard to other drivers, causing accidents and injuries.
Legal Issues
Choosing an unlicensed and uninsured towing service can have serious consequences, including fines and legal liability if something goes wrong during the towing process.
In Sydney, towing services must hold a valid license and comply with specific regulations to operate legally. Cheap towing services may not have the necessary licenses, which means they are not bound by these regulations and may not adhere to proper safety and quality standards. This can put you and your vehicle at risk and lead to legal issues if something goes wrong during the towing process.
Choosing a licensed and insured towing service is crucial to avoid legal issues and protect yourself from liability. A reputable towing service will be licensed and insured, meaning they have met the necessary legal requirements and have the proper insurance coverage to protect you and your vehicle in case of any accidents or damages.
Delayed Services
When your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident, time is of the essence. You want your vehicle to be towed and transported to the necessary location as soon as possible to minimize any further damage or inconvenience. However, if you choose a cheap towing service, you may be left waiting for an extended period for your tow truck to arrive, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.
In some cases, cheap towing services may not even provide same-day service, which can be a major issue if you need to have your vehicle towed immediately. This delay can lead to further inconveniences, such as having to reschedule appointments or being unable to use your vehicle for an extended period.
How to Avoid Making Costly Mistakes When Choosing a Towing Company
Choosing a towing company can be a daunting task, but there are a few things you can do to avoid making costly mistakes. Start by researching different companies in your area, reading reviews, and checking for licensing and insurance. Also, consider their availability, inquire about their equipment and experience, and get an estimate before agreeing to any services. By taking these steps, you can choose a reputable and reliable towing company to ensure that your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently.
With over 40 years of experience in towing, we know the importance of minimising damage after a crash. Our professional staff and state of the art tilt-trays and securing systems mean the damage will be limited to the accident and not worsen after a tow operator’s mistake. Contact us today for reliable towing services, 24/7!
