Breaking down on the side of the road can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially when it’s your car that’s broken down. If your car is not drivable, it’s important to transport it safely and securely to a repair shop or your preferred location. Transporting a broken car can be a challenging task, but with the right preparation and approach, it can be done with ease.
In this step-by-step guide, we will discuss how to transport a broken car safely and securely, including assessing the situation, choosing the right transportation method, preparing the car for transport, loading and securing the car, and transportation and delivery. Whether you’re a towing company or an individual who needs to transport a broken car, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to do it safely and efficiently.
Assessing the Situation
- Identify the type of breakdown (e.g. mechanical failure or accident?)
- Determine if it is safe to transport the vehicle, especially if it has been in an accident
- Consider the distance the vehicle needs to travel to the final destination
- Determine if towing, flatbed truck, or car trailer is the best option based on the distance and destination
- Check if the repair shop at the final destination has the necessary equipment and facilities to handle the repair and has a good reputation for quality service.
Choosing the Right Transportation Method
Choosing the right transportation method is crucial when transporting a broken car safely and securely. There are several options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the details on the three most common transportation methods:
- Towing The Vehicle with a Tow Truck:
This is the most common method used for transporting broken-down vehicles. A tow truck will lift the front or rear end of the vehicle and tow it to its destination. This method is suitable for short distances and is relatively inexpensive. However, it may not be suitable for all types of vehicles, especially those with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Also, this method may cause damage to the car’s transmission or other components, especially if the car is towed with the wheels on the ground.
- Using a Flatbed Tow Truck:
A flatbed tow truck is designed to carry the entire vehicle on a flatbed, which is elevated above the ground. This method is ideal for longer distances or when the car has been in an accident. It is also a better option for all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles, as all the wheels are off the ground during transport. The disadvantage of this method is that it is more expensive than towing a tow truck.
- Renting a Car Trailer:
Another option is to rent a car trailer and tow the car yourself. This is a good option for short distances or when you have the necessary equipment and experience to tow a car safely. Renting a car trailer is also cheaper than hiring a professional towing service. However, it requires a suitable vehicle to tow the trailer and can be challenging for inexperienced drivers.
Preparing the Car for Transport
Preparing the car for transport is an important step to ensure that the car arrives safely and securely at its destination. Here are the details on the steps involved:
- Removing Personal Items and Loose Objects:
Before transporting the car, it is important to remove any personal items, loose objects, or valuables from the car. This includes items such as bags, CDs, electronic devices, and any other loose items in the car. These items can shift during transport and cause damage to the car or become lost.
- Securing Loose Parts:
It is important to secure any loose parts in the car to prevent them from causing damage during transport. This includes items such as mirrors, spoilers, or any other parts that may detach during transport. It is recommended to tape or wrap these parts securely to prevent them from moving during transport.
- Checking The Brakes, Tires and Steering:
Before transporting the car, it is important to check the brakes, tires, and steering to ensure they are in good condition. The brakes should be checked to make sure they are functioning correctly, and the tires should be checked for proper inflation and tread depth. The steering should also be checked to ensure that it is not loose or damaged.
- Draining Fuel and Fluids:
If the car is being transported over a long distance, it is recommended to drain the fuel and fluids to reduce the weight of the vehicle and prevent leaks during transport. This includes draining the gas tank, oil, and coolant.
- Protecting The Car:
To prevent any damage to the car during transport, it is recommended to protect it with a car cover or tarp. This will protect the car from dirt, dust, and other debris during transport.
Loading and Securing the Car
Loading and securing the car properly is crucial to ensure that it arrives safely and securely at its destination.
- Following Proper Loading Techniques:
When loading the car onto the transportation vehicle, it is important to follow proper loading techniques. This includes making sure the loading ramp or platform is secure and stable before driving the car onto it. Additionally, the car should be loaded in the centre of the platform to ensure it is balanced and stable during transport.
- Ensuring The Car is Centred and Balanced:
It is important to ensure that the car is centred and balanced on the transportation vehicle to prevent any damage during transport. The car should be positioned so that it is not leaning to one side or the other. Additionally, the weight of the car should be distributed evenly on the transportation vehicle to prevent any instability or tipping.
- Securing The Car with Straps and Chains:
Once the car is in position on the transportation vehicle, it must be secured with straps and chains to prevent it from moving during transport. The straps and chains should be placed around the car’s wheels or axles and tightened securely. It is important to ensure that the straps and chains are not too tight or too loose, as this can cause damage to the car or affect its stability during transport.
- Checking The Securing Devices:
Before transporting the car, it is important to double-check the securing devices to ensure they are tight and secure. This includes checking the straps and chains to ensure they are not loose or damaged. Additionally, it is important to check the tension of the straps and chains periodically during transport to ensure they remain secure.
Transportation and Delivery
As a towing company, we understand the importance of safely transporting a broken car from one location to another. Our goal is to provide reliable and secure transportation services to our clients. Here is our step-by-step guide to transportation and delivery of a broken car:
- Following Traffic Laws and Regulations:
Our drivers are trained to obey all traffic laws and regulations during transportation. They are instructed to maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, obey speed limits, and use turn signals and hazard lights when necessary. Our drivers also ensure that the car is properly secured on the tow truck or flatbed trailer, with straps and chains that are tightly fastened.
- Monitoring The Car During Transport:
Our drivers monitor the car during transport to ensure that it remains secure and undamaged. They periodically check the straps and chains to make sure they are tight and secure, and they watch for any signs of movement or damage to the car. If the car is being transported over a long distance, our drivers may stop periodically to check on the car’s condition.
- Preparing For Delivery:
We work closely with our clients to prepare for delivery of the broken car. This includes verifying the delivery location and ensuring that someone is available to receive the car. We also verify our insurance coverage and liability in case of any damage during transport. Our drivers may make special arrangements for the delivery of a broken car, such as using a tow truck or flatbed trailer.
- Unloading The Car:
When the car arrives at its destination, our drivers carefully unload the car to avoid any damage. They follow proper unloading techniques, such as ensuring the unloading platform or ramp is secure and stable, positioning the car so that it can be safely driven off the platform, and removing the straps and chains carefully to avoid damaging the car or the platform.
Reliable and Efficient Towing Services
At Combined Towing, we understand the stress and inconvenience that comes with a broken-down car. That’s why we offer reliable and efficient towing services to transport your broken car safely and securely to your desired location. Our experienced drivers and modern towing equipment ensure that your car is transported with the utmost care and attention to detail.
We are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service, and we take pride in our ability to transport broken cars safely and efficiently. If you’re in need of a towing company to transport your broken car, give us a call today and let us take care of the rest.
