{"id":508,"date":"2022-10-31T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T07:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/?p=508"},"modified":"2024-07-23T09:19:57","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T07:19:57","slug":"how-to-tow-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"How to tow a car?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac0cf567dcf6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac0cf567dcf6\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#How_to_tow_a_car_%E2%80%93_what_do_you_need\" >How to tow a car \u2013 what do you need<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#Types_of_towing\" >Types of towing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#Rigid_hitch_towing\" >Rigid hitch towing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#Flexible_coupling\" >Flexible coupling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#Towing_on_a_tow_trucks\" >Towing on a tow trucks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#How_to_avoid_towing_a_car\" >How to avoid towing a car?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#Assistance_and_mini_assistance_%E2%80%93_so_that_you_dont_have_to_tow_on_your_own\" >Assistance and mini assistance \u2013 so that you don\u2019t have to tow on your own<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#How_to_prepare_a_vehicle_for_towing\" >How to prepare a vehicle for towing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#What_should_the_towed_car_driver_remember_about\" >What should the towed car driver remember about?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#How_to_tow_a_car_%E2%80%93_8_most_common_mistakes\" >How to tow a car \u2013 8 most common mistakes\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#How_to_tow_other_vehicles\" >How to tow other vehicles?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#What_are_the_basic_steps_to_tow_a_car\" >What are the basic steps to tow a car?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#What_equipment_do_I_need_to_tow_a_car\" >What equipment do I need to tow a car?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#How_can_I_tow_a_car_with_a_truck\" >How can I tow a car with a truck?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#How_can_I_tow_a_car_behind_an_RV\" >How can I tow a car behind an RV?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-tow-a-car\/#What_equipment_do_I_need_to_tow_a_car-2\" >What equipment do I need to tow a car?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><b>Towing a car, both for the drivers of the towed and the towing cars is not overly challenging. However, it usually happens in stressful situations when you can\u2019t use the immobilised car. In such moment, one can easily forget about the important rules concerning towing a car. Read more about how to tow a car.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_tow_a_car_%E2%80%93_what_do_you_need\"><\/span><b>How to tow a car \u2013 what do you need<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Towing a car is definitely not a pleasant activity. Fortunately, it\u2019s not overly complicated either, and to tow a car you basically need two things:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>a tow rope<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>a warning triangle <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(this \u2013 by the way\u00a0 \u2013 is a basic piece of equipment of every car).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-question info-iframe-border--red\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-question\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-blue\">Did you know<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might also need booster cables, although they\u2019re not necessary for towing a car itself. The tow rope should be synthetic, with a length of 4-6 meters (this distance between the vehicle towing with the flexible coupling and the towed vehicle is required by the law). The towed car should be marked with a warning triangle on the left side of the towed car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_towing\"><\/span><b>Types of towing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>There are a few types of towing a car.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Until recently the most commonly towing seen on the Polish roads was on a flexible coupling \u2013 in other words, by means of a tow rope. Towing a car on a rigid hitch used to be an extremely rare view \u2013 used in the case of towing trucks and buses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nowadays, even the most common towing with the tow rope is becoming obsolete, as insurance companies offer affordable Assistance packages. Thanks to them, towing a car on a tow truck is done by a professional \u2013 moreover, you don\u2019t have to pay a lot for this (as it is the case when you order a tow truck service on your own).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rigid_hitch_towing\"><\/span><b>Rigid hitch towing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible coupling is not always possible. When the towed car has at least one faulty brake system, then the law prohibits flexible coupling. In such case, towing is possible by means of a rigid hitch \u2013a special pipe is placed between the towed and the towing cars. This solution is convenient because it eliminated the risk \u2013 the connection between the cars is rigid, therefore, the connection won\u2019t break, as it sometimes happens in the case of the tow rope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also has some disadvantages \u2013 you need a special pipe to perform this type of towing. Although it\u2019s folding, the pipe is still quite big \u2013 and it definitely takes more space than the rope. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-bulb info-iframe-border--yellow\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-bulb\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-green\">Info<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The distance between the vehicles in the rigid hitch connection is shorter than in the flexible coupling, and it\u2019s long up to 3 meters.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flexible_coupling\"><\/span><b>Flexible coupling<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The correct towing a car with the tow rope requires some skills \u2013 although, one cannot acquire it other way than through practice. You should bear in mind the most important rules of towing a car \u2013 i.a. to properly assemble the elements (to the towing eye or a hook, and never to e.g. the bumper itself), to maintain the proper speed of the towing vehicle, and, most importantly, to maintain the proper constant tension along the entire rope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, the rope should be tight throughout the entire ride, so that accelerating doesn\u2019t tug the rope, which could lead to breaking it. Although it seems obvious, videos on the Internet prove that it still needs to be reminded \u2013 <\/span><b>while towing a car, drivers should be in both cars!<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Towing n the flexible coupling is prohibited by law when the brakes of the towed car are faulty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Towing_on_a_tow_trucks\"><\/span><b>Towing on a tow trucks<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s definitely the most convenient way of towing a car, as it doesn\u2019t require any additional effort from the unlucky driver. All you need to do is call the breakdown service and wait until a professional takes care of your car. You can also rent a tow truck \u2013 and then, in some cases, you can tow your car on your own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-bulb info-iframe-border--yellow\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-bulb\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-green\">Info<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>There are various vehicles intended for towing \u2013 sometimes the entire towed car is placed on the tow truck, and sometimes, one of its axles rests on the ground.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The solution is always adjusted to the immobile car (the things that are taken into account are i.a. the total weight of the towed car, the drive type, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_avoid_towing_a_car\"><\/span><b>How to avoid towing a car?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Immobilisation of the vehicle, without the possibility to fix the fault on the spot, is an unpleasant event which can happen to any driver.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s worth lowering the risk \u2013 therefore, you should make every effort to avoid towing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular technical reviews and visits in a workshop definitely help \u2013 do it whenever you hear the first disturbing symptoms in the engine operation, sounds of the suspension elements, and not when you think that the visit is necessary (i.e. when you notice grey smoke oozing from under the hood).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious failures which immobilise a vehicle on the road often start from small faults which are \u2013 for many reasons \u2013 ignored by drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assistance_and_mini_assistance_%E2%80%93_so_that_you_dont_have_to_tow_on_your_own\"><\/span><b>Assistance and mini assistance \u2013 so that you don\u2019t have to tow on your own<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Another very handy solution which allows avoiding towing is the assistance.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It provides help in many situations, when you\u2019re not able to handle your car yourself. Its scope is very broad and dependent on the amount of money you\u2019re able to pay to the insurer. It might even include changing a wheel or starting the car in winter. However, the most common use of assistance is towing a car when it becomes immobilised.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, a tow truck is sent for your broken car, and the rest of the ride you spent comfortably in your car as a passenger \u2013 then, you don\u2019t have to think how to properly tow a car, what to do when the steering is not working, or pay more attention to other traffic users. This way of towing excludes you steering, so it\u2019s more comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, the insurer defines certain conditions regarding the limit of kilometers, e.g. that the insurance covers towing up to the distance not further than 200 kilometers. This also depends on how much you\u2019re able to pay \u2013 there are certain insurances whose towing distance extends to 200, and even 1200 kilometers, and in some cases it doesn\u2019t matter, whether the failure happens within Poland or in another country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every insurance company has their own conditions and packages available, so it\u2019s good to spend some time on analysing which solution is the best for you. <\/span><b>Keep in mind that purchasing a third party insurance in one insurance company does not exclude paying for an AC or Assistance in another one!<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><div class=\"check-vin-btn-container check-vin-btn-container--green\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"check-vin-btn--arrow\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe id=\"ASD-PA-0005010200-31-906\" title=\"Purchase the autoDNA reports in a bundle\" src=\"https:\/\/afilio.autodna.com\/ext\/load\/0005010200\/31?p_label=Check+VIN+number&p_color=green\" style=\"width: 271px; height: 59px; border: 0;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">PA.load(\"0005010200-31-906\", \"packages\");<\/script>\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_prepare_a_vehicle_for_towing\"><\/span><b>How to prepare a vehicle for towing?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you didn\u2019t make it to avoid a failure, and you don\u2019t have assistance, you have no other option than to call a family member or a friend and find somebody who can tow your car, straight to a workshop would be the best. However, before the help arrives, you need to appropriately prepare you car for towing.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the technical condition of the towed car.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mark the towed car well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicate with the towing car driver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mark the tow rope with e.g. a yellow or red flag.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose the route (you should avoid busy roads, especially in the built-up area, not to make the road usage more difficult both for other road users and yourself).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>You start the preparations for towing from checking whether towing is possible at all <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 i.e. whether there\u2019s no brake system failure, faulty steering or lights issues.\u00a0 If everything is OK, then place the warning triangle at the back, on the left side behind the window, and turn on the parking lights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You need to determine communication signs with the towing car driver, especially an alarm sign.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It could be e.g. a short lights flash, or a hand gesture, on the basis of which the towed car driver will know that they should pull over as soon as possible and stop the car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>After you have prepared your car for towing, both vehicles should be connected with a strong rope of a length between 4-6 m<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, marked with a yellow or red flag. It should be done with factory-made handles (a hook or a towing eye) intended for this purpose. Do not attach the rope to the bumper or the control arms. The connection should be done in a way which excludes detachment, and pulling the rope attached to the bumper might simply tear it off. It might cause additional problems and increase expenses you\u2019d have to pay in the workshop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The last thing you must determine with the towing car driver before towing is the route <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 choose a less busy route, this way the ride will be smoother. Absolutely avoid highways \u2013 towing is prohibited there. On highways, towing is allowed up to the nearest highway exit and it can be done by special vehicles. The breakdown service is responsible for safely towing a car which broke down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_the_towed_car_driver_remember_about\"><\/span><b>What should the towed car driver remember about?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When both cars are already connected, the towing car driver comes into action. This driver must turn on the dipped headlights (the daytime running lights are not enough, even in sufficient visibility, and the towed car should not have its hazard lights on) and they should make every effort to drive relatively slowly, up to the point of tensing the rope, and only then the towing car driver can start increasing the speed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also helpful to signalise the towed car driver certain maneuvers the towing car driver is going to do by slowing down or flashing the dipped headlights early enough. Both drivers should pay attention to maintain the tension of the rope throughout the entire ride. The towing car driver must also remember about the speed limits \u2013 in the built-up area it\u2019s 30 km\/h and outside the built-up areas it\u2019s 60 km\/h<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Towing a car is not very difficult, and after a several kilometers both drivers should get used to the driving. However, it\u2019s often recommended that the more experienced driver should drive the towed car, as it\u2019s more difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_tow_a_car_%E2%80%93_8_most_common_mistakes\"><\/span><b>How to tow a car \u2013 8 most common mistakes\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lights <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 the towed car should not have its hazard lights on (the drivers behind it won\u2019t be able to see the signal of incoming maneuvers) nor its dipped headlights (they will blind the towing car driver). The towed car must have its parking lights on. The towing car, in turn, must have its dipped headlights on.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Towed car turned backwards <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 the towed car and the towing car must be facing forward the same direction! It seems obvious, but sometimes you might observe on the road that the rear hooks of both the towing and the towed car were used to connected the vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Towing with a driver <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 there must a driver behind the wheel in the towed car. This piece of advice might seem absurd to some. However, there are cases of \u201cclever\u201d people who forget about the necessity of presence of drivers in both cars, which is excluded by the traffic law and the common sense.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Highways<\/b><b> and freeways <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 remember that you mustn\u2019t tow anyone on a highway (a car can be towed by the breakdown service until the nearest exit), and on freeways you mustn\u2019t exceed 60 km\/h.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>No warning triangle or its wrong placement <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 the triangle should be placed at the back on the left side, not on the right or in the middle!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Towing a car with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/automatic-transmission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">automatic transmission <\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 manufacturers\u2019 recommendations explicitly exclude towing a car with the automatic transmission, although some allow this in certain conditions. However, it\u2019s not worth risking, as in the case of a car with the automatic transmission, when the engine is off and there\u2019s no greasing and cooling, it might lead to damaging the transmission.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Towing a car with the electric drive <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 in this case, it\u2019s much safer to use the tow truck.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Towing a car with the pneumatic suspension <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 when the engine is off, the suspension is also not working, and the car, figuratively speaking, lays on the ground.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_tow_other_vehicles\"><\/span><b>How to tow other vehicles?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Towing a passenger car happens most often, but there are also other situations, e.g. the necessity to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tow a motorcycle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tow a truck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tow a trailer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>When it comes to towing a motorcycle, a car or another motorcycle can be the towing vehicle.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You can use here the tow rope which \u2013 very important \u2013 should be attached in a way which allows its easy detachment (from both vehicles).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In a situation when a truck must be towed, it can only be done by means of the rigid hitch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (towing a truck with the flexible coupling is forbidden by the Road Traffic Law). In not sufficient visibility, the towed car should have its parking lights on (and not sending yellow flashes \u2013 the hazard lights). What\u2019s important is that if a tractor and a semi-trailer need towing, they should be towed separately (it\u2019s forbidden to tow more than one vehicle, except an articulated vehicle).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>It\u2019s also possible to tow a trailer \u2013 and often you can do it with the category B driving license.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s possible for trailer with the gross vehicle weight up to 750 kg, as well as for vehicle over 750 kg GVW, on condition that the weight of the whole set does not exceed 3.5 tones. What\u2019s important is that a trailer heavier than 750 kg must be equipped with its own brake (the so-called overrunning brake).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You already know how to safely tow a passenger car, a motorcycle, or a truck. All that\u2019s left to say is to wish you towing&#8230; as seldom as possible!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-exclamation info-iframe-border--green\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-exclamation\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-orange\">It is good to know<\/strong><strong><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">autoDNA is the leading provider of services of checking vehicle history online and <a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free VIN lookup<\/a>. Based on your <a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vin-number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN number<\/a>, with\u00a0autoDNA\u00a0you can verify\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vehicle-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">vehicle history<\/a>\u00a0before making a purchase. In many cases,\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vin-check\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN check<\/a>\u00a0may prevent you from incurring unwanted additional costs associated with purchasing a vehicle with an unknown or salvage past.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><div class=\"check-vin-btn-container check-vin-btn-container--orange\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"check-vin-btn--arrow\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe id=\"ASD-PA-0005010200-31-906\" title=\"Purchase the autoDNA reports in a bundle\" src=\"https:\/\/afilio.autodna.com\/ext\/load\/0005010200\/31?p_label=Check+VIN+number&p_color=orange\" style=\"width: 271px; height: 59px; border: 0;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">PA.load(\"0005010200-31-906\", \"packages\");<\/script>\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<style>#sp-ea-2850 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-2850{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-2850 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-2850{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-2850.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-2850.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-2850.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-2850.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-2850.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1690545939\">\n<div id=\"sp-ea-2850\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\">\n\n\t<div id=\"eap-preloader-2850\" class=\"accordion-preloader\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_basic_steps_to_tow_a_car\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28500\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28500\" aria-controls=\"collapse28500\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What are the basic steps to tow a car?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse28500\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2850\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28500\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Basic steps to tow a car include: 1) Ensure your vehicle has the towing capacity for the car you want to tow, 2) Securely attach the tow bar or tow dolly to your vehicle, 3) Attach the other end to the car being towed, 4) Check that all lights on both vehicles are working, 5) Drive carefully, taking into account the extra weight and length of the towed car.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:963,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:9299931},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">Basic steps to tow a car include: 1) Ensure your vehicle has the towing capacity for the car you want to tow, 2) Securely attach the tow bar or tow dolly to your vehicle, 3) Attach the other end to the car being towed, 4) Check that all lights on both vehicles are working, 5) Drive carefully, taking into account the extra weight and length of the towed car.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_equipment_do_I_need_to_tow_a_car\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28501\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28501\" aria-controls=\"collapse28501\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What equipment do I need to tow a car?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28501\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2850\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28501\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;To tow a car, you'll need a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity, a tow bar, tow dolly, or trailer, safety chains, and lights. You may also need a brake controller if the towed car is heavy.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:963,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:16566152},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">To tow a car, you'll need a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity, a tow bar, tow dolly, or trailer, safety chains, and lights. You may also need a brake controller if the towed car is heavy.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_tow_a_car_with_a_truck\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28502\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28502\" aria-controls=\"collapse28502\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How can I tow a car with a truck?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28502\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2850\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28502\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;To tow a car with a truck, you'll need a tow dolly, tow bar, or car trailer. Attach the towing equipment to the truck's hitch, then secure the car to the dolly or trailer. Ensure all connections are secure, and check that all lights are working. Always drive carefully, taking into account the extra weight and length.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:963,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:11923133},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">To tow a car with a truck, you'll need a tow dolly, tow bar, or car trailer. Attach the towing equipment to the truck's hitch, then secure the car to the dolly or trailer. Ensure all connections are secure, and check that all lights are working. Always drive carefully, taking into account the extra weight and length.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_tow_a_car_behind_an_RV\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28503\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28503\" aria-controls=\"collapse28503\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How can I tow a car behind an RV?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28503\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2850\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28503\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Towing a car behind an RV, also known as \\&quot;dinghy towing\\&quot; or \\&quot;four wheels down towing\\&quot;, requires a tow bar. Attach the tow bar to the RV's hitch and the car's towing points. Ensure all connections are secure, and check that all lights are working. Some cars can be towed with all four wheels on the ground, while others may require a dolly or trailer.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:963,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:15965629},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">Towing a car behind an RV, also known as \"dinghy towing\" or \"four wheels down towing\", requires a tow bar. Attach the tow bar to the RV's hitch and the car's towing points. Ensure all connections are secure, and check that all lights are working. Some cars can be towed with all four wheels on the ground, while others may require a dolly or trailer.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_equipment_do_I_need_to_tow_a_car-2\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28504\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28504\" aria-controls=\"collapse28504\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What equipment do I need to tow a car?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28504\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2850\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28504\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;To tow a car, you'll need a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity, a tow bar, tow dolly, or trailer, safety chains, and lights. You may also need a brake controller if the towed car is heavy.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:963,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:14001853},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">To tow a car, you'll need a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity, a tow bar, tow dolly, or trailer, safety chains, and lights. You may also need a brake controller if the towed car is heavy.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{ \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What are the basic steps to tow a car?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Basic steps to tow a car include: 1) Ensure your vehicle has the towing capacity for the car you want to tow, 2) Securely attach the tow bar or tow dolly to your vehicle, 3) Attach the other end to the car being towed, 4) Check that all lights on both vehicles are working, 5) Drive carefully, taking into account the extra weight and length of the towed car.\" } },{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What equipment do I need to tow a car?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"To tow a car, you'll need a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity, a tow bar, tow dolly, or trailer, safety chains, and lights. 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Read more about how to tow a car.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[359,361,176],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-508","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-autodna-advises","category-all","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/508","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=508"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/508\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4119,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/508\/revisions\/4119"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}