Towing might look simple—hook it up and go, right? But doing it wrong can turn a quick solution into a costly headache. At our towing service, we’ve seen everything from busted bumpers to ruined transmissions, all because someone thought they could save time (or money) by skipping a few steps.
So if you ever find yourself needing to tow a vehicle—whether it’s your own or someone else’s—here’s what you need to know to do it safely, without leaving behind a trail of damage.
Start with the Basics: What Kind of Vehicle Is It?
Before you move a single wheel, ask yourself a few key questions:
- Is the car front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive?
- Is it manual or automatic?
- Can you shift it into neutral?
- Are the wheels locked?
Each of these factors affects how the vehicle should be towed. Towing the wrong way can damage the transmission, especially in automatic and all-wheel drive vehicles.
We’ve had calls from drivers who unknowingly dragged their front-wheel drive car with the drive wheels on the ground—and ended up needing a gearbox replacement. Ouch.
Use the Right Equipment
Trying to tow a car with a rope or a chain between two vehicles might seem quick, but it’s also the quickest way to damage both vehicles involved. We strongly recommend using proper towing gear, such as:
- Flatbed tow truck: Best for almost every situation. The car is fully off the ground, eliminating risk to the wheels, suspension, or transmission.
- Wheel-lift tow truck: Safe if used properly, especially when paired with dollies to keep all wheels off the ground.
- Tow dolly or trailer: A good choice for short distances when a tow truck isn’t available, provided the vehicle is positioned correctly.
Shift Into Neutral (If You Can)
If the car starts and the keys are available, shift it into neutral before towing. This reduces strain on the drivetrain and allows the wheels to roll freely. Never try to tow a car in park—it can lock the wheels and cause serious transmission damage.
If the keys are lost or the battery’s dead, a professional tow operator may still be able to get the vehicle into neutral using the manual override. But it’s not something to guess your way through.
Secure the Vehicle Properly
We can’t stress this enough: secure the vehicle before you tow. That means:
- Using proper tow hooks or designated attachment points
- Tightening all straps and chains
- Double-checking brake lights (especially if you’re using a trailer)
- Making sure the parking brake is off
One time, we came across a customer who had used a rope tied to the bumper. Halfway down the road, the bumper decided it had had enough. Not only did the bumper fall off, but it caused damage to the following car. It’s a mistake you don’t want to repeat.
Avoid Sudden Movements
If you’re the one driving the towing vehicle, drive slowly and smoothly. Sudden acceleration, sharp turns, or hard braking can cause the towed vehicle to sway or crash into the back of your car. That’s not just bad for your car—it’s dangerous for everyone on the road.
Also, be aware that towing adds extra weight, so stopping distances increase. Take corners wide and keep speeds low, especially around tight streets or roundabouts.
Know When to Call for Help
We understand the appeal of trying to tow a car yourself, especially if it’s a short distance. But some situations are best left to the professionals:
- The car won’t shift into neutral
- The wheels are locked
- It’s a luxury or lowered vehicle
- The car has mechanical damage or won’t roll
A towing company has the equipment and training to do the job without causing damage. We’ve had people try to tow a car themselves only to call us when things went sideways—sometimes literally.
In the End, It’s About Being Smart
Towing a car isn’t just about moving it from point A to B—it’s about doing it safely. That means using the right method, taking your time, and knowing when to hand the job over to someone who’s done it a thousand times.
We’ve seen what can go wrong, but we’ve also helped thousands of drivers get out of tricky situations without a scratch on their car. If you’re ever unsure, don’t take chances. We’re just a call away and always happy to help the right way.
If you are in Officer, and looking for a tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Tow Trucks
39 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977
(03) 7042 2059