The Risks of Towing Without Professional Help
A broken-down car and a quick-fix mindset often lead people to attempt a tow themselves. A rope, a buddy’s truck, and the hope that nothing goes wrong. It seems simple enough, but DIY towing comes with serious risks. As a team that provides Eugene emergency towing and roadside assistance, we’ve seen firsthand how these situations can go wrong fast. From damaged vehicles to dangerous road situations, there’s a lot more to towing than just hooking up and driving off.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your car needs to be moved, here are five reasons why you should think twice before attempting a DIY tow.
1. The Wrong Equipment Can Cause Major Damage
Professional tow trucks use strong, specialized equipment designed to handle the weight and mechanics of towing. Most personal vehicles don’t have the right towing capacity, hitches, or straps to safely tow another car.
Common issues we see with DIY towing attempts include:
- Improperly secured tow straps snapping mid-tow
- Damage to bumpers, axles, and transmissions from improper connections
- Towed vehicles swerving due to incorrect weight distribution
Our Eugene emergency towing team will ensure vehicles are transported the right way. Without causing unnecessary damage.
2. Braking Becomes Extremely Dangerous
Towing a vehicle isn’t just about pulling it forward. The vehicle being towed still needs to stop, and without the right setup, braking becomes a serious hazard.
Without proper towing equipment:
- The towed car can crash into the towing vehicle during sudden stops
- Brakes in both vehicles wear down faster
- A lack of brake lights on the towed vehicle can create a major road hazard
Flatbed tow trucks eliminate this problem by keeping the car completely off the ground. That’s one reason our Eugene emergency towing service is the safest choice.
3. Towing Laws and Liability Issues
Many drivers don’t realize that there are legal restrictions when it comes to towing.
A few legal issues with DIY towing include:
- Towing without proper safety lights and signals
- Exceeding the weight limit for personal vehicles
- Potential liability if an accident occurs
If something goes wrong, the driver towing the car could be held responsible for any damage or injuries. Professional towing services follow all legal requirements, making sure everything is done safely and lawfully.
4. Increased Risk of Losing Control
Towing another vehicle can be unpredictable. Even experienced drivers can struggle with keeping both vehicles stable, especially in bad weather or on curvy roads.
A few dangers of losing control during a DIY tow:
- The towed vehicle might fishtail or swerve into traffic
- Steering can become unresponsive due to added weight
- Sudden stops or turns can lead to jackknifing
Our Eugene emergency towing specialists have the experience and equipment to keep everything under control, no matter the road conditions.
5. It’s Just Not Worth the Risk
At the end of the day, a DIY tow isn’t worth the damage, danger, or legal headaches. We understand that breakdowns happen at the worst times, but calling a professional towing service is always the better option.
Instead of risking:
- Damage to both vehicles
- Getting pulled over for illegal towing
- A dangerous roadside accident
Let our trained Eugene emergency towing professionals handle the job.
Puddle Jumper: When You Need a Tow, Trust the Eugene Emergency Towing Experts
We know how tempting it is to call a friend with a truck and try to handle a tow yourself. But when safety, your vehicle’s condition, and the law are at stake, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
If you ever find yourself stranded, don’t take the risk—call for Eugene emergency towing. Puddle Jumper is here to help, no matter the situation.