Properly securing your vehicle to a tow truck is key to road safety, preserving the body and suspension, and reducing the risk of damage to property during transport. Even a short trip on uneven surfaces can turn a minor malfunction into a costly repair if the vehicle is improperly secured.
Reliable securing is based on three principles: using proper fasteners, choosing the right anchor points, and applying uniform tension with proper monitoring after the vehicle is in motion. Below are practical recommendations from tow truck service Cambridge suitable for most types of tow trucks and cars.
Basic Vehicle Securing Methods
The securing method depends on the type of platform (sliding, folding, or partially loaded), the condition of the vehicle, and road conditions. In any case, it is important to prevent longitudinal and lateral movement, as well as wheel bounce.
Wheel Securing (Wheel Straps)
Wheel straps secure the tire and/or wheel, holding the vehicle on the platform without placing stress on the suspension components. This method is often considered the most gentle for most modern vehicles.
- Pros: Reduced risk of damage to control arms, bushings, and steering components.
- Cons: Requires straps of the appropriate size; It’s important to ensure that the belt doesn’t rub against the sharp edges of the rim.
- Tip: After tensioning, check that the belt is straight and free of twists, and that the ratchet doesn’t press against the body.
Securing with slings to load-bearing components
Slings and chains are used when transporting vehicles with damaged wheels or suspension, as well as when wheel straps are not suitable. Attach the vehicle to the towing eyes, subframe, or other load-bearing components recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not attach to steering rods, control arms, stabilizer bars, exhaust components, thin floorboards, or plastic guards.
- Risk: An incorrect attachment point may cause suspension deformation or failure of the fastener during heavy braking.
- Tip: Use protective corners/spacers where the straps contact the edges to prevent chafing.
Partial Loading and Axle Securing
When partially loading, one axle is on the tow truck, while the other rolls on the road. It is especially important to consider the drivetrain and transmission type.
- Front-wheel drive: it is preferable to lift the front axle; If necessary, use dollies for the remaining wheels.
- Rear-wheel drive: Raise the rear axle more often to avoid straining the transmission.
- Four-wheel drive: Full loading onto a flatbed truck is safer; Otherwise, damage to the transfer case/clutch may occur.
Preparing the vehicle before loading: checking the steering wheel, handbrake, gears, and ground clearance
Before securing the vehicle to a tow truck, it is important to ensure that the controls and locking elements operate predictably: this reduces the risk of unintentional movement, transmission damage, and belt tension errors.
A brief check of the steering wheel, handbrake, transmission modes, and ground clearance helps you choose the correct loading method (winch, coaster, or dolly) and assess in advance where contact with the bumper, sills, or undercarriage may occur.
Pre-Loading Checklist
- Steering Wheel: Check that the steering wheel is not locked and that the wheels turn. If the steering wheel is locked, loading is only possible with proper unlocking or using dollies/special equipment to prevent the steering lock from being damaged.
- Handbrake: Check that the parking brake is engaged and not stuck. If you suspect a lock, do not attempt to tow the vehicle by force, as this may damage the brake mechanism. Use dollies or partially load the vehicle with proper locking.
- Gears/Transmission Mode:
- Manual Transmission: Before towing, the vehicle is usually required to be in neutral. After installation on the platform, engage the desired gear/neutral according to the pattern selected by the tow truck driver and secure it with seat belts.
- Automatic Transmission: Check that the selector can be shifted to N (neutral) and that there is a mechanical release for the selector if the battery is discharged. Avoid long-term towing with the drive wheels on the ground unless the manufacturer prohibits it.
- All-wheel drive: check the transfer case mode/transportation requirements; if in doubt, fully load the vehicle onto the flatbed.
- Clearance and projecting elements: assess low points (bumper lip, side skirts, engine guard, exhaust, spoilers, towbar). If ground clearance is low, use ramp extensions/pads, reduce the approach angle, and control the trajectory to avoid contact.
- Remove obstacles: remove/lift anything that could be touched during approach (low-hanging elements, fragile pads, loose parts).
- Determine the loading method: neutral and winch, dollies, full load – based on the condition of the transmission, handbrake, steering, and drive.
- Check after installation: the wheels are level, the selected selector/gear position is agreed upon with the tow truck driver, then the vehicle is secured with straps/chains at the anchor points.
Summary: Checking the steering wheel, handbrake, gears, and ground clearance before loading is the minimum set of steps that helps select a safe method of transport, prevent damage, and ensure the vehicle is securely fastened to the tow truck.
