Towing is one of the most crucial roadside assistance services available to drivers. Many companies offer 24/7 availability and can dispatch a tow truck to your location promptly.
Before choosing a towing company, be sure to read reviews. This will help you determine what types of customer service the provider provides as well as their pricing. Contact Towing Glendale AZ now!
Towing is an essential skill that many workers in industries such as construction and agriculture need to master. But towing is not without its hazards and accidents can occur if proper safety precautions are not followed. These hazards include equipment failure, driver fatigue and improper load management. The best way to prevent these hazards is to be well prepared before starting a towing job and following some basic safety tips.
One of the most important aspects of towing is selecting the right vehicle and trailer for the load. This includes checking the manufacturer’s rating of the maximum weight limit that the vehicle is rated to pull, as well as the payload capacity and towing capacity. It is also important to regularly inspect the tow vehicle and trailer for any loose or faulty components that could affect handling.
Loading and unloading are another crucial part of towing, as they can cause injuries if not done properly. This includes making sure that the towed vehicle is securely fastened to the trailer and that all chains and straps are secure. It is also critical to carefully follow a step-by-step approach when loading and unloading the vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that the weight of the trailer will change the vehicle’s center of gravity and it may need to be adjusted.
Driving with a trailer takes more concentration and skill than driving without a trailer. It is also important to leave more space between the tow vehicle and vehicles in front of you, especially when changing lanes or turning. It is also important to keep in mind that the extra weight of the trailer will reduce your vehicle’s acceleration, braking and steering capabilities, so it is important to drive more slowly than usual.
Towing a trailer can strain your vehicle and it is therefore vital to keep up with regular maintenance, including oil and fluid changes, tire rotation and balancing, and brake inspections. It is also important to have your vehicle’s suspension system inspected regularly as it can be more vulnerable to damage when pulling a heavy load.
Prepare for the Road Trip
There’s real allure to a road trip: cranking up the music, rolling down the windows and watching the states unfurl behind you. But a little advance preparation, as with nearly any adventure, helps ensure the trip stays carefree and smooth.
A week before your trip, have a mechanic check out your vehicle and make sure everything is in good working order. They should also fill the tank and battery (if you’re driving an electric car) and give it a clean. They can also help you pack a bag of essentials for the trip, including a spare tire, jumper cables and a flashlight in case your car breaks down.
If you’re planning a long trip, it’s important to map out your route and note the locations of gas, food, restrooms and sightseeing stops. You can use online mapping tools to figure out how far you’ll be able to drive in a day and plan accordingly. And if you’re taking an electric or hybrid vehicle, make sure to check out charging station availability and rates along your route.
Plan to stop every two hours or so for a quick stretch, a snack and some fresh air. This will keep you and your passengers awake, alert and happy on the trip. And be sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand, from granola bars and boiled eggs to mints and water bottles.
Another essential is a first aid kit with bandages, gauze and pain relievers in case someone gets sick on the drive. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a garbage bag in case of any spills. And finally, make sure the wiper fluid is topped off so you can keep your windshield clear of bugs, dirt and road grime.
A road trip can be an excellent opportunity for family bonding, but even the best-laid plans may go awry. Tow a trailer and your car is put under extra strain, so keeping up with routine maintenance is more critical than ever. Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for regular oil changes, tire rotations and balancing and other recommended services.
Know Your Limits
Unless you’re a professional tow truck driver, odds are that you don’t give much thought to your car or SUV’s towing capacity until you need it. But that doesn’t mean that towing isn’t important, and the more you know about it the better you can do the job.
Towing involves coupling a load to your vehicle, which could be anything from a trailer full of vacation gear or a cargo container of furniture to a horse trailer. The load may be pulled by a powered vehicle (like your truck or an RV) or manually, with a chain, rope, bar, hook, three-point, fifth wheel, drawbar, or integrated platform.
The physics of towing are fairly straightforward, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong along the way. One of the most common problems is a jackknifing, which occurs when a trailer pulls its own weight and causes it to rotate or flip over onto its side. To avoid this, it’s essential to check the weight limits of both your vehicle and trailer and make sure they’re within range.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your driving will change significantly when you’re pulling a trailer. You’ll have to accelerate more slowly and carefully, use your rearview mirrors more frequently, and take longer braking distances. It’s also a good idea to practice driving with a trailer before you hit the road, especially if it’s your first time.
When it comes to towing, both the tow vehicle and the trailer will be forced to work harder than usual, so routine maintenance is key. This includes things like a transmission cooler, which can help reduce the temperature of your engine’s oil and prevent it from wearing out too quickly.
Lastly, don’t forget that the braking systems of both your trailer and tow vehicle need to be working at the same time. This helps prevent your tires from getting worn out too quickly, so it’s essential to make sure that they’re in good condition before you start towing. Also, remember to keep your trailer’s brake lights on so that other drivers can see them in case of a breakdown.
Be Patient
While waiting for a tow truck to arrive can be stressful, there are specific things you can do to help expedite the process and feel more at ease throughout. Towing is dangerous and complex, so it’s important to understand the proper protocols and follow regulations. It’s also important to be patient when towing, as the process can take a while depending on where you’re located and what type of vehicle is being towed.
When you’re ready for the tow truck, be sure to park in a safe and visible location away from traffic flow. It’s also a good idea to bring a roadside kit with food, water and any other essentials that you may need. Finally, be sure to double-check all lights and make sure they’re working properly. Many states require that a trailer has functioning brake lights and taillights, as well as that these lights are in sync with the vehicle pulling it.
It’s also a good idea to collect any personal belongings from the vehicle so that they won’t be lost or damaged during transit. This includes cell phones, maps and any other items that you might need to access during your wait. Finally, be sure to stay informed by asking for an estimated time of arrival and any updates from the tow truck company as they arrive.
Be sure to give the tow truck driver plenty of space, as their rigs will be larger than your vehicle. This is especially important if you’re driving on a narrow road or in an area with limited shoulder room.
You’ll need to focus on the road and your surroundings during towing, so be sure to turn off your cell phone and stop fiddling with the navigation system or stereo. You’ll also need to pay attention to the speed limit and leave plenty of distance between you and any other vehicles.
Lastly, never ride in the car while it’s being towed. Not only is this illegal, but it’s extremely unsafe and can cause serious injury or death in the event of a collision.