Why Towing Your Own Car Isn’t a Good Idea
Towing a car might seem like a straightforward task, but it can be more complicated and dangerous than it appears. Many people believe that they can save time and money by towing their own vehicles. However, this decision can lead to several problems, including potential damage to your car, legal issues, and even personal injury. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why towing your own car isn’t a good idea.
1. Risk of Damage to Your Car
Towing a car requires specialized equipment and skills to ensure that it’s done safely and correctly. Attempting to tow your own car without the proper knowledge and tools can result in significant damage to your vehicle. This can include damage to the transmission, suspension, and body of the car. Furthermore, any mistakes made during the towing process can lead to costly repairs.
Lots of us have trailers or know friends with trailers. Here at Tuber we have even been out to help people get cars loaded onto or off of trailers. But having a ‘friend’ do it almost costs more in time and effort. With most tows averaging around $150-$200 in Edmonton, by the time you get your friend out with their trailer, figure out how to get the car on the trailer (hope they have winch) then go across town and unload it you may have already spent $100 in gas.
Once the ‘task’ is done, beers are likely to be drank while you discuss what a pain in the butt it was to do. Probably will say things like, “We should probably just buy AMA at $100 next time.” Maybe do it now, or remember this when you need a tow and just call the professionals and pay the $150-$200. Quick and easy for you that way!
2. Legal Issues
In many jurisdictions, towing a car without the proper licensing and permits is illegal. This means that you could face fines or other penalties if you’re caught towing your own car. Additionally, if you’re involved in an accident while towing your car, you may be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.
On a trailer, is far safer than just towing a frienc with a rope. Did you know in Alberta, towing a vehicle with a strap on a roadway (flat towing) can be considered stunting. Also, that becuase it’s on the roadway and hooked to a Tow Truck it would still be considered a motor vehicle. The problem this poses is that it can then be deemed unsafe and the peace officer can have it towed to a repair facility for inspection. Not a cost you want to incur instead of just getting a tow.
3. Safety Concerns
Towing a car is a complex process that requires a high level of skill and expertise. If you’re not experienced in towing vehicles, you could put yourself and others at risk. Improperly secured cars can break free from their tow, causing accidents and endangering the lives of other drivers on the road.
Can you imagine, dragging your car down the highway on your friends trailer and BOOM a tire comes off the trailer? Heavens forbit that doesn’t happen. The stress and implications that can come from that are far more than the $100 you’re saving in getting your car towed.
4. Lack of Insurance Coverage
Many insurance policies don’t cover damages or injuries that occur during self-towing. This means that if something goes wrong while you’re towing your own car, you could be on the hook for any expenses related to the incident.
Sure, you’re doing yourself a solid and saving a few bucks by dragging your trailer out to get your childs car because they broke down on the side of the highway. Once you show up, you’re heart will drop pretty quick with traffic flying by you within inches. You’ll be thinking, “well I’m here I may as well get it done.” Then what, something happens, something bad… I’m not going to say what, but you can imagine. Will your insurance cover it because you were doing a ‘commercial act’ or maybe ‘working’ on the side of the highway without work coverage.
Now you’re out a truck, trailer, and childs car. Not to mention you are probably at home recovering not able to work. All just to save yourself $150. But how much did it really cost?
5. Time and Effort
Towing a car is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. If you’re not experienced in towing, it can take even longer to figure out the proper techniques and equipment needed to tow your car safely. This can lead to wasted time and unnecessary stress.
More and more this world is focusing on our emotions, our values and our time. In the few hours it can take to tow your own car you could be working on your hobby, at work making money, spending time with your family, working on something to better improve the world. There’s so many things you could be doing instead of thinking about ‘towing a car.’ Leave it to the professionals.
Conclusion
Spend the money, save your heartache and give us a call. Check out our 10 part series that talks about all things to think about when hiring a towing service.
Given the risks and potential complications involved in towing your own car, it’s often a better idea to leave this task to the professionals. At Tuber Towing, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality towing services for vehicles of all sizes. As the sole and preferred provider for towing services by AMA in Parkland County, and secondary in Edmonton, our team has the experience and expertise to ensure that your car is towed safely and efficiently. Tuber towing is your fully equipped, trusted resource for all your Towing needs, big or small. Contact us today for all your towing needs.