How to Properly Tow a Car That's Broken Down
If your car has broken down and needs servicing, it's always best to call a tow truck company and have them safely get that car home or to a car repair shop. However, if you need to save money on the tow and want to do this yourself, note that there are right ways and wrong ways to tow a vehicle. The wrong way can cause either the lead vehicle or vehicle being towed to lose a bumper or other part under the hood, and either car may wind up in a ditch or wrapped around a tree! Note a few tips for safely and properly towing a car that's been broken down.
Tow hook
Almost all cars are equipped with what is called a tow hook. This is a steel loop under the front and back of the car, meant to hold a tow strap. If your towing vehicle has a trailer hitch, this hitch will usually be attached to this tow hook. For the vehicle that will be towed, look behind the front bumper, not directly underneath it. The loop or hook will be large enough to hold the metal hook of the tow strap.
If you cannot find a tow hook on the vehicle or need to ensure you're using the right hook, check the owner's manual. If you still cannot find this hook, you may do well to call a tow truck and have them tow the vehicle properly and safely, as hooking the strap to the bumper or any other part under the hood is likely to just pull that part away from the car. Even if you found a solid piece to which you might hook the tow strap, if you do not balance the weight of the car properly during towing, the body of the car could actually buckle and crumple during the tow.
Going forward
Once the vehicles are connected, creep the towing vehicle forward, meaning go forward very, very slowly, until the strap is tight. Never jerk the car forward, thinking this will help pull the towed vehicle from its spot, as this can only put stress on the tow strap and hook. If you need to pull the vehicle out of a ditch, mud, and the like, this is also a job best left to a tow truck. If the towed vehicle is hesitant to get rolling, have someone push it from behind rather than trying to force it with the tow vehicle.
Use smooth and slow movements as you drive; never whip around corners or slam to a stop. This will ensure the towed vehicle doesn't skid or slide and is more easily controlled.