Ways To Prepare Your Car for Towing

Unfortunately, car accidents and breakdowns inevitably occur. When they do, a tow truck will probably be required to transport your vehicle to the closest repair shop. But many drivers are unaware that you can take steps to ease the transaction between the tow driver and yourself before the tow truck comes. Here are ways to get your vehicle ready for towing.

Remove Any Personal Items and Necessities

Before towing your vehicle, remove any personal items and necessities. While leaving them on the dashboard may seem convenient, they can become loose during the towing process, potentially causing damage. Take the time to remove backpacks, cell phones, and other loose items from the driver and passenger seats. 

Securely store any essential or valuable items to prevent misplacement or damage during towing. By removing personal belongings, you can avoid potential hazards and ensure the safety of your items.

Use a Reputable Tow Truck Service 

Selecting a reputable tow truck service is paramount to the safety and security of your vehicle. Before calling a tow truck, it is essential to conduct thorough research. Look for reviews, check their website, and assess their reputation in the industry. A reputable tow truck service will have well-maintained trucks, skilled drivers, and the necessary equipment to handle the job efficiently. 

Choosing the right tow truck can make a significant difference in the safety of your vehicle during transit. Entrusting your car to an unreliable service can lead to potential damage or even theft.

Take Pictures of Your Car

Before the arrival of the tow truck, taking photographs of your vehicle is a prudent step. These photos can indicate if any damage occurs during the towing process. Document the condition of your car from various angles, including the VIN or engine serial number and other important components. This photographic evidence can be invaluable for insurance and provide you and the towing company peace of mind.

Remember to capture even minor damages in the photos as they may become significant issues later. By documenting your vehicle's condition before towing, you can protect yourself from potential disputes and ensure a smooth resolution in case of any damages.

Open the Doors

When the tow truck arrives, it is crucial to open your vehicle's doors to provide access for the driver. This step allows them to verify that the gear is in the appropriate neutral position and ensure you release the handbrake. Furthermore, leaving your car unlocked during towing prevents alarm systems from unnecessarily triggering. By leaving the doors unlocked and handing over the keys to the driver, they can securely handle your vehicle throughout the towing process.

Close the Windows

Closing your vehicle's windows is often overlooked but essential to protect your car from the elements and prying eyes. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and leaving the windows open exposes your car to potential damage from rain, wind, and even theft. Close the windows to maintain the interior's integrity, preventing moisture, mold, and mildew growth.

This is particularly important if you keep your car in a yard for an extended period. Convertible owners should raise the top before the tow truck arrives to safeguard their vehicle fully.

Be Clear Where You Want Your Car Taken

Being clear about the destination for your towed vehicle is crucial for an efficient process. Instead of giving vague instructions like “around the back," provide specific guidance to the driver. Direct them with detailed instructions such as "down the driveway on the left, around the corner, and next to the red trailer."

This level of specificity significantly aids the driver and ensures that your car is placed precisely where it needs to be. By providing clear directions, you save yourself the hassle of repositioning the vehicle later while allowing the driver to perform their job accurately and satisfactorily.



AA Wrecker Service provides towing services for all your needs. Contact our professionals, who are skilled in treating all kinds of vehicle damage, for 24/7 assistance.