How To Tow a Car with a Car?

Knowing how to tow a car with another car is essential for moving a disabled vehicle safely without damage. Towing a car with another car requires careful preparation and attention to move the car without damage or accident. Firstly, ensure that both vehicles are compatible for towing, and check their towing capacity. Use a strong tow strap or tow bar that you can tow with the disabled vehicle. Attach the towing device to the designed towing points on a car; never hook to the bumper or the suspension parts, as they can break.

Why Learn How to Tow a Car with a Car?

Towing a car with a car is useful in emergencies when professional help isn’t available. Many drivers search for how to tow a car because it’s a skill that comes in handy during breakdowns, flat tires, or battery failures. However, improper towing can damage both vehicles or even cause accidents. That’s why understanding the best way to tow a car is essential.

Essential Equipments for Towing

Before you start, you’ll need the right equipment for towing. Using proper tools ensures safety and prevents accidents. Here are the most common options:

• Tow Rope or Tow Strap:  Flexible and simple, perfect for short distances.

• Tow Bar: A solid metal connection that provides more stability than ropes.

• Tow Chain or Tow Cable: Strong but less flexible, used in certain conditions.

• Safety Chains and Tow Hooks: Backup connectors that prevent accidents if the primary strap or bar fails.

• Communication Devices: Phones, radios, or hand signals help drivers stay connected during towing.

Easy Ways to Tow a Car with a Car

We have mentioned some of the most important steps in order to tow a car with another car without any damage:

Step 1: Prepare and Check

Before towing, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand its towing capacity and where the tow points on car are located. Make sure the tow car is bigger and stronger than the car to be towed.

Step 2: Use the Right Equipment

The best way to tow a car is by using a car-to-car tow bar or a strong tow strap, or a rope that is rated for the vehicle’s weight. If using a tow bar, attach it safely between the two vehicles at the approved towing points.

Step 3: Position the Vehicles

Align both vehicles in a straight line with enough space for the tow bar or rope. For towing a car with a tow bar, ensure both cars are level and locked in place.

Step 4: Secure the Tow Strap or Tow Bar

If you choose to tow a car with a rope, hook the tow strap on the correct tow points on each car; never attach to bumpers or weak parts. If using a tow bar, follow the instructions on how to use a tow bar or how to use a towing bar for proper attachment.

Step 5: Get the Towed Car Ready

Put the car in neutral and release the parking brake to allow smooth towing. For a Front Wheel Drive car, ensure the front wheels can roll freely without damage.

Step 6: Drive Carefully

Drive slowly and consistently, not exceeding 30 mph. Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns while towing a car with a car, and keep communication clear between drivers.

Safety Tips and Common Mistakes

Below are some common points to keep in your mind while towing a car with another car:

• Always attach to proper tow points, never bumpers.

• Keep head lights on during towing.

• Maintain extra space between cars.

• Use radios or mobile phones for clear communication.

• Avoid busy highways when possible.

Conclusion

Towing a car with another car is safe and effective when done with proper preparation, the right equipment, and careful driving. Always follow guidelines, use secure towing points, and maintain clear communication between drivers. By following these steps, you can avoid damage and tow smoothly without accidents. Always keep safety as your main priority throughout the entire towing process.

FAQs

Q1: What is the cheapest way to tow a car a short distance?

Ans: The cheapest way to tow a car a short distance is by using a tow bar or tow dolly. These methods save money compared to flatbed towing.

Q2: What is the best way to tow two cars?

Ans: The best way to tow a car is by using a car dolly, which lifts the front wheels for safe and stable towing.

Q3: How to hook up two cars?

Ans: Park both cars straight, attach the tow bar or strap to the tow points, and put the towed car in neutral, and secure safety chains.

Q4: Is it better to use a tow bar or a tow rope for car-to-car towing?

Ans: A tow bar is usually safer and offers more control, especially for longer or bumpy routes. The tow ropes are best for very short and slow moves.