Tire blowouts, empty gas tanks, unruly roads, and engine failures, we’ve all been there—stranded on a dark street having no life in sight, staring at a car that’s just given up on life. Alright, maybe it’s not always that dramatic, but let’s be real—it’s never a good time when your car suddenly stops moving an inch. It’s an amalgam of confusion, frustration, and just a bit of “why me?”
But here’s the thing: breakdowns don’t ask for permission. They happen. So, instead of standing there scratching your head (or Googling “help, my car died”), let’s get you prepped. Welcome to the A-to-Z of towing—your no-nonsense guide to staying cool when your ride decides to quit on you.
What Is Towing and Why Is It Needed?
In simple terms, towing refers to pulling a vehicle (usually one that is damaged or disabled) using a specialized vehicle or equipment. The towing vehicle is commonly referred to as a tow truck. Towing comes in handy when your vehicle gets stuck, breaks down, or becomes unsafe to drive. If appropriately towed, one can safely transport their vehicle to a desired location or repair shop. However, towing isn’t always about breakdowns—you might pull a trailer, camper, or boat when heading for a picnic or adventure. Curious about how does towing work in different scenarios? Understanding the basics helps you make the right call during roadside trouble or planned transport.
Types of Towing Services Explained
So far, so good? Now, let’s get into some of the common types of towing. After this, you will know whether you can pull it off or need some helping hands. If you ever need help, King Khan Towing is always ready to assist you. But for now, let’s dive in.
Flatbed Towing
- Description: In this method, we use a truck with a flat, horizontal platform where a vehicle is loaded securely. A car can be driven onto the flatbed or winched up if it is damaged or disabled.
- Usage: Ideal for transporting vehicles over long distances securely. Flatbed towing is best suited for heavily damaged vehicles, as well as luxury and exotic models—particularly those that should not be towed with their wheels touching the ground.
- Difficulty Level: Easy. Moderate. Aside from the loading process (which can be especially difficult if winching is involved), flatbed towing can be beginner-friendly for experienced drivers.
Hook and Chain Towing
- Description: Hooks and chains are attached to the axle or frame of the vehicle, lifting either the rear or front wheels (depending on the drivetrain) off the ground.
- Usage: This type of towing is best suited for transporting scrap or damaged vehicles, as the use of hooks and chains can cause damage to the car. Warning: This method should be avoided for modern automobiles with delicate suspensions.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult. Hook and chain towing is not recommended for inexperienced individuals, as the risk of improper attachment can lead to damaged vehicles, accidents, and even life-threatening situations.
Wheel-Lift Towing
- Description: Similar to hook and chain towing, a wheel-lift tow involves lifting either the front or rear wheels (depending on the drivetrain) of a vehicle; however, this time, a metal yoke is placed under the wheels. Likewise, the remaining wheels roll on the ground. This process is gentler on the vehicles compared to hook-and-chain towing.
- Usage: Great for short-distance towing of lighter vehicles, particularly when flatbed towing is not an option. One of the most prominent uses of wheel-lift towing is for repossessions or parking violations.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate. Although wheel-lift towing may not be as intimidating as hook-and-chain towing, it still requires proper attachment, making it complicated for a non-professional.
Integrated Towing
- Description: The most complex and sophisticated of all is the integrated towing system, which combines the tow truck’s arms with other built-in equipment, such as a hydraulic system, for added control and strength.
- Usage: This method is ideal for towing heavy-duty, large vehicles, such as trucks, RVs, or buses. Integrated towing is best used when strength and precision are of utmost priority.
- Difficulty Level: Difficult. Integrated towing is by far the most challenging towing method, not just because of the safety issues associated with handling large vehicles but also due to the vast amount of skill and knowledge required to operate the machinery involved. It is not an ordinary man’s cup of tea.
Now you know several different types of towing methods, when to use each of them, and whether or not you can carry out the job yourself. However, as an industry leader in Bolingbrook, King Khan Towing recommends consulting experts like us or others in the vicinity to help you out, as improper towing can result in severely damaging outcomes.
How the Towing Process Works: Step-by-Step
If you’ve ever wondered how does towing work from the moment you call to when your vehicle is safely delivered, here’s a simple breakdown to guide you. Although knowing which towing method is best for your situation is ideal, it is still advisable to call a towing company for assistance. Let’s examine the 4-step process that modern and efficient towing companies like King Khan Towing follow.
- Calling a Towing Company: Contact us or any towing service, provide your location, and describe your situation—stuck, engine issue, or a casual trailer tow. More detailed descriptions and instructions result in efficient towing.
- Vehicle Evaluation: Although the details you provided would be very effective in making the process quick, some tweaking is often required. Once the tow truck arrives, the experts will evaluate the situation and decide the most efficient mode of transport. Don’t worry; you won’t have to wait; we have everything onboard for a quick and efficient towing.
- Towing Equipment Setup: Depending on the towing method, professionals will set up the wheel lift or prepare the vehicle for loading onto the flatbed.
- Transportation to the Destination: And that’s that. Your car will be safely transported to your desired location via the safest and fastest route!
How Much Does Towing Cost in the USA?
Factors That Influence the Cost:
- Distance: Longer tows are pricier.
- Type of Tow: Heavy-duty, flatbed, and integrated towing costs more than basic wheel-lift towing.
- Weight: Heavier vehicles demand greater force, hence more effort and equipment, which increases the price.
Average Towing Rates in the USA:
Most companies charge between $50 and $150 for a 5- to 10-mile tow locally. Prices vary based on the quality of service and equipment, as well as availability. For long-distance towing, the rates lie between $2 to $4 per mile. Ultimately, you’ll get a fixed quote when you call your towing company. Get your quote now by calling King Khan Towing’s customer service at 773-407-4368.
What to Do Before Calling a Towing Service?
Safety Tips While Waiting for a Tow Truck:
- Try to stay inside your vehicle if it’s safe to do so. It’s recommended to have the seatbelt on.
- If you are driving on a busy road, try to move to the shoulder or a secure spot.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
Vital Information to Provide to the Towing Company:
- Your exact location (street number, landmarks, or mile markers).
- A brief explanation of the issue (engine failure, flat tire, etc.).
- Vehicle’s make, model, and condition (mobile or not).
All of this information is critical for a fast and efficient towing process. If you contact King Khan Towing, our representatives will ask you all the right questions to ensure a seamless towing experience.
Insurance and Towing: Are You Covered?
How Insurance Can Cover Towing Services:
Many drivers don’t fully know how does towing work when insurance is involved. Coverage depends on your provider, policy details, and roadside assistance plan. Specific insurance policies include towing coverage, commonly stated under the “comprehensive” or “collision” coverage sections. Please refer to your policy to avoid towing expenses that can exceed a couple of hundred dollars.
Roadside Assistance Plans Explained:
Often, a roadside assistance plan is separately provided by your insurer directly or by a third-party service provider. It includes issues such as flat tires, towing, lockouts, and jump-starts, typically with a predefined number of calls per year. Please check your plan to avoid unnecessary expenses and hassle. If it’s not included in your insurance plan, King Khan Towing is always here to help.