Towing
This topic has already been touched on under Breakdown,
but parts are worth repeating.
- Keep in your vehicle a 7-10 metre (25-30 foot) tow rope, or nylon towing belt. A
chain or cable is not as forgiving as rope, and a rope is less likely to damage your car.
- A tow rope on its own is not much use without hooks or shackles, so buy a couple of them
too.
- Remember that the small steel loops at the front and rear of many modern cars, are
designed primarily as lashing rings (to secure them on transporter trucks) or for short
light duty towing. They are not intended for heavy recovery or long distance towing use.
- If you are being towed make sure that you still have adequate braking power and before
you set off make sure the ignition key has disengaged the steering wheel lock !
- Whilst operating your hazard warning lights may seem like a good idea, remember that
while all four indicator lights are flashing, you cannot give people following you any
idea of when you are about to make a turn. (Unless you use hand signals). It is probably
safer, if you are going to be turning a few times, to leave the hazard lights off and to
fix a large "On Tow" sign at the rear of the car. You could also switch on your
side lights / tail lights.
- When towing in difficult off-road conditions engage low range and 4 wheel drive / diff
-lock, then pull away in 1st or 2nd gear. As you start to gain enough momentum you can
move into 2nd or 3rd low range. This is covered in greater depth in the Off Road Driving Techniques booklet referred to under Off-road driving.
- If you are standing-by trying to assist in towing a vehicle out of a ditch, mud or sand,
be careful not too stand too close to the rope, chain or cable. They can be dangerous if
they break under tension.
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