Towing a rear wheel drive vehicle, like most cars, requires a few additional steps than towing a front wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. Both the tow truck and the car being towed must be properly prepared in order for the process to be safe. In this article, we will discuss how to properly prepare your rear wheel drive car for tow as well as how to safely attach it and transport it while being towed. Following these instructions will ensure a safe and secure journey no matter where you are going.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Towing
Before beginning to attach your rear wheel drive car for tow, you must first properly prepare it for the journey ahead. The following steps should always be taken in order to safely prepare your vehicle:
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Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Park and Handbrake is Engaged: Before preparing any part of your car for tow, make sure that the gear shift lever is placed firmly into park position, with no gear selected; doing so will prevent any accidental shifting while being towed. Additionally, apply brakes firmly and engage handbrake before starting preparation of other components of the vehicle.
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Engage Tow Hooks, If ary: If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, attach them in the correct position as per the vehicle’s owner manual. Make sure that they are tightly secured and will not come off during the towing process.
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Lubricate the Tow Bar Connection Points: Once tow hooks are attached, lubricate all connection points of tow bar with machine oil or any other type of lubricant. This will ensure a smoother journey and reduce any potential wear and tear on components due to friction during towing.
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Lock the Steering Wheel: Lock your steering wheel firmly in place using a locking device, such as a steering wheel lock or a small padlock, this will prevent any unexpected movements while being towed.
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Remove Fuses from Accessories: Finally, remove fuses from all accessories inside your car that may be affected by vibration during towing; for example, headlights, radio etc. This will prevent any damage caused by vibrations while driving on uneven road surfaces and ensure safe arrival at destination.
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Disconnect Battery Cables: Disconnect both positive and negative battery cables; if left connected it may cause short circuit in vehicle’s wiring system due to excessive vibration while being towed over uneven roads surfaces or bumps.
Attaching the Tow Truck or Trailer
Once your vehicle is properly prepared for towing, you may now attach it securely to the tow truck or trailer. Make sure that all connections are firmly secured and will not come off while being towed. The following steps should always be taken in order to safely attach your rear wheel drive car:
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Attach Vehicle Securely Using Chains and Brackets: Use heavy-duty chains and brackets to securely attach the car to the tow truck or trailer. Make sure that all chains and brackets are firmly locked in place, this will ensure a secure attachment of vehicle which will prevent any accidental detachment during transit.
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Position Tow Bar and Connect Hitch Ball to Receiver: After securing the car with chains, position the tow bar of tow truck or trailer correctly below rear bumper of car; then connect hitch ball of tow bar into receiver attached on rear bumper of car before locking it securely in place with a pin.
Driving Your Vehicle While Being Towed
When driving a rear wheel drive vehicle while being towed, make sure that you take extra caution while changing lanes, turning corners and accelerating or decelerating; as sudden movements may cause damage due to excessive vibration experienced by the car being towed. Additionally, make sure that no sudden jerks or vibrations are experienced while being towed; this may be due to incorrect attachment of car and tow truck or trailer, so it is important to check the connection points regularly during transit.
Detaching After Reaching Destination
Once you have reached your destination, it is time to detach the car from tow truck or trailer. Make sure that vehicle is securely parked in a level surface before attempting to unhitch it from tow truck or trailer. Then use a pin-puller gun to remove locking pin from receiver attached on rear bumper of vehicle; once pin is released, disconnect hitch ball from receiver and move away tow bar from beneath rear bumper of car. Finally, release chains and remove them carefully as they may be heavy.
Conclusion
Towing a rear wheel drive vehicle requires some additional steps than other types of cars. However, if these steps are followed correctly and with great care then the process can be done safely and securely without any adverse effects on your vehicle or tow truck or trailer used for the task. It is always best to take the time and prepare your car and tow truck or trailer correctly before starting on the journey ahead.
