After I started traveling a lot for work, I realized that I needed to be ready for anything life threw at me. I didn't want to get stranded on the road without any supplies to my name. I started collecting little things that might help during an emergency, and it was amazing to see how much of a difference it made. When I was stranded a few months later, I was prepared while I waited for the tow truck. This blog is all about preparing for towing services and getting your car ready for emergencies. After all, you never know when you will be faced with trouble.
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Getting Your Car Ready For Emergencies
Common Terms Related To Towing Services
Eetu Ketola
If you are involved in an accident and cannot safely move your vehicle to your mechanic, you should call a towing service. Apart from moving damaged vehicles, towing companies also offer to troubleshoot and repair minor car defects. If you are new to towing services, here are a few terms to improve your towing knowledge.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of a tow truck is the total weight it can pull. Towing capacity changes depending on how a truck is configured, its weight, and how the driver controls and distributes the weight they want to tow.
Manufacturers usually publish the towing capacity for each car they build. However, the calculations only consider that the tow vehicle is carrying the driver alone. Therefore, if you want to tow a travel trailer and have heavy gear and passengers, the manufacturer's calculations don't apply. Ensure you ask your towing service about their vehicle's towing capacity so you aren't caught off guard.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
A tow truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is indicated on a sticker on the driver's side door. If a tow truck service exceeds its GVWR, the driver could get ticketed and even face criminal charges.
The GVWR of a truck is the maximum capacity of the vehicle. This limit considers the weight of the empty car, the weight of passengers, cargo, and fuel. When hiring a tow truck service, make sure you inquire about the GVWR of their truck. Also, a tow truck may require specific insurance if its rate is above the required GVWR. Furthermore, a special license is needed to operate a tow truck over a specific GVWR.
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the force the tongue of a trailer exerts on the tow vehicle. The wrong tongue weight can lead to a dangerous towing experience.
The trailer works like a lever. If too little or too much weight is exerted on the tongue of the trailer, the result could be an accident. Therefore, tongue weight should be balanced, similar to the weight of two people on a seesaw lever. Tongue weight is derived after subtracting the tow vehicle's weight from the tow vehicle's weight with the trailer.
Conclusion
It is crucial to contact towing service if you are involved in an emergency. When vetting a tow truck service, make sure they abide by towing rules and are licensed and experienced. Don't forget to compare the rates and services of different tow truck providers to get the best price.
Contact towing services in your area to learn more.
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