The roadside assistance and heavy duty towing experts here at Chicago Towing are highly experienced in the safe, efficient, and rapid towing of vehicles of all sizes – and this experience is backed up by deep knowledge of the complex technique involved in any vehicle recovery service. In this blog entry, our Chicago towing service technicians will detail the top ways to prevent car damage during towing services.

Choose a Talented Towing Service

There’s a wide range of towing services out there today, which is why it’s essential to choose a reputable roadside assistance company. The professional towing technicians here at Chicago Towing have years of experience in towing all forms of car models. Our expert roadside assistance service people are fully licensed, insured, and bonded by the State of Illinois.

Determine the Right Tow Truck

Tow trucks need to be properly matched to your car model. Front wheel drive vehicles shouldnt be towed in a flatbed, but rather with a tow truck that lifts the front wheels of the vehicle off the ground – but rear wheel drive vehicles can be towed on a flatbed. Front wheel drive vehicles have front positioned engines, with the car’s engine pulling down on the car’s end when towing, which can cause transmission damage if the tow truck drives a long distance or stops and starts along the drive. Front wheel drive vehicles require dolly or flatbed assisted towing to lift all four wheels off the ground.

Rear wheel drive vehicles need tow trucks with a rear dolly that supports two of the vehicle’s wheels on the ground and allows the other two wheels to hang freely. Flatbed tow trucks can also tow rear wheel drive vehicles. If your car has been in an accident, however, we don’t recommend getting it towed on a flatbed.

If you have an all wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicle, you’ll need a flatbed tow truck. All wheel drive vehicles have their front and back axles connected with a shaft that allows them to spin at the same time. Regular tow trucks lift one end of the car, but all ends would come off the ground when an all wheel drive vehicle is in question. Flatbed tow trucks are also ideal for towing motorcycles or other vehicle types.

Pre-Towing Vehicle Inspection

Check that your vehicle has full fluid levels, and an at least half full gas tank before towing. Make sure that all other mechanical aspects of your car are also properly working. Place your car in neutral position, release it’s emergency brakes, ensure all straps and hooks are functional, roll up your windows, and secure all items and tools from the vehicle inside the tow truck itself.