[Nicko]

Check the overall condition of the engine

Towing puts a major strain on the entire car, not least on the engine. It must work at peak capacity to cope with the increased load. Therefore, check the engine's condition: it should work smoothly, without unnecessary sounds or other signs of malfunction.

In addition, before towing, it is better to service the engine:

• Replace oil and filter;
  
• Check the level and condition of coolant;
  
• Inspect the condition of spark plugs; / glow plugs for diesel engines.
  

Check the condition of the suspension

It's incorrect to say that the greatest strain goes to the engine when towing. The suspension suffers the most, as it bears a lot of weight and wears out a lot.

Moreover, if the suspension is faulty - it can lead to an accident - if any of the elements fail during towing. Therefore, before starting the trip, check the condition of the suspension and service it.

Inspect the gearbox

Towing adds strain to the gearbox - it heats up faster and can fail. Therefore, firstly, do not overload the car, and secondly, check the condition of the lubricant in the gearbox and, if necessary, replace it with a new one.

Fill up with more fuel

Since towing is associated with a greater load, more fuel is consumed for this process. Fuel consumption can increase by 10-20%, depending on weight.

Therefore, put more fuel in the tank, plan the route so you can stop for refueling, and don't hesitate to take several canisters of fuel with you.

Keep a Toolkit in the Car

Having a set of necessary tools in your vehicle in an emergency is vital. These are wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers; any specialized tools required for your towing equipment should be included.

If suddenly an unexpected challenge occurs while towing, having all the important tools will help to avoid or diminish any delays.

Shop From Amazon
   

                   

DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" & 1/2" Drive, SAE/Metric, 205-piece (DWMT81534)
                   

                   
          
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, Hand Box Set in Metal, 3 Drawers, Red (CMMT45303)

A First Aid Kit in the Car is Mandatory

When preparing for towing, safety should always be the priority. In the event of an accident or injury, a well-stocked first aid kit is vital, containing items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. It's essential to your vehicle's emergency kit, guaranteeing you're ready to handle any medical emergencies.

Shop From Amazon
   

                     

Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Spra...
                   
 

                   

First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit
                   
Securely Fix Cargo on a Carriage or Open Platform


When carrying cargo on a carriage or open platform, securing it with cables or straps is mandatory. This keeps the load from fluctuating or slipping during transportation, lowering the risk of an accident and maintaining the safety of your vehicle and others on the road.

Always use proper loading and securing methods for optimal balance and stability when towing cargo.

Check the technical condition of the trailer



Towing is not only about the car. 50% of your safety depends on what you carry.

Therefore, before going on a long journey, go through the following checklist:

• Check the trailer brakes. We don't recommend using trailers that don't have braking systems. There may need to be more than the effort of your car to support its weight and, additionally, the weight of the trailer.
  

The strain on the brakes will be enormous, which can lead to their complete failure. Therefore, the brakes on the trailer itself should assist you.

Trailer brakes are either connected to the car's brake line or electronically controlled - triggering every time you apply the brakes in the car. Check if this system is working properly;

• Check the Condition of the Trailer Suspension. Before towing, carefully examine the trailer's suspension system. Start by looking for any indications of damage, wear, or rust in the springs, shocks, and leaf or coil springs.
  

Ensure that every element has been tightly fastened and properly aligned. A well-kept suspension system is critical to preserving stability and handling when towing.

Deal with any issues that are discovered as soon as possible to avoid difficulties on the road;

• Check Your Trailer Lights. Trailer lights that work correctly are important for your safety and are also required by law in most areas.
  

Examine all trailer lights, such as the brake lights, turn signals, taillights, and markers. Replace any burned-out bulbs, and ensure all the electrical connections are safe and without corrosion.

Checking and keeping your trailer lights frequently ensures that other drivers know your intentions on the road, improving safety while towing.

• Check Your Trailer Hitch (Where It Attaches to the Car). Checking the trailer hitch and its attachment to your vehicle is crucial in getting ready to tow. Inspect the hitch's condition for any wear, corrosion, or damage.
  

Check that all bolts, pins, and fasteners are tightly secured and that the safety chains are in good condition. Correctly maintained hitches are necessary for safe towing and avoiding disengagement on the road.

Lube moving parts frequently to minimize friction and wear and thus prolong the lifespan of your hitch.

Towing a Car

If you plan to tow the car, follow the rules listed above. However, several subtleties are relevant only to the transportation of cars.

They should also be kept in mind - as your safety depends on them, too. These factors are described below.

Make sure the vehicle you are towing is not too heavy

Before towing another car, it is important to check whether its weight is at most the towing capacity of your car. To determine your car's maximum towing capacity, consult your car's manual. Exceeding the permissible indicators can cause low braking and steering efficiency and a significant engine load and transmission load.

For successful towing, consider the weight, size, cargo (if any), and number of passengers (if any) of your car and the vehicle you intend to tow.