However, before you go on a further journey with him, you need to be sure that he is used to...
How to properly tow a car?
(photo Moje Auto)
Drivers with many years of experience have probably often had to tow another vehicle or needed help during a breakdown on the road. So it seems that towing is not a difficult activity and we can handle it without experience. However, it is worth knowing that towing rules are regulated by road traffic regulations. If done incorrectly, it will result in a fine. If you want to avoid it, follow our tips.
From the article you will learn:
- How to choose a tow rope and how do they differ from each other?
- What are the general rules for towing a car?
- What steps should you take to properly prepare your car for towing?
- Where is towing prohibited?
Towing ropes – basic and necessary equipment
Towing a vehicle requires appropriate equipment. For this you need tow ropes. For passenger cars, towing ropes designed to tow vehicles weighing from 2500 kg to 3500 kg are sufficient. Their length cannot be shorter than 4 meters, so we recommend 4-meter ropes, made of durable and solid materials and with an appropriate fastening system consisting of 2 hooks. Tow ropes must comply with the WT/008 certificate (PIMOT Technical Conditions of 2008)
Towing – general and technical rules
How to properly tow a vehicle is described in detail in the Highway Code, chapter 5. Vehicle traffic, section 9 - towing, art. 31. The towing and towed vehicle must be occupied by persons with driving license. Only one car can be towed, and towing cannot be done with a vehicle with a trailer. It is also forbidden to tow cars on the highway, only special tow trucks are authorized to do this.
The towing vehicle must have its dipped headlights on, but cannot, like the towed vehicle, have its hazard warning lights on. It is also necessary to use special safety markings. We install a warning triangle on the left side outside the vehicle. An alternative to the triangle is a device that sends yellow flash signals.
Towing must be carried out while maintaining the appropriate distance between vehicles, it cannot be greater than 3 meters in the case of a rigid connection, while in the case of a flexible connection, i.e. when towing ropes are used, it must be 4 meters. The towed vehicle should also have functional braking and steering systems. It is obvious that it will not be functional in every respect, and there is a reason why it cannot drive on the road on its own.
Outside built-up areas, vehicles may travel at a speed not exceeding 60 km/h, and within built-up areas they may not exceed 30 km/h.
We prepare the car for towing
We have already partially presented how to do this in the general rules, but it is worth knowing the details and precise regulations that will allow you to properly prepare your car for towing. We must attach a warning triangle to the left side of the vehicle. Turn on the position lights only when visibility is limited and when towing at night.
We never turn on the hazard warning lights. For such an action, you may be fined and the car owner may receive penalty points. We attach the tow rope in a very stable way so that it does not become disconnected during towing. We would then be responsible for creating a dangerous situation on the road. It could even result in a collision or accident. We do not attach the rope to the wishbones or bumpers, we always use a hook or towing eyes. Only a car prepared in this way can be towed legally. Otherwise, we must take into account the consequences, which are usually related to the need to pay a fine issued by the police.
Towing a vehicle in practice
Tow ropes are a basic element of car equipment, but they are not mandatory, which is why few drivers have them in their car. They take up little space and their price ranges from PLN 20-35. So it is a small expense and can help both you and another driver. Tow ropes must be of a visible color - red, yellow or blue. We never tow a car using a kinetic tape and we do not attach the cable to the suspension elements, because this way we can easily damage them and also hit the tow bar attached in this way.
A problem may also occur when attaching the warning triangle. A suitable method is to use the rear window wiper, or in a sedan, press the triangle with the trunk lid. Also, don't forget about efficient communication. Drivers need to be in constant contact, today it is easier than a few dozen years ago, when there were no mobile phones. It is best to have a hands-free kit because, as you know, using your cell phone in any other way while driving is prohibited.
Responsibility for towing rests with the towing person and he or she receives a ticket for violating road traffic rules. It's not worth the risk, so it's worth having a tow rope in your car and the rules of towing in your head! The best choice for towing certified ropes by PIMOT, TUV or BSI (British Standards Institution).
Where can't you tow your car?
Towing with a cable is not possible or legal in all circumstances. Sometimes it will be necessary to call roadside assistance or a tow truck. According to road traffic regulations, you cannot tow a car on the highway. This is only possible using cars specially designed for this purpose. In such situations, however, it is worth being aware that the car will be towed to the nearest motorway exit. You cannot tow more than one vehicle. It is prohibited to tow cars with trailers. If the engine of the towed vehicle is immobilized, it cannot be towed using a flexible connection, i.e. a cable. This applies to vehicles in which the operation of the braking system depends on the efficiency and operation of the drive unit. Therefore, towing, a seemingly simple activity, has its limitations and there are numerous rules associated with it. How a car can be towed is determined by law.
Summary
- Tow ropes are intended for passenger cars to tow vehicles weighing from 2500 kg to 3500 kg. They are more than 4 meters long. They should have the WT/008/ certificate (PIMOT Technical Conditions of 2008).
- When towing at night and in difficult conditions, the towed car should have its dipped headlights on, but never the hazard warning lights.
- You cannot tow two cars, a car with a trailer and a vehicle with a faulty engine.
- Towing on the highway is prohibited. In the event of a breakdown, you should use roadside assistance.
- The towed car must have a warning triangle attached to the left side.
- We attach the rope stably to avoid it disconnecting during towing.
