When your car breaks down unexpectedly, it can be tempting to take matters into your own hands, especially if you have access to a friend’s truck or a tow strap. While towing your own vehicle might seem like a quick way to save money or time, it can actually lead to serious safety hazards, legal issues, and costly damage to both vehicles involved. Professional towing services exist for good reason, and understanding the risks of DIY towing can help you avoid making a bad situation worse. With this in mind, we at Non Stop Towing would like to stress why you should never try and tow your own vehicle.
Safety Risks on the Road
The most important reason you should never try to tow your own vehicle is safety. Professional tow truck drivers are trained to handle heavy loads, use proper equipment, and secure vehicles safely. When you use a rope, chain, or strap to pull a disabled vehicle, there’s a high risk of it snapping or detaching, especially if it’s not rated for the vehicle’s weight. A sudden break in tension can cause the towed car to roll uncontrollably or collide with another vehicle.
In addition, steering and braking are much more difficult for the driver in the towed vehicle. Without the right braking system and lighting setup, the risk of an accident increases significantly. Professional tow trucks come equipped with integrated braking systems, proper lighting, and experienced operators who understand how to manage these challenges safely.
Damage to Your Vehicle
DIY towing can easily cause more harm than good. Using the wrong equipment or attaching a strap to the wrong part of the car, like the bumper or suspension, can result in serious damage. Even a small mistake can bend the frame, damage the drivetrain, or ruin the transmission, particularly in automatic or all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Flatbed towing, the method most professionals use, eliminates these risks by lifting the entire car off the ground. It ensures your vehicle is fully supported and transported without unnecessary wear or strain on its components.
Legal & Liability Concerns
In many areas, towing your own vehicle on public roads without proper equipment is against the law. Most states require safety chains, tow bars, and functional brake and signal lights on the towed vehicle. If you don’t meet these requirements, you could face fines, or worse, be held responsible for damages or injuries if something goes wrong.
A professional towing company carries the necessary licenses, insurance, and certifications to ensure your vehicle is moved legally and safely. If an accident occurs, their insurance covers the damages, giving you peace of mind.
Professionals Save Time, Stress, & Money
While it might seem cheaper to handle towing yourself, one wrong move can lead to expensive repairs or even a totaled vehicle. A professional towing service can quickly assess the situation, use the right equipment, and transport your car safely to its destination, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Towing & Roadside Assistance Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Towing your own vehicle is risky, unsafe, and often illegal. Professional tow truck operators have the expertise, equipment, and experience to ensure your vehicle is handled properly from start to finish. The next time your car breaks down, skip the DIY approach, call a trusted towing service instead. It’s the smartest and safest choice you can make for yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. Call Non Stop Towing when you need towing or roadside assistance services.
