If you ever have a breakdown or have an accident, the idea of not using a car towing service might pop into your head.  While it may sound like a good idea at first, it probably isn’t.  Towing a vehicle using a ball hitch is unsafe and could cause injury to yourself or others.

Here are four reasons you don’t want to tow a car using another car.

Vehicle Towing Capability

Every vehicle has an amount of weight it can pull without issue.  Many people who have trailer hitches assume that they can tow a car, but that isn’t necessarily true.  A variety of incidents can occur when you pull something more massive than your car’s tow vehicle rating.  Too much weight on the tires can result in blowouts.  Going up a hill can result in an overheated transmission. Too much pressure on the frame can result in a broken suspension, and when you need to stop your brakes may not be able to handle the additional load.

Legality of Self Towing

Many states require towing companies to get licenses and insurance to be able to operate.  You don’t have any of that.  In addition to that, towing in many states requires safety chains, proper tail lighting, and sometimes warning lights.  Visibility requirements might also be spelled out in the law and towing a car might violate that.

Braking System

Tow trucks are specifically designed to have exceptional braking capabilities due to the extra load they are pulling.  Your car isn’t designed or equipped with that.  Without the enhanced braking system you may be unable to stop, or the car you are towing could collide with you.  Having a proper braking system while pulling is essential.

Liability for Car Towing

When you are towing a car, you are responsible for everything that happens.  If you damage someone else’s car,  you may be found at fault.  In addition to that, many insurance companies will not cover liability when towing a car is done by anything other than a professional service.  You don’t want to end up footing the bill.

Instead of using your car to tow a car, start by calling your insurance company.  Some insurance plans include car towing service, as does AAA.  If that fails, call a recovery company such as Unlimited Recovery.  They can help you get your car where it needs to go, in one piece at a reasonable price.  Call 919-790-9393.