Is It Safe to Tow Your Car with a Rope or Chain?

If you’re stuck on the side of the road with a car that just won’t go, your only option is to tow your car to a safe place or to the mechanic’s shop. There are two ways you can tow your car: call a professional service for towing in Salt Lake City, UT, or do it yourself.

Although towing your car yourself is not ideal, in some circumstances it may be your only option. However, there is a right and wrong way to self-tow a car. When deciding on a tow rope, you may be thinking that using a rope or a chain is a good option, but think again. There are several reasons why you should avoid using a rope or chain for towing your car:

It’s illegal: Yes, that’s right. Using a rope or chain to tow your car is actually illegal in some states. You pose certain risks to yourself and others on the road when you don’t follow safe practices for towing, so a lot of states have made using a chain or rope for towing an illegal practice on freeways.

Ropes snap: Most ropes just don’t have the strength needed to tow a vehicle. When put under the weight strain of several thousand pounds of car, a rope can easily fray and snap.

Chains break: Although a chain is much stronger than a rope, it’s still not a safe option for towing. Chains are not flexible enough for the varying tensions and pull directions for towing a car. A chain, when pulled taut in the wrong direction, can easily break.

It can damage your car: Most vehicles, especially newer models, don’t have a good place for connecting a rope or chain for a tow. Front-end car components are not designed to handle the pulling pressure of a tow, so finding a secure and safe place to attach a rope or chain that won’t damage your car can be tricky.

It’s dangerous: The bottom line is that towing a car with a rope or chain is dangerous to you, the person towing your vehicle and others on the road. When using an unsuitable tow rope, you run the risk of losing your vehicle on the road, which puts everyone in danger.

When towing your car, you need to use a suitable tow strap. A nylon or polyester tow strap with manufactured end loops for attaching to the car is the safest option. You can find a tow strap in the car section of most local stores or at hardware stores and auto parts shops. When choosing a tow strap, be sure to choose one with the appropriate weight capacity for your vehicle.

Self-towing your car, when done safely and properly, may do in a pinch. But if you want to avoid the hassle of a self-tow and ensure that you and your car are protected to the fullest extent possible, call AMR Towing for professional, 24/7 emergency towing in Salt Lake City, UT.

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