If you've been driving a car for some time, you know that you should always prepare for the unexpected. You never know if you will encounter delays on your journey and should be prepared if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. Yet how ready are you if you find yourself stranded by the side of the road due to a mechanical malady? Should you call your best friend to come and give you a tow, and if so, how should you go about this?

Dealing With The Issue

Before you do anything else, ensure that you and all your passengers are safe and that the vehicle does not pose a significant hazard to other road users. If possible, move the car well to the side of the road and activate the hazard warning lights if you still have electrical power. Passengers should stand behind a safety barrier or out of the way in case of any collision.

Weighing It All Up

Having said that, you need to think carefully before your phone your best mate to come and help you out. To begin with, the rules vary between the individual states and territories, and these regulations may force you to think about a different strategy.

Also, you may cause a lot of damage to a car that is equipped with an automatic transmission if you do not go about this the right way. Ideally, you should raise the driven wheels off the ground (also called a suspended tow) to avoid issues with the internal parts.

Preparing To Tow

Do you have the right equipment? Ideally, you should use a chain or strap that has been made for the task and not some old rope you happen to have in the boot. You also have to make sure that the towing distance between the vehicles is just right. If the chain is too short, you will risk a collision, and if it's too long, you may cause a hazard as another road user may come in between the two vehicles at a roundabout.

Also, you will need to attach any towing mechanism to purpose-made eyes beneath each vehicle. Never connect to anything else, as those parts may rip away.

Unnecessary Risk

You will probably face some repair costs due to your breakdown as it is. Don't add insult to injury and cause additional issues by trying to tow your vehicle between you. You may risk causing damage or, worse, injury to another party.

Calling in the Experts

In this case, you should always call a professional towing company instead. They will have the equipment to commence breakdown towing and the know-how to ensure that you are at home before you know it.