When an emergency car breaks down on the road, towing is the most expected assistance offered to avoid any risks to motorists and pedestrians. But, when towing an emergency car, such as a police car, patrol car, fire truck, or ambulance, several measures must be taken to ensure safety without damage.
You should choose the appropriate towing equipment based on the size and weight of the emergency car. Verify the towing vehicle’s capacity and adhere to weight limits to prevent accidents. After that, connect the towing components and communicate clearly with hand signals to ensure a smooth towing process.
This article will explain the process of towing an emergency car, from selecting the appropriate equipment to connecting the towing components. So, if you want to discover more about towing an emergency car, keep reading.
How Do You Tow an Emergency Car: Six Steps to Follow
When towing an emergency car, you need to follow these steps for safe towing:
- Assess the situation and safety precautions
- Choose the right towing equipment
- Verify the towing vehicle’s capacity
- Connect towing components
- Communicate clearly with hand signals
- Display relevant lights and signals during towing
Step 1: Assess the Situation and Safety Precautions
Before you start towing, move your passengers and other road users to a safe location away from traffic, ideally behind a barrier. Activate blinking hazard lights on the towed vehicles to alert other drivers about the emergency situation.
Step 2: Choose the Right Towing Equipment
Consider the dimensions and weight of the emergency car when selecting the appropriate towing equipment to ensure safe and effective towing. You can use a tow bar, tow dolly, or trailer based on the vehicle’s specifications.
Also, keep safety chains that provide extra security. Reflective triangles or cones that will enhance visibility can be used.
Step 3: Verify the Towing Vehicle’s Capacity
Check the towing vehicle’s manual to confirm its capacity for safely towing the emergency car, ensuring you don’t exceed weight limits. Exceeding the towing capacity can compromise stability and braking, increasing the risk of accidents.
Furthermore, ensure that the vehicle’s transmission and cooling systems are suitable for towing the emergency car’s weight. Look for the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in the manual to determine the maximum weight the towing vehicle can handle.
Step 4: Connect Towing Components
Now, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the towing vehicle and the emergency car when connecting the tow bar or dolly. Ensure all connections are secure and double-check them before beginning the towing process.
Turning on the emergency flashers and brake lights on the towed vehicle is important to signal your movements to drivers behind you. This will help to ensure that other drivers are aware of your presence and movements, enhancing safety for all vehicles involved in the towing process.
Step 5: Communicate Clearly with Hand Signals
To ensure a synchronized towing process when towing an emergency car, establish a communication method with the driver of the towed vehicle. This is especially important if the vehicles lack two-way radios.
One effective communication method is to use standard hand signals for braking, turning, and stopping. These hand signals ensure that both drivers are on the same page and coordinate their actions during the towing process.
Ensure that both drivers understand and agree upon the hand signals to be used. This will help prevent any confusion or miscommunication that could lead to accidents or other issues.
In addition to hand signals, using the turn signals and brake lights on both vehicles is also helpful. This will allow other drivers on the road to see the intentions of the towing vehicles and adjust their actions accordingly.
Step 6: Display Relevant Lights and Signals During Towing
Use turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights on both the towing and towed vehicles. Prioritize safety by ensuring that all drivers around you can anticipate your actions.
When turning, use the appropriate turn signal to indicate your intentions. Apply the brake lights when slowing down or coming to a stop. In an emergency or breakdown, activate the hazard lights to alert others.
If you are an emergency car driver stuck in a breakdown, you must seek assistance from a professional towing service that can help you escape the situation. As part of their services, you are provided with a 24/7 towing service to ensure your and your vehicle’s safety.
Does an emergency car have to be in neutral to be towed?
Towing a car with the transmission in neutral is the recommended method to prevent damage and ensure safety. When a vehicle is in neutral, the wheels can freely rotate without causing any strain on the transmission. This reduces transmission damage risk and ensures the vehicle can be towed smoothly.
Also, towing a car in neutral keeps the transmission from generating heat from friction, which can happen when the wheels turn against a locked transmission. Note that towing a car while in gear can lead to severe damage, as the transmission components can experience excessive wear and tear.
In some cases, towing a car while the transmission is engaged can even result in the transmission seizing, requiring costly repairs.
Is it OK to tow an emergency manual car in neutral?
You can safely tow an emergency manual car in neutral as long as the transmission relies on the movement of the gears to circulate lubricant. This method ensures that the transmission components are adequately lubricated during the towing process.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all manual transmissions operate similarly. Some manual transmissions use a pump to circulate the lubricant and cool the transmission. In such cases, towing the vehicle in neutral may lead to improper lubrication, potentially causing damage to the transmission components.
Therefore, before towing a manual car in neutral, verify the specific type of transmission in the vehicle. Consult the car’s manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic to determine whether towing in neutral is safe for the particular transmission system.
Confidently Tow an Emergency Car: Steps to Ensure a Stress-Free Experience
Towing an emergency car can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you need clarification on the process. However, with the right knowledge and equipment, you can tow a car safely and efficiently.
We’ve provided step-by-step instructions on selecting appropriate towing equipment, verifying the towing vehicle’s capacity, and connecting the towing components safely. Safety should be your top priority when towing, so feel free to seek professional help if you need clarification.
With these tips, you can confidently tow an emergency car without stress or accidents. So, the next time you encounter an emergency car, you’ll be prepared to offer the much-needed assistance.