How To - Tow a car

You can get stranded at any point and need someone to come and help you. When that happens, you might need to know how to tow a car. Or perhaps you're offering help to someone in need?

The road traffic act states that a towing apparatus can be made of rope, chain, a solid steel bar or a towing strap and cannot exceed 2.2m, and cannot be shorter than 1.2m.

Begin by attaching the tow strap to the towing vehicle that is rated for the weight, then attach the strap to the towed vehicle.

Slowly take up the slack until the strap is taut. Work out a system of hand signals so that you can communicate while under way, and slowly begin moving. The driver of the towed vehicle should depress the brake pedal slightly to keep tension on the strap.

Keep a steady pace and avoid busy roads!

You should not tow an automatic vehicle! The driven wheels are still connected to the transmission even if it is in neutral. If you choose to tow you cannot exceed 20km/h and cannot ravel past 8km. Rather call a tow truck.