Best Methods for Safely Towing a Truck

Posted on November 17, 2025 by admin

Towing a truck can seem like a straightforward task, but it requires careful preparation and an understanding of the right techniques. An incorrectly towed vehicle is not just a risk to your truck and the one being towed; it’s a significant hazard to everyone else on the road. A moment of oversight can lead to vehicle damage, accidents, or even serious injuries.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to tow a truck safely and effectively. We will cover everything from understanding your vehicle’s capabilities to the essential equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and tips for maintaining your truck after the job is done. By following these best practices, you can ensure a smooth and secure towing experience.

Call 317-247-8484 For Pickup Truck Towing Service in Indianapolis

Understanding Your Truck’s Towing Capacity

Before you even think about connecting a trailer or another vehicle, you must know your vehicle’s towing capacity. This figure, determined by the manufacturer, is the maximum weight your car can safely pull. Exceeding this limit can put immense strain on your car’s engine, transmission, brakes, and frame, leading to mechanical failure and dangerous situations on the road.

To find your vehicle’s towing capacity, consult the owner’s manual. The manufacturer will provide specific weight ratings, including:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum allowable weight of your fully-loaded car, including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum total weight of your car and the truck and/or trailer it is towing combined.
Tongue Weight: The downward force that the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch. This should typically be 10-15% of the total trailer weight.

Ignoring these ratings is a serious risk. Overloading your car can cause overheating, brake failure, and reduced steering control, making it difficult to manage your vehicle, especially on inclines or during sudden stops.

Essential Equipment for Successful Truck Towing

Having the right gear is non-negotiable for a safe towing operation. Your equipment must be rated for the weight you intend to pull and be in excellent working condition.

Key Towing Equipment

Tow Hitch: The critical connection point between your vehicle and the truck being towed. Hitches are categorized into classes (I-V) based on their weight capacity. Ensure your hitch class matches or exceeds your towing needs.
Tow Dolly or Trailer: A tow dolly lifts the front two wheels of the vehicle being towed off the ground, which is suitable for front-wheel-drive vehicles. A flatbed trailer carries the entire vehicle, which is the safest option for all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive trucks.
Tow Straps or Chains: Use heavy-duty tow straps or safety chains as a backup connection. These prevent the trailer from detaching completely if the primary hitch fails. Always cross the chains under the trailer tongue in an “X” pattern.
Brake Controller: For heavier loads, an electronic brake controller is essential. It synchronizes the trailer’s brakes with your truck’s brakes, providing smoother, more controlled stopping power.
Towing Mirrors: Standard side mirrors often don’t provide a wide enough view when a trailer is attached. Extended towing mirrors are necessary to eliminate blind spots and monitor traffic around your trailer.

Request Professional Truck Towing Service Now ✅

Step-by-Step Guide to Hooking Up a Truck

Properly connecting your vehicle to another truck or trailer is a critical step. Rushing through this process can lead to a disconnected trailer on the highway—a worst-case scenario.

Position the Vehicles: Park both your vehicle and the truck to be towed on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brakes on both.
Attach the Hitch: Align your car’s hitch with the trailer’s coupler. Slowly back your vehicle up until the coupler is directly over the hitch ball.
Lower and Secure the Coupler: Lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball. Once it’s seated, close the latch and insert the safety pin to lock it in place.
Connect Safety Chains: Attach the safety chains to your car’s frame, crossing them underneath the coupler. This ensures that if the hitch fails, the trailer remains connected.
Hook Up Electrical Connections: Connect the trailer’s wiring harness to your vehicle’s electrical socket. Test the trailer’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights to confirm they work correctly.
Check and Adjust: Perform a final “pull test” by gently pulling forward to ensure the connection is secure. Double-check all connections—hitch, chains, and wiring—before you hit the road.

Best Practices for Safe Towing on the Road

Towing changes how your vehicle handles. It requires more focus, slower speeds, and greater anticipation.

Drive Slower: Maintain a lower speed than you normally would. This gives you more time to react and reduces strain on your vehicle.
Increase Following Distance: Your braking distance increases significantly when towing. Leave at least double the usual space between you and the vehicle ahead.
Make Wider Turns: Your trailer will cut corners more sharply than your car. Take turns wider than usual to avoid hitting curbs or other objects.
Be Mindful of Wind and Terrain: Crosswinds can cause the trailer to sway. Reduce speed if you feel the trailer moving erratically. When driving up or down hills, shift to a lower gear to give you more control and reduce strain on your engine and brakes.
Avoid Sudden Maneuvers: Sudden braking or swerving can cause you to lose control. Anticipate stops and lane changes well in advance.

Troubleshooting Common Towing Issues

Even with careful preparation, problems can arise. Knowing how to handle them is key.

Trailer Sway

This is one of the most dangerous issues. If your trailer starts to sway, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and gently apply the trailer brakes using the manual controller if you have one. Keep the steering wheel straight until the sway stops. Trailer swaying is often caused by improper weight distribution or high speeds.

Overheating

Towing puts extra stress on your engine and transmission. If you notice your temperature gauge rising, pull over safely and let the engine cool down. Check coolant levels once the engine is cool.

Brake Problems

If you feel the brakes are not as responsive, pull over and inspect the connections. Ensure your brake controller is set correctly for the load you are carrying.

Truck Maintenance After Towing

Towing is demanding work for your vehicle. After completing a tow, it’s wise to perform a few maintenance checks to keep your vehicle in top condition.

Check Fluid Levels: Inspect the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. Towing can cause these fluids to degrade faster.
Inspect Brakes and Tires: Look for signs of wear on your brake pads and check the tire pressure on both your vehicle and any trailer.
Examine the Hitch: Inspect your hitch for any signs of stress, cracks, or damage that may have occurred during the tow.

When to Call a Professional

While many towing tasks can be handled on your own, some situations require professional help. If your truck has broken down in a dangerous location, if you’re dealing with extreme weather conditions, or if the vehicle you need to tow is significantly damaged, calling a professional towing service is the safest choice. Professionals have the heavy-duty equipment and experience to handle complex situations without causing further damage.

Final Thoughts

Towing a truck doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding your vehicle’s limits, using the right equipment, and following safe driving practices, you can manage the task with confidence and security. Always prioritize safety over speed, and never hesitate to seek professional help when you’re out of your depth.

If you find yourself in a situation that requires expert assistance in Indianapolis or Central Indiana, don’t take any risks. Contact our professional truck towing service to ensure your vehicle is handled safely and efficiently.

Call Now for Fast Towing

FAQS About Cars Getting Towed

Posted on March 29, 2021 by admin

When it comes to towing, drivers and lot owners have millions of questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below. Review them to see if your questions are answered here. If not, contact a local wrecker company for professional advice and information you can trust.

Indianapolis Indiana Tow Truck Service 317-247-8484

Frequently Asked Questions About Cars That Get Towed

What Do I Do If Someone is Parking in My Private Parking Spot?

You have a couple options here. You can either have the vehicle towed, or you can contact the company that owns the parking spaces and talk to an office manager or representative. They can typically have someone tag the car, or give the person a warning to not park in that spot anymore.

If you want to call a tow truck, refer to your parking lot’s company. They will usually have signs hung or posted in and around the parking lot with instructions on how to contact them. They may have a tow service that performs these private jobs for them full-time.

If they do not, call a local tow company and give them the information you have about the vehicle in question. They can even look into your parking lot’s jurisdiction and see if there is a tow company already assign to that area. If you do call a tow truck, the person will have to pay a fine to reclaim their vehicle from the lot or impound.

How Long Before a Car is Towed after it Breaks Down?

The amount of time a vehicle sits before being declared “abandoned” by authorities and towed away depends on where the car breaks down. If a car breaks down on public property, like a public parking lot, the police can legally tow it after it has been registered as an abandoned vehicle.

In the state of Indiana, if a car is left unattended for more than 30 days, and is never reported stolen, it is labeled “abandoned.” If a vehicle breaks down on private property, there is very little time before it will be towed. As long as the tow company has written authorization from the property owner or police, it can be towed immediately.

What Should I Do if My Car Breaks Down on the Road?

If your car breaks down on the road, coast along the shoulder of the road and slowly come to a complete stop out of the way of traffic. It is very dangerous to get out of your car on a busy highway, so remain inside until help arrives. You may contact a friend or family member, or you can contact a local roadside assistance towing company for prompt and professional help. They operate 24 hours a day and should be available to help you. You may have to wait an hour or two, but they will arrive to get you back on the road.

What Should I Do if My Car Has Just Been Towed?

First, look for a sign in the parking lot, or near the parking spot, that contains the tow company information. These signs are usually rectangular in shape and white. They have the contact information of the assigned tow company that handles the towing for that parking lot. Just call the number and talk to the receptionist. They will check their inventory and see if your particular vehicle is in their possession. If it is, they will give you directions on how to get to their establishment.

Do you have more towing questions that need answered? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 to learn about property management towing, tow truck assistance, and towing and recovery services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Might Also Like:

What Do I Do If My Car is Towed?
Should I Call a Tow Truck if My Check Engine Light Comes On?
What To Do If Your Car is Stuck in a Ditch

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484 — Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Car Towing FAQS You Need to Know Before Driving Off

Posted on September 14, 2020 by admin

Towing a car is not something just anyone can do. It requires a high level of responsibility, liability, proper licensing, and most importantly, training. Training includes both learning the proper practices for car towing, as well as, practicing in a safe environment. Before you pull out of your driveway and hit the road with your car towed behind you, be sure you catch up on the facts you should know.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about towing a car.

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484 — Indianapolis Towing Pros 317-247-8484

How Do I Tow a Car Safely?

When it comes to towing a car or truck, it is crucial to know what type of tow hitch you’ll need. Depending on your vehicle’s tow capacity and the size and weight of the vehicle you need to tow, tow hitch and gear will differ. Be sure to know your car or truck’s tow capacity for safe towing. Do not attempt to tow something that weighs more than your car or truck. This is exceeding your tow capacity and will quickly damage or break the vehicle’s drive train.

Here are a list of some important tips for towing a car safely:

✅ NEVER EXCEED THE TOW CAPACITY

✅ USE THE CORRECT TOW HITCH

✅ ALWAYS SYNCHRONIZE BREAK LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS

✅ BE SURE FOG LIGHTS, FLASHERS, AND HEADLIGHTS WORK

✅ USE THE PROPER SAFETY CHAINS

✅ NEVER TIE SAFETY CHAINS TO A BUMPER

✅ PRACTICE STEERING BEFORE USING INTERSTATE ROADWAYS

✅ ANTICIPATE STOPS BY BRAKING EARLY

✅ DO NOT BRAKE SUDDENLY OR TURN ABRUPTLY

✅ DOUBLE CHECK HITCH AND CHAIN CONNECTION

✅ AVOID TOWING IN BAD OR WET WEATHER

✅ ASK A AN EXPERIENCED TOWER FOR HELPFUL ADVICE

How Do I Find My Vehicle’s Towing Capacity?

It is vital to know and understand the weight capacity of your towing vehicle in order to prevent damage and serious accidents. Generally speaking, the heavier your vehicle is, the larger the load it can haul. In contrast, if you have a lighter vehicle, it will only be able to haul light loads. You must then check with the vehicle’s owners’ manual to see how much weight your make and model vehicle can tow, and compare that with the total combined weight you need to tow. If the total combined weight exceeds the recommended towing capacity, you cannot safely tow with that vehicle. You must either reduce the weight of the cargo and vessel, or get a towing vehicle with a higher towing capacity.

Is the Right Tow Hitch Really Necessary?

The tow hitch is one of the most important components to towing any sort of load, large or small. The proper hitch can mean the difference between a stress-free trip, and a dangerous disaster. Using the right tow hitch for your needs not only ensures safety for yourself and other drivers, it ensure safety of the freight you intend to carry or haul. Appropriate tow hitch use also ensures an easier ride with less pulling and reduced stress to your truck or vehicle.

What Should I Do if I Cannot Tow My Car?

It truly requires experience and practice to tow a car safely. There are so many potential dangers and complications that can arise during a tow. If you have any doubt or insecurities about towing a car, then please call a professional for advice. They can tell you whether or not your vehicle meets tow capacity for your haul and give you professional assistance if you require it. Be sure to use a licensed and reputable towing company for safe, affordable, and protected tow services.

Who Do I Call for 24 Hour Towing Service in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for affordable Indiana towing and recovery assistance in you can trust. Our licensed and insured wrecker operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services throughout all of Central Indiana, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide a wide range of municipal services, roadside wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Should I Call a Tow Truck if My Check Engine Light Comes On?

Posted on May 28, 2020 by admin

It’s happened to almost all of us before; we get into our cars, turn the ignition, and there it is, blinking vigorously or blaring with a constant glow. We are talking about check engine lights! What should you do when you notice your check engine light is on? Should you call a tow truck to have it transported to your local mechanic? Or is your car still safe to drive for a while? These are all common questions asked by car owners and drivers when their check engine lights illuminate. So, what are the answers to these questions?

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about check engine light causes and recommended courses of action.

Check Engine Light Basics

Check engine lights are also known as malfunctioning indicator lamps (MIL). When ones lights up, it could mean several different things, from very small and self-fixable, to very serious and costly to repair. For these reasons, it is quite necessary to have your vehicle inspected by a professional automotive repair company as soon as your check engine light comes on. After all, that is the message it is sending to you! It’s telling you to have your engine checked!

A professional auto shop will use modern technologies and diagnostic equipment to read the code for a check engine light. But if you ignore a check engine light, you could be setting yourself up for future complications and costly repairs. Not only can an ignored check engine light lead to expensive car repairs, it can put your safety, your passenger’s safety, and the safety of other drivers in jeopardy.

Here are some of the most common reasons why check engine lights turn on:

➣ Flooded or Wet Engine
➣ Pinched or Worn-Out Fuel Injection Rings
➣ Deteriorated Spark Plugs
➣ Defective Oxygen (O2) Censors
➣ A Blown Gasket Head
➣ Cracked Manifold
➣ Loose Hose
➣ Residue Buildup on Exhaust Valves
➣ Electrical Problems

Should You Drive or Should You Get a Tow?

So, should you drive it to your auto shop, or have it towed? The answer is not so clear cut. If your check engine light comes on in the middle of a road trip, and you are far away from a town, it is wise to contact a towing company so that you do not over-drive your vehicle when there is a mechanical problem. On the other hand, if your check engine light comes on, and you are close to an auto shop, you can likely drive it there without doing any further damage. Overall, the choice is yours. It is recommended to never drive when a check engine light is on, but as mentioned, in some cases, you can make it to a nearby location.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Towing in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and recovery, as well as roadside assistance, in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more.

Tips for Towing Uphill and Downhill

Posted on October 23, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

It is critical to practice safe driving when towing a trailer. This is because trailers can add a substantial amount of length and weight to your whole operation, and can change the way your vehicle handles. Couple in complicated variables like hills, inclines, and declines, and you have even more to think about. But with a little knowledge and a lot of practice, you can minimize your chances for an accident and increase your confidence in towing altogether.

Continue reading for some helpful towing advice that will give you the know-how you need to manage hills, declines, and inclines.

Hills and Inclines

More stress is placed on your vehicles brakes, transmission, suspension, and engine as more weight is added to its load. For this reason, inclines and downgrades can be especially stressful on your rig. To relieve the pressure and manage these grade changes safely, simply consider these tips:

Downshift on Declines. By simply switching your vehicle to a lower gear and reducing your speed when driving down a hill, you can relieve extra pressure and stress on your vehicle’s engine, brakes, and transmission. It will also give you much more control, especially in wet weather conditions.

Upshift on Inclines. Do the opposite of above. When heading up a hill, switch your vehicle into a higher gear for extra power and boost.

Minimize Braking on Declines. Try not to go crazy with braking on a decline. You need to give your braking components time to cool, so go easy on them when driving downhill. If you must apply the brakes on a decline, firmly tap your brakes with brief presses (one to two seconds). Pause for a few moments in between each press.

Watch the Temperature Gauges. Since extra weight puts extra stress on certain components in your towing vehicle, more heat is also produced while managing this extra pressure. Be sure to watch your temperature gauges for increases in engine or transmission heat output. Use a quality transmission cooler for frequent towing.

Zore’s Indy

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

If you need affordable towing services, don’t hesitate another minute! Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing and recovery services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are licensed, bonded, and insured towing contractors with decades of experience in the industry. We retain one of the city’s largest fleets of towing trucks and rigs for heavy duty tows, light duty towns, quick clearance, storm cleanup, disaster response, and more! Call 317-247-8484 today for affordable and fast tow truck services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Towing, Auto Parts, Metal Recycling & Cash for Cars

Tag Archives: towing