If you’re here then we can assume that you are about to use a tow strap with a hook and are looking for the safest and most efficient method in doing so. If that is so, then we would like to warn you that you should only be doing this if you are planning on pulling a vehicle for a short distance on a flat surface. Please do not attempt to use a tow strap with a hook for vehicle recovery. That is not recommended and can be extremely dangerous or even fatal.
Everyone has car troubles once in a while, it happens to the best of us. Sometimes you may even be in a position where your car breaks down, or you are just being a good samaritan and want to help out another person who is experiencing car troubles. No matter the reason it is handy to have a tow strap on hand just in case. Having your car towed professionally can be expensive these days and if you have someone else willing to help you, you may even be able to do it yourself.
Check For Imperfections (Frays, Tears, etc)
If you already have a tow strap, great, you are all set and ready to go, but if you do not, it is important to get a strap that is quality and can handle the weight that you are trying to pull. If you already own one, remember to check the weight limit and make sure that it can handle the weight of the car that you will be using it for. If you are unsure, it is best to do some research beforehand so your strap does not break under the stress. Once you have your strap, it is also important to make sure it does not have any imperfections because a worn or damaged strap can fail or even be dangerous.
Once you are all ready to go with the proper strap and have checked for any damage, then you are ready to safely tow a car. The first step is to untangle your tow strap and lay it down straight with one end at the vehicle that needs to be towed and the other end at the vehicle that is doing the towing.
Locate The Vehicle(s) Recovery Points
The next step is to locate the recovery point or designated place for the tow strap hook on the vehicle that must be towed. This is generally someplace with a hole or mounting hook that you are able to put the hook through. If you are unsure, check the owner’s manual for guidance. Do not attach the hook to a point on the car that is not designated as a recovery point, such as a bumper because it can result in major damage to the vehicle.
Then you will need to attach the other end of the tow strap to the vehicle that is doing the towing. You will be able to attach the strap to the designated area for towing as well. If you are having trouble locating it, it is best to check the manual for guidance.
To safely tow the car, both vehicles must have someone in them. It is important to have someone in the vehicle that is being towed because they will be able to steer or brake.
It is important that the car that is performing the tow moves very slowly. If the car accelerates quickly, it is possible that the hook will detach and fly through the rear windshield. This may also be the case if the hook was put in the wrong location on the vehicle. Use extreme caution when you are towing a vehicle and make sure that it is on a flat surface and is only for a short distance.
It is also important to note that not all areas allow the use of tow straps due to the danger that one can have during use. It is important to check out your local laws and make sure you are not in violation of using a tow strap before use as well.
Retrieving Your Tow Strap with Hooks
After you have safely towed the vehicle, be sure to retrieve the strap, check it for any damage, and then fold it back up to be stored. When storing your strap it is important to not store it with any tangles or knots and to keep it in a dry place to ensure your strap lasts a long time.
