Article image

How to Tow a Car Properly: A Practical Guide for UK Drivers

If you ever find yourself helping a friend with a broken car or dealing with your own ride, knowing how to tow a car can really help cut down on headaches. But before you just grab a rope and hit the road, there are some legal stuff, safety tips, and mistakes to avoid that you should know about.

4

Here’s a quick guide to towing cars in the UK.

Legal Basics for Towing in the UK

Towing is more than just connecting and going. There are rules to keep everyone safe. Here’s the rundown:

  • Use the right gear – You need a proper tow bar or a towing rope. Don’t use bungee cords or anything homemade; it’s unsafe and may get you in trouble.
  • Check your driver's license – Make sure your license allows you to tow. If you have a full driving license in the UK, you can generally tow small trailers or cars, but it's good to check.
  • Speed limits – You can’t go faster than 60 mph on motorways and 50 mph on single carriageways.
  • Towing on motorways – Don’t use a rope or bar when towing on a motorway unless you're moving a vehicle that broke down there to a safe spot.
  • Visibility – If the lights or number plate on the towed car aren't visible, you need a light board with indicators and a registration plate.

Picking the Right Towing Method

There are three basic ways to tow a car:

  • Tow Rope or Tow Bar: This is the go-to for short distances. Make sure it's attached securely to both vehicles (check the manual for the right spots).
  • Tip: Keep the rope tight to avoid sudden jerks that could mess with either vehicle.
  • A-Frame Towing: Great for small cars. This lifts the front wheels off the ground, making it more stable, but it might not be legal for long trips or commercial use.
  • Flatbed Trailer: This is the safest way. You lift the whole broken car onto a trailer, which is perfect for longer routes and for automatic cars that shouldn't be towed on their wheels.

Getting the Car Ready to Tow

Before you start, make sure both cars are ready:

  • Turn the ignition on in the broken car to keep the steering unlocked.
  • Make sure the handbrake is off and the car is in neutral (manual cars) or N (for automatics—check the manual since towing can hurt some).
  • Check the brakes on the towed car if you’re using a rope or bar.
  • Put an ‘On Tow’ sign on the back of the towed car so other drivers know what's up.

Driving While Towing: Stay Cool and Steady

Towing isn’t hard, but it does require extra focus. Here’s how to make it easier:

  • Accelerate and brake gently to keep things smooth.
  • Take wider turns, especially if you’re using a trailer or A-frame.
  • Allow more time and space for braking.
  • Use hazard lights if you’re going really slow or blocking traffic.
  • Keep an eye on your mirrors and make sure to communicate with the other driver if you're using a rope.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even pros can mess up towing. Watch out for these common slip-ups:

  • Using a frayed or damaged tow rope
  • Towing a car without working brakes
  • Ignoring weight limits – don’t overload by towing something too heavy. Check your vehicle’s manual for weight limits.
  • Forgetting towing mirrors – if the trailer or towed car blocks your view, you need extended mirrors.
  • Not checking tyre pressure – both cars need to have properly inflated tyres for safe towing.

Knowing how to tow a car safely is super handy for any driver in the UK. Whether you're helping a friend or sorting out your own car issues, some prep work can really help. Follow the rules, stay safe, and if you’re uncertain — don’t hesitate to call for help. Remember, if it feels too tricky, it’s totally fine to pass on towing and leave it to the pros. Better safe than sorry!

4

Rate the article

Comments

Related articles

You have successfully subscribed