[Car Tips] Car owners must know how to properly tow a vehicle when it breaks down
Hong Kong Towing Vehicle Complete Tutorial
—— The editor teaches you the whole strategy step by step
Hello everyone, this time I'd like to discuss in-depth the practical topic of "vehicle towing," a common problem faced by Hong Kong drivers sooner or later. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned driver, knowing the correct towing techniques is crucial in the event of a stall, flat tire, or crash. Failure to tow properly can quickly lead to an accident, damage to your own or others' vehicles, or even legal consequences! Watch my step-by-step breakdown below.
1. Common situations in Hong Kong where towing is required
- Stall, engine failure : the most common, the car suddenly cannot start.
- Flat tire/no spare tire : Unable to repair or no tire changing skills, the vehicle needs to be towed away.
- Car crash/serious damage : Can't drive over, can only tow.
- Illegally parked vehicles are towed away : Police or towing companies tow away illegal vehicles.
- The electric car is out of power : there is no fast charging and no portable power supply, so the only option is to drag it.
2. Prepare the necessary equipment for towing the vehicle
- Tow Rope / Strap: Remember to use a certified, strong enough tow rope. Do not use ordinary rope or wire, otherwise it will break.
- Tow Hook : Most car models have a cover on the front or rear bumper, which can be opened to install the original tow hook.
- Warning triangle : Placed behind a vehicle to warn other drivers.
- Reflective clothing : Wear at night or in low light conditions.
- Gloves : Protect your hands.
3. Correct steps for towing a vehicle
1. On-site safety first
- When opening your car door, check carefully to see if there are any cars behind you.
- Try to move the disabled vehicle to a safe location (such as the roadside or a shelter).
- Turn on the Hazard lights (double yellow lights).
- Get out of the car and place the warning triangle at least 50 meters away.
2. Check vehicle towing restrictions
- Automatic transmission vehicles/electric vehicles : Do not use a conventional tow rope to tow vehicles, as automatic transmissions lack relubrication, which can damage the transmission. Improper towing of electric vehicles can damage the motor and battery.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles : Some four-wheel drive vehicles cannot be towed directly and must be towed with all wheels off the ground (Flatbed Tow Truck).
3. Install the tow rope/tow strap
- Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to find the trailer hook (usually inside the front/rear bumper cover, with an original iron hook that can be installed).
- Fix one end of the tow rope to the trailer hook of the damaged vehicle and the other end to the trailer hook of the towing vehicle.
- Do not attach it to the suspension, bumper or weak point of the frame , otherwise it will pull off or damage the body.
4. Tow rope length and warning
- The length of the tow rope should be between 4 meters and 6 meters . If it is too short, it is easy to crash, and if it is too long, it is difficult to control.
- It is recommended to hang a brightly colored cloth or flag (such as a red cloth) in the middle of the tow rope to warn other road users.
5. Communicate before towing
- The drivers of the two cars communicated using telephones or walkie-talkies , or by opening windows and shouting.
- Confirm that the gearbox, handbrake, brake and steering are all normal.
- The driver of the towed truck must have a driver's license, otherwise it is illegal!
6. Driving skills when towing
Tow truck driver:
- Start slowly and don't accelerate too quickly.
- Keep a low speed (20-30 km/h is recommended) and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
- Pay attention to the reaction of the towed vehicle and be ready to stop at any time.
Tow truck driver:
- Turn the car brake properly (turn the key to the ON position), make sure the steering wheel will not lock, and the brakes and steering are normal.
- Keep the tow rope taut, but not too tight.
- Follow the direction of the vehicle in front and brake at the right time to keep a safe distance.
- Be extra careful when encountering sloping roads or falling slopes and try to avoid them.
7. Arrive at a safe place
- Tow the vehicle to a safe location or target garage and stop the vehicle slowly.
- Untie the tow rope and check both vehicles for damage.
- Reposition the warning triangle to inform other road users.
IV. Legal responsibilities and precautions during vehicle towing
1. Both the tow truck driver and the towed truck driver must hold a valid driver's license
- The driver of the towed vehicle must not be unlicensed, otherwise it is illegal.
2. You are not allowed to tow four-wheel drive, automatic transmission, or electric vehicles.
- Towing the car recklessly may damage the car and you may even have to compensate the other party for their losses.
- For most electric vehicles and automatic transmission vehicles in Hong Kong, it is recommended to use flatbed trailers .
3. Do not tow on highways/tunnels
- According to Hong Kong law, it is not recommended to use a rope to tow trucks on expressways and cross-harbour tunnels, as it is dangerous and will obstruct traffic.
- Generally, you should notify a towing company or professional roadside assistance immediately.
4. Illegally parked car was towed away
- Illegally parked vehicles are usually handled by towing companies commissioned by the police or the Transport Department. You cannot move the vehicle back on your own.
5. Professional Towing Company Services (Hong Kong)
- Most Hong Kong drivers will immediately contact a professional towing company (such as AA, HKAA, and major insurance companies Roadside Assistance ) when their car breaks down.
- The charges generally range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the location, vehicle type, and time of day.
- Some car insurance policies include free towing, so remember to read your policy carefully.
6. Editor's sincere practical tips
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Normally, there should be a qualified tow rope in the trunk of the car!
You may not need it, but it’s better to be prepared. -
Know the location and installation method of the trailer hook on your vehicle.
For some European cars or new SUVs, the trailer hook needs to be removed with special tools before installation. -
Don’t delay if you are not familiar with it!
If you don't know how to tow trucks or are not familiar with vehicle parts, it is recommended that you directly contact a professional towing company. Safety is the most important thing. -
Please do not tow electric vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, and high-end automatic transmission vehicles!
If you damage your motor or transmission, the repair cost is enough to buy several used cars! -
Wear reflective clothing at night or in heavy fog to ensure your safety.
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Stay calm during the towing process and don't be alarmed.
In case of an emergency (such as rope breakage, loss of control), stop the vehicle immediately.
VII. Practical Examples (Taking Hong Kong as an Example)
1. Dead fire in urban area
- Manual towing is possible for short distances, but it is best to find a towing company.
2. Fire on the highway
- Immediately turn on the hazard lights, get out of the car and walk onto the safety island, call a tow truck, do not try to tow it yourself.
3. Car stalled in tunnel
- Contact the tunnel operator and professional towing service as soon as possible. Do not tow the vehicle yourself.
8. Summary
Towing a vehicle in Hong Kong may seem easy on the surface, but there are actually many details to pay attention to.
The most important thing is to be safe, legal, and not to act rashly. If you don’t know, seek help from a professional!
Keeping an eye on your vehicle's owner's manual and having towing equipment ready can be incredibly helpful in emergencies. I hope this detailed guide will help you flexibly handle road emergencies, big and small!
If you have other car-related questions, feel free to leave a message and ask the editor, and I will share the detailed disassembly with you!
