Whether you’ve had a breakdown or just need a vehicle moved elsewhere, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. In this quick guide, we’re going to give you 8 quick tips to make sure your car is prepped and ready for the tow truck to arrive. The better prepared you can be for the tow truck, the faster the job can be done and your vehicle can be on its way.
Always use a quality tow truck service
Tow trucks tend to have a bad reputation and as usual, it’s a few bad eggs that ruin it for the rest of us. Having said that, you want to make sure your car is in safe hands every time.
Whether you’re calling for a tow truck or one has arrived at the scene, do your research. Take a look at their website and check for reviews on Google as well.
You want a quality truck, a trained driver and the right equipment to get the job done. Particularly if you have a low car or something oversized, putting it on the right truck can be the difference between safe transport and having your bumped ripped off.
It’s not worth the risk, do your research.
Take any necessary items out of the car
There’s nothing worse than seeing your car leave on the back of a truck then realizing your phone and laptop are still in there!
Take a moment to check through your car thoroughly. Take out anything you might need in the coming days to save you an additional trip.
It’s always a good idea to take any valuables out of the car as well, especially if it isn’t going to a secure holding yard. If it’s going to sit at your insurer’s preferred panel beater, you just never know who might be walking by after it’s been dropped off.
Separate your car key from your other important keys
Many of us keep our most important keys all on the same key ring. Since your tow truck driver will need your car key, make sure you separate it from the rest of your keys.
Imaging getting home from a breakdown or car accident only to find that you’re locked out of the house! Chances are, your driver will remind you anyway but it’s a good thing to keep in mind.
Wind up your windows
If it’s a hot, sunny day, this might be something you just don’t think about. To protect your car from weather and prying eyes, it’s always a good idea to wind them up and make sure they’re closed completely.
While the weather might be fine now, if it’s going to sit in a yard for a few days, one storm can be all it takes to make your car a total write-off.
Leave the car unlocked
Your driver will need access to your car to make sure it’s in neutral and the handbrake is off. They may also need to turn the steering wheel to get it loaded up safely.
On top of that, most cars on the road these days have some kind of alarm system installed. This alarm can be triggered by all that movement on the back of the truck and that isn’t fun for anyone!
Instead, just leave your car unlocked. Since you’ll be leaving your keys with the driver anyway, they’ll make sure it’s securely locked once your car is unloaded.
Take photos of your vehicle
Especially if you’re about to make an insurance claim, it’s a great idea to take photos of your vehicle before the tow truck arrives.
Even if it isn’t for insurance, it can just be good peace of mind for you and the towing company. There just might be a dent or scrape you hadn’t noticed yet and by taking photos, you can check it afterwards if you happen to find something new.
Be clear about where you want your vehicle taken
If your car is being towed to another house or business, try to be specific about where it needs to go. Since you probably won’t be there to guide your driver, this can make the process a whole lot more efficient.
For example, rather than saying it needs to go “around the back”, tell the driver exactly where it needs to go. “Down the driveway on the left, around the corner and next to the red trailer” is far more helpful.
This small detail can make a big difference to both you and the driver. They want to do a great job and put it in exactly the right spot and you don’t have to go moving it yourself later on.
Establish the price when you call
This is especially important if you haven’t done your research on the tow truck company you’re using. If you don’t talk price until your car is being unloaded at the other end, you’re leaving yourself very vulnerable.
If they want to charge you $300 for a $100 trip, there isn’t much you can really do about it now — the service has already been provided!
Of course, with a reputable company like Rudd’s Towing, this isn’t something you’ll need to worry about. We’ll give you a price up front so you know exactly what to expect.
