Living in Tampa, Florida, you know how unpredictable the weather and roadway conditions can be. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or running errands around town, you want to make sure you’re prepared if your vehicle breaks down. Towing Company can be difficult and dangerous, but it is necessary for various reasons, such as moving a large item or taking a car to the auto mechanic. One of the keys to successful towing is safety. If not done properly, towing can cause injury, damage to property, or even death. Therefore, Tampa towing company drivers need to follow the essential towing safety tips. Here are the top five.

Check your Vehicle’s Weight Limit 

Before towing, you need to make sure that your vehicle is capable of carrying the weight of both the towing vehicle and the load. Exceeding the vehicle’s weight limit can cause the suspension to fail or the tires to burst, leading to an accident. To find your vehicle’s weight limit, consult your manual or the manufacturer. Make sure you don’t overload your vehicle while towing to avoid accidents.

Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

Since all vehicles have different towing capacities, know your vehicle’s specific towing capacity, before towing. The towing capacity is the maximum weight the vehicle can pull safely. When choosing a trailer, remember that the weight of the trailer and the load you are towing should not exceed the weight capacity of your vehicle.

Always Use the Right Vehicle for the Towing Job

You should use the right vehicle for the towing job. Don’t try to tow a large trailer with a small car. It is dangerous and unlawful. Ensure that the car you are using has enough power to tow the weight of the trailer and the load you are carrying. If you’re not sure, measure the weight of the trailer and load and consult the towing capacity of the vehicle.

Check the Tires

The tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle must be properly inflated. This is crucial since underinflated tires consume more fuel, puts more pressure on the engine, and increase the tire temperatures resulting in a blow-out. Check out the required level of tire pressure to ensure they are inflated according to the specifications. Remember not to exceed the speed ratings of both the trailer and the tow vehicle while driving. The tire pressures of the spare tires for both vehicles must be checked and inflated accordingly. Allow more time to inspect the hub bearings of the trailer to see if they are properly greased and in good shape.

Check the Lights

The marker lamps and the tail lights of the trailer are not to be neglected. The tail lights of the tow vehicle can be obscured by large loads and trailers. When traveling at night, these lights help other drivers locate your vehicle. Improper illuminations can cause collisions. Get your partner behind the vehicle to check if the brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals are working fine. 

Check the Brakes

The lighter and smaller versions of trailers do not usually require trailer brakes, trailers that are big and carry loads have a trailer brake. Irrespective of the trailer’s brake system, ensure proper attachment of the emergency breakaway cable to the tow vehicle. If the trailer is disconnected from the hitch, this cable rescues the trailer and triggers the brakes to halt the car. 

Ensure Your Trailer is Hitched Properly 

The hitch is the crucial component that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle. Ensure that the hitch is secure and properly positioned before starting to tow. Also, check that the tow ball is the correct size and correctly attached to your vehicle. To ensure your vehicle is properly hitched to the trailer, check the trailer’s electrical connections, lighting, and brakes.

Always Signal in Advance

Signal in advance when changing lanes or slowing down. If you’re towing a large trailer or load, other drivers must be able to tell what you’re about to do. The vehicles behind you must have sufficient time to react. Indicate every move and ensure you have enough space to maneuver, especially in tight spots or reversing. 

Bottom Line

Towing can be a dangerous task for Tampa towing company drivers. However, by following these essential tips, you can ensure that towing of your vehicle is safe and hassle-free. If you’re towing a small or large load, check the weight limit or towing capacity of your vehicle, use appropriate vehicles, and always signal in advance. Make sure you take key preventive measures, and you’ll have a safer driving experience.