It Might Look Easy—But Here’s Why It’s Not
We’ve seen it more times than we can count: someone decides to tow their own vehicle instead of calling for our Elkton emergency towing service. Maybe it’s to save a few bucks, maybe they think it’ll be quick, or maybe they just don’t realize how risky it really is. It might seem like a straightforward task—hook it up and go, right? But the truth is, towing your broken-down car yourself can go wrong fast.
1. Your Equipment Probably Isn’t Up to the Job
The average person doesn’t have a vehicle rated for towing, let alone the right hitch or gear. We’ve seen everything from rope to chains used to haul a broken-down car. That might work in movies, but in real life, it leads to:
- Damaged frames or undercarriages
- Broken tow straps
- Poor control and vehicle sway
Without proper weight distribution and secure attachments, the risk of a wreck increases dramatically. As a professional towing service we’re equipped with trucks built specifically to handle all types of loads—and that makes all the difference in safety.
2. One Wrong Move Can Damage Both Vehicles
We’ve watched folks try to tow their sedan with a buddy’s pickup or even attempt a tow with a small SUV. The result? Two vehicles needing repairs instead of one. When the tow vehicle isn’t powerful enough, it strains the engine, transmission, and brakes.
More often than not, DIY tows cause damage to the towed vehicle too. We’re talking about things like:
- Misaligned wheels from dragging the car wrong
- Transmission issues on automatic cars if they’re not properly put in neutral
- Exhaust or bumpers getting ripped off on uneven terrain
There’s a reason we use dollies or flatbeds for Elkton emergency towing jobs. They’re designed to protect the whole vehicle during transit.
3. Braking Becomes a Nightmare
Towing another vehicle adds a ton of weight—and your brakes probably weren’t designed to handle it. Without trailer brakes or weight-distribution systems, your stopping distance becomes dangerously long.
We’ve heard drivers say, “I’ll just drive slow.” But that doesn’t help when someone slams their brakes in front of you. And if the towed car’s brakes aren’t working or it’s not connected correctly, that’s a whole other hazard. As a proper Elkton emergency towing service, we factor in braking, handling, and traction—so you don’t have to white-knuckle it down the road.
4. Traffic Laws Still Apply
Believe it or not, towing your own car without the right permits or safety features can get you a hefty ticket. States have rules about:
- What kind of lighting and signaling the towed car needs
- Maximum allowable towing weights
- Who can legally perform tows on public roads
We’ve seen folks pulled over because their makeshift tow didn’t have proper lighting—or worse, because the towed car was swerving across lanes. A citation is bad enough, but if you cause an accident, you’re on the hook for any damage or injury. Calling our Elkton emergency towing team can save you from legal trouble that a DIY job might create.
5. You Can’t Predict Road Conditions
Even on a sunny day, DIY towing is risky. Add rain, ice, or wind to the mix, and things get sketchy real quick. It’s tough enough keeping one car under control. Now try doing it with a second one swinging behind you.
Professional tow operators are trained to handle all kinds of conditions, and their trucks are equipped for the terrain. Whether it’s a narrow rural road or a busy Elkton highway, they’ve got the experience to manage it without putting others in danger.
Mast Brothers: Your Elkton Emergency Towing Pros
We know the urge to handle it yourself. We really do. But our Elkton emergency towing service exists for a reason: to take the risk off your shoulders and make sure your car gets where it needs to go without turning your day into a disaster.
Here’s what we’ve learned after years in the business: calling a pro is almost always cheaper than replacing a bumper, paying for a ticket, or dealing with an accident.
Next time your car gives you trouble, think twice before tying it up with rope and crossing your fingers. Calling us to handle your Elkton emergency towing situation might not be the first thing on your mind—but it should be. We’re here for the times you really shouldn’t go it alone.