Unfortunately, many of us have been there—your car breaks down on the side of the road, or maybe you have been in an accident, and you need to call a tow truck operator. When this happens, you probably start to wonder, “how long does it take to tow a car?” or you may even begin to wonder how a towing vehicles works.
The answers to these questions depend on various factors, such as the type of truck, Rollback or flatbed tow trucks. Also Which tow truck attachments it has, and how long it takes to ensure everything is secure. You also have to consider how far away the tow company is from you and the size of the town your car breaks down in.
Reasons to Call a Tow Truck
There are many reasons why you may need to call a tow truck. For example, perhaps your car breaks down on the side of the road, and there is no immediate fix. Or maybe your car won’t start for seemingly no reason, or it is leaking fluids.
Another reason may be that your vehicle is in a ditch or mud and will not budge. However, one of the main reasons individuals call for service is that they have been in an accident and cannot drive their car safely. It is always advisable to call a tow truck company in all circumstances in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle.
Related: How Long Does Triple-A Take?
How Long Does It Take To Tow a Car?
The location of the tow company is a significant factor when calculating the time it takes to tow a car. Typically, if you are 20 miles or less away from the company, it should take around three to four hours. However, if you are 50 or more miles away, it can take up to 12 hours.
If you live in a larger city, there is a better chance of larger tow truck companies with more workers. Therefore, your wait time may be shorter. However, if you live in a small town with only one tow truck, it may take significantly longer for someone to arrive.
Remember that tow companies generally prioritize their jobs based on whether it is an emergency or not.
How Does a Tow Truck Work?
Perhaps you are wondering, “how do tow trucks work?” and “how long does it take to tow a car?” The answers to these questions all depend on the type of truck the driver uses and how long it takes to secure the vehicle to the truck properly.
Bracket System Tow Truck
Generally, modern tow truck drivers use a truck that has bracket systems. These brackets make connecting the car simpler by not using extra chains or hooks. Brackets connect to the car’s wheels, minimizing the chance of damaging your vehicle with hooks or chains.
A bracket system tow truck provides additional security to the car if the driver has to drive down steep or winding roads. It also requires less work from the driver and is all around safer.
Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing uses a flatbed truck with a mechanical system to place the vehicle onto the truck. The system angles the bed, creating a ramp for the car.
Once the car is on the bed, the driver will attach the vehicle’s wheels with chains to the flatbed. Finally, the driver will return the flatbed to its original position, then tow the car.
Flatbed towing is not based on how much manpower nor does it require extra labor from the driver and is still a reliable towing method. Also, flatbed trucks can tow motorcycles and construction machines, among other types of vehicles.
Hook and Chain Tow Trucks
Hook and chain running do not use a mechanical system to lift the car onto the bed. So, how does towing work without a mechanical system? Instead, it uses yolk and pins.
This type of tow truck uses chains and hooks that attach under the car. A driver may need to use additional chains to secure the vehicle to the truck safely.
How Long Does It Take for a Tow Truck Hook Up?
Once the tow truck arrives, it still takes time to hook your car up to the truck. How long this takes depends on many factors, such as the type of tow truck and how much labor the truck driver has to do.
Generally, if the driver has extensive experience, the hook-up time will be faster. The more experience they have, the more likely they will be able to quickly and accurately line up the yolk with the vehicle, which should take less than a minute. However, hook and chain vs flatbed methods typically take more time.
Hook and chain tow trucks involve more manual labor from the tow driver, meaning the process will take longer. The driver has to find a secure spot and the right angle to attach the hook while supporting the car’s weight. In addition, they have to ensure that everything is safe and secure.
On the other hand, flatbed towing takes the longest time to hook up the car. The most time-consuming part of flatbed towing is ensuring the bed is at the correct angle to safely load the vehicle. After, the vehicle owner must fasten each wheel to the bed with straps or chains, which may take some time.
Additional Tow Truck Tips
When calling a tow truck, it is a good idea to ask about their pricing ahead of time. In addition, it would help to let the company know whether you want your car towed home or to a mechanic. Finally, it would be best if you also asked for the name of the driver coming to tow your car.
While waiting for the truck to arrive, take this time to collect any items in your vehicle that you will need, such as your car insurance, registration, wallet, and other valuable items. Gathering your belongings and important documents will reduce your wait time once the tow driver arrives.
You May Find Helpful: Time Towing Company Keeps Your Car
Call the Towing Experts at G&O Towing
G&O Towing is a full-service towing company assisting the Placerville area for over 20 years. We provide 24/7 towing and roadside assistance for your convenience. We go above and beyond to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.
For more information on “how long does it take to tow a car?” or how to work a tow truck, contact the team at G&O Towing. We are your safe and reliable tow truck company in Placerville, CA. Give us a call today to see our tow trucks at work!
Contact G&O Towing in Placerville, CA, at (530) 464-6357 for all your towing and roadside assistance needs. We are available 24/7 and offer the best prices in the area.