Towing a vehicle may seem like a straightforward task—hook it up and haul it away. But in reality, improper towing practices can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Whether it’s due to using the wrong equipment, hiring unqualified tow operators, or ignoring towing regulations, the damage can be both immediate and long-term.
That’s why Brisbane Towing and Recovery – trusted for low vehicle towing in Brisbane – decided to list out 7 ways improper towing can destroy vehicles and how you can avoid falling victim to poor towing practices. Read on!
Damage Caused by Improper Towing
Improper towing is rarely practiced by training professionals but it still happens out there. Here’s how improper towing can damage your vehicle:
Transmission Damage in Automatic Vehicles
One of the most common and costly damages caused by improper towing involves the transmission system—especially in automatic vehicles. If a car is towed with the drive wheels on the ground (without using a flatbed), it can force the transmission to rotate without proper lubrication.
In Brisbane’s urban environment, where stop-and-go traffic is common, even short-distance towing done incorrectly can result in serious transmission wear or failure. Automatic transmissions are expensive to repair or replace, often costing thousands of dollars.
Avoid it: Always use flatbed towing or a dolly for automatic cars. If that’s not possible, ensure the drive wheels are off the ground.
Chassis and Suspension Issues
Improper anchoring or using the wrong towing points can put tremendous stress on the vehicle’s chassis and suspension. Tow hooks exist for a reason—using random parts of the frame or bumper can twist or bend components, especially if the vehicle hits bumps or potholes on Brisbane’s varied road conditions.
Suspension damage may not be obvious immediately but can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and a dangerous driving experience.
Avoid it: Make sure the towing service uses manufacturer-recommended tie-down points and avoids over-tightening.
Bumper and Body Damage
Towing chains, straps, or hooks can easily tear into bumpers, damage body panels, or scratch the paint if not properly secured. With modern vehicles having plastic bumpers and sensitive sensors, a poor towing setup can crack bumpers, dislodge components, or destroy paintwork—lowering the resale value.
In Brisbane, where many cars are newer models with sensors and cameras in bumpers, this kind of damage can affect not just looks but safety features.
Avoid it: Demand experienced tow truck operators who use soft straps and avoid metal-on-metal contact.
Tyre and Wheel Misalignment
Dragging a vehicle that’s not aligned properly with the tow truck can lead to misalignment of the tyres and wheels. This is especially problematic in front-wheel-drive vehicles. If one wheel is forced in the wrong direction during towing, it can ruin the vehicle’s alignment.
The result? Vibrations at high speed, uneven tyre wear, and poor fuel efficiency—a frequent issue seen after poorly executed roadside tows in Brisbane.
Avoid it: Ensure the wheels are straight and, if necessary, use tow dollies to lift non-drive wheels off the ground.
Exhaust System and Undercarriage Damage
Low-clearance vehicles are particularly vulnerable during towing, especially when loading onto a tilt tray. If the operator doesn’t use ramps correctly, the undercarriage can scrape against the ground, damaging the exhaust, catalytic converter, or other vital components.
In the suburbs of Brisbane with hilly terrain, improper angles during loading or unloading can increase the risk of undercarriage damage.
Avoid it: Always inspect how your vehicle is being loaded. Reputable towing companies in Brisbane often carry wood blocks or extensions to prevent scraping.
Electrical System Failures
Modern vehicles are wired with delicate sensors, cameras, and electronic control units (ECUs). If a vehicle is improperly connected to a tow truck’s electrical system—like during flat towing with lights wired incorrectly—it can cause electrical faults or short circuits.
Some newer Brisbane vehicles even have safety features that are disabled if towed improperly, impacting security and diagnostics.
Avoid it: Only trust tow truck operators experienced with modern vehicle electronics.
Airbag and Safety Feature Malfunction
Many cars are fitted with sensors that detect movement and vibration. If a vehicle is towed incorrectly, it might trigger or disable airbags, emergency brake assist, or collision detection systems.
In extreme cases, airbags may deploy during transport if the vehicle’s control systems sense impact or misinterpreted signals. Such incidents are not only dangerous but expensive to fix.
Avoid it: Ask the tow operator if they are trained in handling vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Dodge Improper Towing in Brisbane. Trust BTR
Your vehicle is one of your most valuable possessions. Improper towing not only causes physical damage but can also lead to expensive repairs and safety risks. In Brisbane, where towing services are widely available, it’s important to choose a licensed, insured, and experienced tow company that follows vehicle-specific towing guidelines.
Brisbane Towing and Recovery is a trusted name for towing services in the Brisbane region. We have the fleet and the experience to tow cars in suburbs of Brisbane including Logan, Ipswich, Bayside, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.
Getting the best deal is all about knowing what affects the price—and now, you do! Catering to Brisbane businesses and families for many years, our skilled team of tow operators in Brisbane use top-notch gear and safety measures for safe towing experience.
Call us on 0438 155 555 to get the best towing services in Brisbane.
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