Towing your vehicle can be a stressful experience — especially when you’re worried about undercarriage damage. The undercarriage is one of the most sensitive and vital parts of your vehicle, housing components like the exhaust system, fuel lines, brake cables, and suspension. A small mistake during towing can lead to serious damage that costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair.
In this guide, Brisbane Towing and Recovery- a leading provider of truck towing in Brisbane– will explain what causes damage to the undercarriage during towing, the average undercarriage damage repair cost, and 10 practical tips to help you avoid these costly issues. Let’s start with its meaning.
What is Undercarriage Damage?
Your car’s undercarriage packs frame, exhaust system, differential, oil pan, fuel lines, transmission, suspension parts, and many other vital components which are crucial for a smooth driving experience. When these components are scraped, bent, or cracked, it’s called undercarriage damage.
This type of damage can occur from:
- Improper towing methods
- Driving over uneven terrain or potholes
- Corrosion from road salt or chemicals
- Hitting speed bumps too fast
During towing, the risk is particularly high if the vehicle isn’t properly lifted or if the tow operator uses the wrong equipment for your vehicle type.
Why Towing Often Causes Undercarriage Damage?
Improper towing is one of the most common reasons that cause undercarriage damage. Here are a few examples of how it happens:
- Incorrect Hook Placement: When tow hooks or chains are attached to weak parts of the undercarriage, they can bend or break essential components.
- Dragging the Vehicle: Vehicles towed without lifting all necessary wheels off the ground can experience scraping or stress on the drivetrain.
- Low Ground Clearance: Sports cars or vehicles with modified suspensions are at higher risk of scraping the undercarriage during towing or loading.
- Uneven Loading: If the car isn’t aligned properly on the tow truck platform, it can tilt or shift, causing contact with the ground or ramp edges.
Understanding these risks is the first step to preventing damage to the undercarriage during towing.
10 Tips to Avoid Undercarriage Damage During Towing
Now that you know what undercarriage damage is, it’s time to understand what top towing and recovery experts keep in mind to ensure safe towing for every vehicle:
1. Choose the Right Tow Truck Type
Different vehicles require different towing methods. For example:
- Flatbed tow trucks are ideal for AWD or low-clearance cars.
- Hook and chain tow trucks can cause severe undercarriage damage if not used correctly.
- Wheel-lift tow trucks are safer for short-distance towing.
Always confirm that your towing service uses the correct vehicle for your car’s drivetrain and clearance level.
2. Inspect Your Vehicle Before Towing
Before your car is loaded, do a quick inspection of the undercarriage and take photos. This not only helps you document the car’s condition but also ensures you notice any pre-existing issues that might worsen during towing. This is what the best tow truck operators of Brisbane recommend!
3. Communicate Your Vehicle’s Specifications
If your car has special modifications — like lowered suspension, side skirts, or performance exhausts — inform the tow operator beforehand. These details can help them adjust their towing technique and equipment to prevent scraping or bending parts.
4. Use Flatbed Towing Whenever Possible
Flatbed towing is one of the safest methods because your vehicle stays completely off the ground. It eliminates the risk of dragging or transmission damage that can occur when wheels stay in contact with the road. If you have a low clearance vehicle, this is highly recommended.
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5. Ensure Proper Loading Angle
The angle of the loading ramp should be gradual to prevent the front or rear bumper from scraping the ground. Tow operators often use wooden planks or extenders to make the incline smoother, especially for low-clearance vehicles.
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6. Check Hook Points Carefully
Never allow a tow operator to hook onto suspension arms, bumpers, or other weak points under your car. Always ensure they use the manufacturer-recommended tow points, usually found in your vehicle’s owner manual.
7. Secure the Vehicle Properly
Once your car is on the tow truck, it must be tightly secured using high-quality straps or chains. Loose bindings can cause the vehicle to shift or bounce during transit, leading to undercarriage damage from vibrations or movement.
8. Avoid Rough Roads and Speeding During Transport
Towing over uneven terrain or at high speeds increases the risk of jolts and impacts to the undercarriage. A professional towing service will plan the smoothest route possible and drive cautiously to protect your vehicle.
9. Inspect After Unloading
Once your car is delivered, inspect the undercarriage again. Look for any new scratches, leaks, or dents that may have occurred during towing. If you notice anything unusual, address it immediately to avoid further complications.
10. Hire a Professional and Experienced Towing Service
This is perhaps the most important tip to avoid vehicle undercarriage damage. Experienced Affordable towing company in Brisbane understands how to handle different vehicles and minimize risks. Contact Brisbane Towing & Recovery for towing purposes, and we will ensure the safe and secure towing of your vehicle.
Our professional team will take the time to secure your car properly, preventing damage to the undercarriage and other critical components.
Signs of Undercarriage Damage After Towing
If your car displays peculiar symptoms after being towed, this could be a result of undercarriage damage. Commonly, they are:
- Weird rattling or scraping sounds while driving
- Fluid leaking under the car
- Steering pulling to one side
- Reduced ground clearance or sagging suspension
- Dashboard warning lights (primarily for oil/fluid leaks or transmission)
If you’re experiencing one or more of these, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic right away. If you fail to act on them, you could create more serious – and more expensive – concerns down the road.
Avoid undercarriage damage during towing
Towing mishaps can happen to anyone, but with the right precautions, you can protect your car’s undercarriage and avoid unnecessary repair costs. Remember — the undercarriage damage repair cost can be steep, but prevention is often simple and affordable.
At Brisbane Towing and Recovery, we prioritize your vehicle’s safety and handle every tow with care and precision. Whether it’s a compact sedan, SUV, or 4WD, our experienced team ensures a smooth, secure, and damage-free towing experience every time.
Need towing help in Brisbane? Call us now at 0438 155 555 for fast, professional, and affordable assistance.
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