When a vehicle needs to be towed, most people focus on finding a tow truck and getting the car to its destination. But there is another important part of the process that doesn’t always get much attention: how the vehicle is positioned before and during recovery.
Proper positioning helps the tow operator assess the vehicle, choose the right equipment and carry out the recovery safely. It can also reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle, towing equipment and surrounding property.
A vehicle should be positioned as safely and appropriately as possible before towing begins, with the final recovery method determined by the vehicle’s condition, location and equipment being used.
Whether you’re dealing with a breakdown in a Melbourne suburb, an accident on a busy road or a vehicle stuck in a difficult location, good positioning can make the entire recovery process smoother.
Why Is Vehicle Positioning Important During Towing?
Correct positioning gives the tow operator enough space to safely access, load, secure and transport the vehicle.
A poorly positioned vehicle can make recovery more difficult.
For example, a car parked tightly against a wall may prevent a tow truck from approaching from the most suitable direction. A vehicle sitting at an awkward angle after an accident may also require additional recovery equipment.
Proper positioning can help with:
- Safe access
- Equipment placement
- Loading
- Vehicle stability
- Traffic management
- Damage prevention
- Efficient recovery
- Safe transport
It’s not simply about making the car look straight.
The position of the vehicle affects the entire recovery process.
Should a Vehicle Be Moved Before the Tow Truck Arrives?
Only if it can be moved safely.
If your vehicle is still driveable and can be moved away from traffic without causing additional damage, reaching a safer position may help.
However, don’t drive a vehicle if it has serious brake, steering, suspension, tyre or engine problems.
A car with a damaged wheel, leaking fluids or major accident damage may be safer left exactly where it is until the tow operator arrives.
If you’re unsure, tell the towing provider where the vehicle is and ask what information they need.
Where Is the Safest Place to Position a Broken-Down Vehicle?
If possible, move the vehicle to a safe location away from moving traffic.
Depending on the circumstances, this could be:
- A wide road shoulder
- A safe parking area
- A quiet side street
- A car park
- A designated stopping area
- Another suitable location away from traffic
Avoid stopping on blind corners, narrow shoulders or locations where the vehicle creates an immediate hazard.
If the vehicle cannot be moved safely, turn on your hazard lights and arrange professional assistance.
Why Does the Direction of the Vehicle Matter?
The direction a vehicle is facing can affect how easily a tow truck can approach it.
A car facing the wrong way in a narrow driveway, for example, may require additional manoeuvring before it can be loaded.
Similarly, an accident-damaged vehicle facing across a traffic lane may require a different recovery method.
The tow operator will assess the position and determine the safest approach.
Don’t attempt to reposition a damaged vehicle yourself simply to make the recovery easier.
How Does Vehicle Positioning Affect a Flatbed Tow?
Flatbed trucks need sufficient space to approach and position the loading platform.
The vehicle generally needs to be aligned appropriately with the truck before it can be winched or driven onto the platform, depending on its condition.
If the vehicle doesn’t roll, steer or start, the recovery may require additional equipment.
The tow operator may need to reposition the vehicle before loading it.
This is particularly important in narrow driveways, underground car parks and tight industrial areas.
Why Is a Straight Approach Useful?
A relatively straight approach can make loading easier and more predictable.
When the tow truck and vehicle are properly aligned, the operator may have more control over the loading process.
A poor angle can create additional strain on recovery equipment or make it difficult to position the vehicle correctly.
However, the ideal angle isn’t always possible.
The operator will assess the available space and choose the safest method based on the actual situation.
What If the Vehicle Is Parked in a Tight Space?
Tight spaces can make towing significantly more complicated.
Examples include:
- Underground car parks
- Narrow garages
- Tight driveways
- Between parked vehicles
- Narrow laneways
- Small industrial loading areas
The tow truck may not be able to approach directly.
In some cases, specialised equipment or a different recovery method may be required.
When booking the tow, tell the provider about the restricted access.
Photos of the vehicle and surrounding area can also be useful.
Why Does Ground Surface Matter?
The surface beneath the vehicle can affect how safely it can be recovered.
Firm, level ground generally provides better conditions for loading and positioning than soft or uneven surfaces.
Problems can occur when a vehicle is:
- Stuck in mud
- Parked on loose gravel
- Partly on grass
- On a steep slope
- On uneven ground
- Near a damaged road edge
A heavy tow truck may also need a stable surface to position its equipment.
If the vehicle is on soft ground, tell the operator before they arrive.
Can a Vehicle Be Towed From a Slope?
It can be, but slopes can make recovery more challenging.
A vehicle on a steep driveway or road may move unexpectedly if it isn’t properly secured.
The towing operator needs to consider the gradient, available space, vehicle condition and recovery equipment.
Never rely on the parking brake alone if the vehicle is being prepared for recovery on a significant slope.
The operator will determine how the vehicle should be secured.
Why Is Wheel Position Important?
The position of the wheels can affect recovery.
If the wheels are turned sharply, locked or damaged, the tow operator may have difficulty moving the vehicle in the intended direction.
A vehicle with functioning steering may be easier to position than one with steering damage.
If possible and safe, the operator may ask you to leave the wheels in a particular position.
Don’t attempt to adjust damaged wheels or steering components yourself.
What If the Steering Is Damaged?
Steering damage can make towing more complicated because the vehicle cannot be controlled normally while being moved.
The operator may need specialised equipment to support and guide the vehicle.
Tell the towing company if:
- The steering wheel is locked
- The front wheels won’t turn
- The vehicle pulls severely
- A steering component is visibly damaged
- The vehicle was involved in a collision
This information can affect which recovery equipment is required.
What If the Wheels Are Locked?
Locked wheels can occur because of brake problems, electrical faults, transmission issues or accident damage.
A vehicle with locked wheels may not roll normally.
This can make standard loading methods unsuitable.
Additional equipment may be required to move the vehicle without causing further damage.
Always tell the towing provider if the wheels are locked before they arrive.
Does the Vehicle’s Gear Position Matter?
Yes.
The transmission position can affect whether the vehicle rolls.
For an automatic vehicle, the gear selector may normally be placed in Park when stationary. However, during recovery, the tow operator may need the transmission placed in a different position depending on the vehicle and towing method.
Some vehicles also have specific procedures for releasing the parking brake or putting the transmission into neutral when the vehicle cannot start.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the tow operator’s directions rather than guessing.
What If the Car Is an Electric Vehicle?
Electric vehicles can have specific towing and recovery requirements.
Depending on the model, certain wheels may need to remain off the ground during transport.
Some EVs may also have specific procedures for moving the vehicle when the battery is depleted.
The safest approach is to tell the towing provider that the vehicle is electric before recovery begins.
Provide the make and model if possible so the operator can determine the appropriate recovery procedure.
Does Vehicle Positioning Matter After an Accident?
Absolutely.
An accident-damaged vehicle can be in an unusual position, and moving it unnecessarily may create additional risks.
The vehicle could have:
- Damaged wheels
- Broken suspension
- Steering damage
- Fluid leaks
- Bodywork damage
- Undercarriage damage
- Electrical damage
If the vehicle is involved in a collision, don’t try to straighten or reposition it unless doing so is clearly safe and necessary.
Let the recovery operator assess the situation.
What If the Vehicle Is Blocking Traffic?
A vehicle blocking a traffic lane creates a safety issue.
If it can be moved safely, getting it out of the traffic flow may help.
However, a vehicle with serious damage shouldn’t be driven simply to clear the road.
Turn on hazard lights and contact the appropriate assistance.
Tell the towing provider that the vehicle is obstructing traffic so they can understand the urgency and conditions before arrival.
Why Does Positioning Matter on a Freeway?
Freeway recovery requires additional care because vehicles are travelling at higher speeds.
A broken-down car sitting on a narrow shoulder leaves limited room for the tow truck to work.
The tow operator needs to position the recovery vehicle while remaining aware of passing traffic.
If your vehicle has broken down on a freeway, don’t attempt to reposition it unless it is safe and capable of doing so.
Give the operator your direction of travel, nearest exit and any other useful location information.
How Does Positioning Help Prevent Vehicle Damage?
Correct positioning can reduce unnecessary strain on the vehicle during loading and recovery.
For example, a vehicle with damaged suspension may require support in a particular way.
A low sports car may need a loading approach that avoids scraping the bodywork.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle may require specific consideration depending on its drivetrain and recovery method.
A classic or modified vehicle may also need additional care.
The towing method should be matched to the vehicle rather than forcing the vehicle into a standard recovery process.
Why Is Ground Clearance Important?
Ground clearance is particularly important for low vehicles.
Sports cars, modified vehicles and some electric vehicles can have components positioned relatively close to the road.
If the loading angle is too steep, the front bumper, underbody or other components may scrape against the ramp.
A suitable tow truck and loading method can help reduce this risk.
Tell the operator if the vehicle has particularly low clearance before booking the tow.
Does Vehicle Weight Affect Positioning?
Yes.
A heavier vehicle requires equipment with appropriate capacity and a suitable recovery setup.
Weight can affect how the tow truck is positioned and how the vehicle is loaded.
For larger vehicles, the operator also needs to consider axle loading, overall dimensions and road conditions.
Don’t underestimate the importance of providing accurate vehicle information when requesting a tow.
What Information Should You Give the Towing Company?
Accurate information allows the operator to prepare for the recovery.
Tell them:
- Exact vehicle location
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle size
- Whether it starts
- Whether it rolls
- Whether it steers
- Whether the wheels are locked
- Any accident damage
- Ground conditions
- Access restrictions
- Destination
If the vehicle is in a garage or car park, mention the available clearance.
If possible, provide photographs.
A few details provided during the initial phone call can prevent significant problems when the tow truck arrives.
Can Photos Help With Vehicle Positioning?
Yes.
Photos can give the towing operator a better understanding of the recovery situation before arriving.
Useful photographs may show:
- Full vehicle position
- Front and rear
- Wheel condition
- Surrounding space
- Road width
- Driveway entrance
- Garage access
- Nearby obstacles
- Ground surface
Only take photos if you can do so safely.
Never walk into traffic or stand in a dangerous location to photograph a broken-down vehicle.
What Should You Do Before the Tow Truck Arrives?
If the vehicle is safely parked, there are a few things you can do.
Remove valuable personal belongings and make sure the vehicle is accessible.
If safe, provide the towing operator with any keys, wheel-lock key or relevant vehicle information they may need.
Don’t start dismantling parts or attempting repairs simply to make the vehicle easier to tow.
Let the professional operator assess the vehicle.
Should You Leave the Steering Wheel Unlocked?
It depends on the vehicle and recovery method.
Some towing procedures require the steering to remain unlocked, while other situations may involve different equipment.
Don’t assume the correct position without checking the vehicle’s instructions or following the tow operator’s directions.
Modern vehicles may also have electronic steering locks that require specific procedures.
If you’re unsure, tell the operator what happens when you try to unlock the steering.
What If the Vehicle Is Parked in a Garage?
Garage recoveries can be challenging because of limited clearance.
The towing provider may need to know:
- Door height
- Door width
- Ceiling clearance
- Turning space
- Ramp gradient
- Vehicle position
- Whether the vehicle can roll
If you can provide photographs or measurements safely, this can help the operator determine whether the available equipment will fit.
Don’t assume a standard tow truck will automatically be able to enter an underground car park.
What If the Tow Truck Can’t Get Close Enough?
The operator may need to use alternative equipment or reposition the recovery vehicle.
In some situations, a smaller recovery vehicle may be better suited to the access conditions.
Additional equipment may also be required.
This is why describing the location accurately before booking is so important.
If the access is particularly tight, mention it immediately.
Can Poor Positioning Delay the Recovery?
Yes.
If the tow truck arrives and discovers that the vehicle is inaccessible, the operator may need to change equipment or approach.
This can create additional delays.
For example, a vehicle parked tightly against a wall may require a different recovery approach from one parked in an open car park.
Accurate information before arrival helps the operator prepare.
Does Proper Positioning Reduce Towing Costs?
It can indirectly.
Good positioning may reduce unnecessary recovery time and help the operator use the most appropriate equipment from the start.
However, you should never move a damaged vehicle or take unnecessary risks simply to make a tow cheaper.
Safety comes first.
If moving the vehicle could cause further damage or put you near traffic, leave it where it is and tell the towing provider exactly what they’re dealing with.
What Are Common Vehicle Positioning Mistakes?
Some common mistakes include:
- Parking too close to walls or obstacles
- Trying to reposition a seriously damaged vehicle
- Leaving wheels locked without informing the operator
- Failing to mention restricted access
- Ignoring low ground clearance
- Not explaining that the vehicle is loaded
- Forgetting to mention that the steering doesn’t work
- Assuming every tow truck can access every location
Most of these problems can be avoided through simple communication.
How Does Proper Positioning Make Towing Safer?
The right vehicle position gives the tow operator better control over the recovery.
It provides space to place equipment correctly and reduces unnecessary manoeuvring.
It also gives the operator a better chance of identifying potential hazards before the vehicle is moved.
For roadside recoveries, positioning is also about protecting people from passing traffic.
A vehicle positioned safely away from traffic provides a much better environment for professional recovery than one sitting in an active lane.
Good Positioning Starts With Good Information
Vehicle positioning isn’t something you need to solve entirely yourself.
If you’re dealing with a breakdown or accident, your job is to keep yourself and your passengers safe and provide accurate information.
Tell the towing company where the vehicle is, what condition it’s in and what makes the location difficult.
The professional recovery operator can then determine how the vehicle should be approached, loaded and secured.
A well-planned recovery is safer, more efficient and less likely to cause unnecessary damage.
Whether it’s a small car in a Melbourne driveway or a damaged vehicle on a busy arterial road, proper positioning gives the tow operator the information and access needed to do the job correctly.
If you are in Hurstbridge, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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