So, your car breaks down. Maybe it’s a dead battery, a blown radiator hose, or just a weird noise that made you pull over. You’re stuck, and like many people, your first thought might be, “Can I just tow it myself?” Maybe you’ve got a mate with a ute and a tow rope, or you’ve seen a YouTube video that makes it look easy.
But here’s the thing—DIY towing might sound like a good idea in the moment, but it’s rarely worth the risk.
We’ve seen it all: snapped ropes, damaged bumpers, shredded transmissions, and even cars rolling loose down the street. If you’re thinking about towing your own vehicle, let’s talk about why it’s usually better to leave it to the professionals.
It’s Not Just Hook-and-Go
One of the biggest misconceptions about towing is that it’s simple. But there’s a lot more to it than just attaching a rope and driving off. Every vehicle has its own towing requirements—front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, electric, hybrid—and towing them the wrong way can cause serious damage.
We had a case where someone tried towing a front-wheel-drive car using a rope from the rear. It ended up dragging the front wheels (and the transmission) for several kilometres before the car gave up. The repair bill? Let’s just say it was way more than what a professional tow would’ve cost.
Using the Wrong Equipment is a Disaster Waiting to Happen
We get it—tow straps, chains, and dollies are easy to find. But using the wrong gear or low-quality tools can turn a minor problem into a major one. If that rope snaps on the highway or your mate’s car can’t handle the weight, now you’ve got two vehicles in trouble.
Professional tow truck operators use industry-grade equipment designed for the job—hydraulic lifts, wheel-lift systems, flatbeds—tools that ensure your car is secured properly and transported safely. It’s not just about moving a car. It’s about moving it without making things worse.
You Could Be Breaking the Law
In many parts of Australia, towing a car using a rope or chain on public roads is either restricted or outright illegal unless you’re licensed to do it. There are specific rules about how towing should be done, how long the tow rope can be, what signage should be displayed, and whether the towed vehicle has working brakes and lights.
We once helped a driver who got pulled over while trying to tow a car with a friend’s ute. Not only was he fined, but his car was also impounded because it was considered unsafe. That’s a bad day that could’ve been avoided with a single call to a tow truck company.
It’s Risky—For You and Everyone Around You
Imagine your mate towing you down a busy road. There’s no power steering. No brakes. You’re relying on a rope and good timing. It’s a nerve-wracking ride—and a dangerous one. One sudden stop, one missed turn, and you could slam into the back of the towing vehicle or swerve into another lane.
Even on quieter streets, things can go sideways fast. A minor miscommunication, a rope coming loose, or a sharp turn could lead to accidents that put more than just your car at risk.
Insurance Might Not Cover DIY Towing Damage
This one’s often overlooked. If you damage your car—or someone else’s—while attempting to tow it yourself, your insurance company may refuse to cover the costs. They could consider it negligence, especially if you didn’t follow proper procedures or local laws.
On the other hand, if a licensed towing service handles your vehicle and something goes wrong, you’re protected. Professional operators carry insurance, and your own coverage is more likely to honour any claims.
It’s Just Easier (and Safer) to Call the Pros
Here’s the honest truth: we’ve never had anyone regret calling us for a tow. But we have seen plenty of regret from people who tried to do it themselves first. In most cases, it’s faster, safer, and more cost-effective to let professionals handle it—especially when your car is already giving you enough headaches.
And it’s not just about moving the vehicle. We can help assess the situation, recommend where to take it, and make sure you’re not stranded on the side of the road trying to flag someone down.
We understand wanting to save time or money, especially if the breakdown feels minor. But towing isn’t something to DIY lightly. If you’re ever in doubt, just give us a call. We’re happy to help—no judgement, no stress, and no extra damage to your car.
Because when your car needs help, the last thing you want is to turn a small problem into a big one—with you stuck in the middle.
If you are in St Albans, 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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