When it comes to towing, there’s no shortage of myths floating around. Whether it’s old tales passed down or just a lack of understanding about how modern towing works, these misconceptions can lead to unnecessary stress or hesitation when you need help. At Good Hands Towing, we believe knowledge is power, so we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about towing services and give you a better idea of what to expect when the unexpected happens.
Myth 1: Towing Is Incredibly Expensive
One of the biggest misconceptions about towing is that it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg. The truth is, towing fees are often reasonable, especially when you consider the costs of equipment, fuel, and skilled operators. Many towing companies, like ours, are upfront about pricing and can give you an estimate before they even hook up your vehicle. Factors like distance, type of tow, and time of day can affect the price, but a trustworthy company will explain these charges clearly.
Myth 2: Tow Trucks Will Damage Your Car
This myth probably comes from the old days when hook-and-chain towing was common. Modern towing techniques, like flatbed and wheel-lift towing, are designed to minimize the risk of damage. At Good Hands Towing, we use equipment that’s suited to your vehicle type, ensuring a safe tow. If you have a low-clearance or luxury car, we’ll recommend flatbed towing to keep your vehicle off the ground completely.
Myth 3: You Can’t Choose Your Towing Company
If your vehicle breaks down on the highway or gets in an accident, you might think the police or insurance company will decide who to call. While they may have recommendations, you have the right to choose your towing company. Having a reliable towing service like Good Hands Towing in your contacts ensures you get the help you need from a team you trust.
Myth 4: All Tow Companies Are the Same
Not all towing companies are created equal. There’s a big difference between a professional towing service with trained operators and someone with a beat-up truck and a winch. Reliable companies like Good Hands Towing invest in their equipment and prioritize customer service. We’re licensed, insured, and experienced in handling all types of situations, whether you’re in Madison Heights or Auburn Hills.
Myth 5: Towing Services Only Help with Accidents
A lot of people think towing is just for crash sites, but that’s far from the truth. Tow trucks help with all kinds of roadside problems, including flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, getting stuck in freezing Michigan snow and ice and more! Many companies offer roadside assistance to get you back on the road without even needing a tow. And if you run out of gas or slide into a ditch, we’re here to help with that, too. Good Hands Towing offers many types of roadside assistance, from jumpstarting your dead battery to fuel delivery and more.
Myth 6: It’s Faster to Call a Friend Than a Tow Truck
It’s tempting to call a buddy with a truck when your car breaks down, but this can cause more harm than good. Without the right equipment, you risk damaging your vehicle—or even causing an accident. We are equipped to handle most types of vehicles safely, efficiently and legally. Plus, we’re available 24/7, so you don’t have to wait around hoping your buddies’ cousin will show up.
Myth 7: Towing Isn’t Necessary for Small Cars
People sometimes think smaller vehicles don’t need professional towing because they’re easier to push or pull. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Regardless of size, any vehicle can suffer damage if not towed correctly. Modern cars have complex systems and low ground clearance, so it’s best to trust professionals with the job.
Myth 8: Anyone with a Tow Truck Can Be a Tow Truck Driver
This is a dangerous misconception that couldn’t be further from the truth. Operating a tow truck is a specialized skill that requires proper training, experience, and certification. In fact, professional tow truck drivers are held to high standards to ensure the safety of your vehicle and everyone on the road.
First and foremost, tow truck operators need the appropriate licensing to operate commercial vehicles. In many cases, this means obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The licensing process involves rigorous testing to ensure the driver understands road safety, vehicle handling, and towing techniques.
Beyond licensing, a qualified tow truck operator also needs training in using specific towing equipment, whether it’s a flatbed, wheel-lift, or hook-and-chain setup. Knowing how to properly secure a vehicle to prevent damage during transport takes more than common sense—it’s a learned skill that requires attention to detail and experience.
Insurance is another critical aspect. Reputable towing companies carry proper insurance coverage to protect both their customers and themselves. This includes liability insurance and coverage for damage that might occur during a tow. Fly-by-night operators without insurance put your vehicle at significant risk, leaving you to cover damages if something goes wrong.
Experience is what separates a professional operator from someone just driving a truck. Tow truck drivers encounter all kinds of situations—tight spaces, hazardous weather, tricky accidents—and it takes hands-on experience to handle these scenarios safely and efficiently. At Good Hands Towing, our team is not only certified and insured but also experienced in dealing with a wide range of towing needs across Clawson, Sterling Heights, Royal Oak, and other Michigan communities.
When you trust your vehicle to a trained professional, you’re not just paying for a tow; you’re paying for peace of mind. If you need a tow, let us know! You can rely on Good Hands Towing to provide safe, professional, and qualified service whenever you need it.
Myth 9: Towing Will Damage the Transmission of an Automatic Car
This is one of the most common concerns people have when it comes to towing, especially for vehicles with automatic transmissions. While it’s true that improper towing can cause transmission damage, professional towing methods are designed to prevent this from happening. With the right technique and equipment, your car’s transmission will remain safe during the towing process.
Transmission damage typically occurs when a vehicle is towed with its drive wheels on the ground while the engine is off. This can cause parts of the transmission to move without proper lubrication, leading to wear and damage. However, modern towing services like Good Hands Towing use methods that eliminate this risk. Here’s how:
- Flatbed Towing: With flatbed towing, your entire vehicle is loaded onto the flatbed of a tow truck, keeping all four wheels off the ground. This method is the safest option for vehicles with automatic transmissions because it completely removes the possibility of the transmission being engaged during transport.
- Wheel-Lift Towing: This method lifts either the front or rear wheels off the ground, depending on whether your car is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, the wheels connected to the drivetrain are lifted, preventing the transmission from turning.
- Dolly Towing: In some cases, a tow dolly can be used to keep the drive wheels off the ground while the others roll freely. This is another way to ensure the transmission isn’t damaged during a tow.
It’s also worth mentioning that some automatic cars are equipped with a neutral gear specifically for towing. Always check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle has specific towing requirements or limitations.
At Good Hands Towing, we’re experienced in safely towing all types of vehicles, including those with automatic transmissions. Our team knows how to assess your vehicle’s drivetrain and select the right towing method to avoid any damage. Whether you’re stuck in Rochester Hills, Clinton Township, or Madison Heights, we’ve got the expertise to handle your car with care.
Myth 10: Towing Will Damage Axles
One of the persistent myths about towing is that it will inevitably damage your vehicle’s axles. This misconception often stems from misunderstanding how towing works and the precautions professionals take to protect your car. While axle damage can happen with improper towing methods, it’s far from a guaranteed outcome—especially when you rely on experienced towing services like Good Hands Towing.
The key to preventing axle damage lies in understanding your vehicle’s drivetrain and using the right towing technique:
- Flatbed Towing: Flatbed towing is the gold standard for protecting your vehicle from axle damage. With this method, all four wheels are lifted entirely off the ground, meaning your axles don’t experience any strain during transport. It’s especially ideal for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, where axle and drivetrain components are more complex.
- Wheel-Lift Towing: For front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles, wheel-lift towing can be safely used without stressing the axles. This method lifts either the front or rear wheels off the ground, depending on the drive wheels. The free wheels simply roll, leaving your axles unharmed.
- Towing with a Dolly: Tow dollies are another option to ensure axle protection. By lifting the drive wheels onto the dolly, the axles aren’t engaged during the tow, minimizing risk.
Axle damage is typically only a concern when vehicles are towed improperly, such as dragging a car with drive wheels on the ground while the transmission is engaged. At Good Hands Towing, we have the experience to handle every vehicle with care, whether you’re driving a compact sedan or a heavy-duty truck. Our operators know how to assess your vehicle and choose the safest method, ensuring your axles remain in perfect shape. If you’re worried about axle damage during a tow, let us put your mind at ease. We’re the pros at towing safely and efficiently!
BONUS MYTH! Myth 11: All-Wheel-Drive and 4×4 Vehicles Can’t Be Towed
Many people believe that towing an all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicle is either impossible or guaranteed to cause damage. The truth is, these vehicles can be safely towed—but it takes the right equipment and know-how. With professional towing services, AWD and 4×4 vehicles are handled routinely without any risk of harm.
The misconception likely comes from the complexity of these drivetrains. Unlike front-wheel or rear-wheel-drive cars, AWD and 4×4 vehicles send power to all four wheels, meaning all of them are connected to the drivetrain. If any of these wheels turn while the engine is off, it can cause unnecessary strain on the drivetrain, transfer case, or differentials. However, professionals have specific solutions to prevent these issues:
- Flatbed Towing: The safest and most commonly used method for AWD and 4×4 vehicles. All four wheels are loaded onto the flatbed, completely removing them from the road. This eliminates any risk of drivetrain damage.
- Wheel-Lift Towing with a Dolly: In cases where a flatbed isn’t available, tow dollies can lift two wheels off the ground while the remaining two rest on the dolly. This setup keeps the drivetrain disengaged and prevents damage to the vehicle’s components.
- Driveshaft Disconnection: For long-distance towing, a technician may temporarily disconnect the driveshaft to prevent any drivetrain movement. While this method is less common, it’s an effective option for specific situations.
Modern towing equipment and techniques are designed to accommodate AWD and 4×4 vehicles safely. At Good Hands Towing, we regularly handle these types of vehicles throughout our service area, including Sterling Heights, Royal Oak, and Auburn Hills. We understand the unique needs of AWD and 4×4 drivetrains, and we have the tools to get the job done right.
If you drive an AWD or 4×4 and ever find yourself stuck, rest assured your vehicle can be towed without a hitch—no pun intended. If you need a tow, let us know!
Why You Should Choose Good Hands Towing
At Good Hands Towing, we know that roadside emergencies are stressful, and myths about towing can make things even more confusing. That’s why we prioritize clear communication, fast response times, and professional service. Our team serves Clawson, Troy, Sterling Heights, and surrounding areas, and we’re always ready to help, day or night.
If you’re ever in a jam, remember this: If you need a tow, let us know! Call (586) 707-8678 for dependable, professional service.
Sign up for our newsletter to get more helpful tips, maintenance advice, and exclusive discounts. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook @GoodHandsTowing for updates and specials.
#TowingMyths #VehicleMyths #ReliableTowing #GoodHandsTowing #ClawsonMI #SterlingHeightsMI #AuburnHillsMI #TroyMI #MichiganTowing #RoadsideHelp #FlatbedTowing #EmergencyTowing #ProfessionalTow #CarCareTips #MadisonHeights #RoyalOak #BloomfieldTowing
Discover more from Good Hands Towing 24 7
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
