The Risks of DIY Towing and Why It’s Not Worth It
We’ve all seen it at some point—a car limping down the road, roped to another with a sagging chain, hazards blinking, and a nervous driver behind the wheel. It might seem like a quick fix when you’re stuck and trying to save money or time, but DIY towing is one of the riskiest things you can do with your broken-down vehicle. When you need Route 66 towing, it’s not just about moving your car—it’s about moving it without making things worse.
Towing Without the Right Equipment
We’ve watched people try to tow with everything from garden ropes to ratchet straps. It’s alarming, and worse—it’s dangerous. Your average pickup isn’t set up for towing another vehicle safely. And tying two cars together with rope? That’s a fast way to snap a bumper or lose control on a turn.
Chains might seem like a stronger option, but they can do serious damage. One sudden brake or hard pull can twist frames, rip off panels, or send both vehicles into a skid. We’ve even seen hoods crumpled and tires locked from botched tow attempts.
Common DIY Towing Mistakes
Here are some of the most common issues we’ve seen firsthand:
- Improper hook-up points that bend axles or tear off tow hooks
- Using the wrong type of rope or chain, risking breakage mid-tow
- No auxiliary braking system, leaving the towed vehicle with zero stopping power
- Untrained drivers unable to manage turns, stops, or even lane changes safely
- Towing automatic transmissions improperly, leading to expensive drivetrain damage
Every time we respond to a call gone wrong, it’s usually because someone didn’t realize how many things can go sideways with even a short DIY tow.
It’s Not Just About Your Vehicle
People often think of towing as just pulling a car from A to B. But there’s a lot more at play. High speeds, sudden weather changes, tight shoulders—none of it mixes well with a makeshift tow job. It puts other drivers at risk, too.
That’s what worries us the most. A tow strap coming loose at 45 mph can turn into a deadly projectile. A driver without rear visibility or trailer brakes can cause a pileup. And if a towed vehicle starts to sway or fishtail, there’s no easy way to regain control.
DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper
People often choose DIY towing because they think it’s cheaper. But one mistake can lead to:
- Bent suspension or broken transmissions
- Cracked bumpers or dented fenders
- Tickets or fines for unsafe towing practices
- Liability if you cause an accident
All of those are a lot more expensive than a professional tow. Especially when you consider the damage to your vehicle and your insurance premiums afterward.
What our Real Route 66 Towing Service Brings
We’ve got the right equipment for every Route 66 towing situation—from flatbeds that keep your car off the road to wheel lifts that protect drive systems. But more importantly, we bring the know-how.
When we show up for Route 66 towing, we do more than just haul your vehicle. We check for damage, secure it properly, and make sure it gets to the right place in one piece. And if your car needs a specific tow method (like all-wheel-drive vehicles often do), we already know that.
We’ve been doing this long enough to spot a bad situation before it gets worse—and that’s not something you get from a buddy’s truck and a piece of rope.
Here’s When You Should Never DIY Tow
- Your vehicle has transmission issues or locked wheels
- You’re towing more than 5 miles
- The vehicle has no functioning brakes
- The towing vehicle isn’t rated for heavy loads
- You’re traveling at highway speeds or through busy intersections
If any of those apply, stop and call a pro. You might save time now, but you’ll save a lot more hassle later.
Murphys Towing: Route 66 Towing Done Right
We’ve all been tempted to handle things ourselves. We get it—nobody likes waiting, and everyone wants to feel in control. But Route 66 towing isn’t just about getting your vehicle off the road. It’s about getting it there intact, safely, and without making a bad day worse.
So next time you’re thinking of throwing a rope on your car and crossing your fingers, think again. Let the our Route 66 towing team who does this for a living handle the job right.