Now that it’s December, the towing experts at Towing Chicago are regularly fielding calls regarding our expert Windy City towing services. Countless vehicles get stuck or break down in the snow every year – and we thought it was important to share the essential safety protocols of this scenario with our loyal customers. Here’s what to do if you’re waiting for towing in the snow.
Now that the weather is getting colder, many parts of Chicago are already freezing. Towing can be a very hard task to complete, and towing in icy weather is even harder – even when you’re using a truck complete with four wheel drive. Here are our tips for safe Winter towing.
This is an absolute must. Tire chains provide the extra traction that’s necessary for safe driving on snow or ice, and lessen any chances of jackknifing on a cold highway. Park your truck on a flat area with 10 feet of clearance in front and behind your truck. Put a chain down next to both front tires, with studs facing down. Put the end of each chain on the front of the tire where it’s making contact with the ground. Slowly drive the truck forward until the tires are centered onto the chains. Pull each end of the chain over the top of each tire, giving a small amount of slack room. Attach the closing device to each end of the chain – and remember that some snow chains will need you to install tension cords on the chain links using hooks or nuts. Drive the truck a short amount of room within the recommended speed limit paying attention to whether you hear any jarring noises that might mean that the chains aren’t tight enough.
Back up the truck to the back of the towed vehicle – ideally the area next to the driving wheels, since that end’s axle is likely more durable. If that part of the vehicle isn’t accessible, just use the other one. Make sure the two vehicle’s bumpers aren’t any more than 3 feet away from each other, and place the tow truck in parking mode. Wrap one side of the towing chain over the top of the truck’s back axle, making sure that it’s not accidentally wrapped around any wires or hoses. Put one side of the chain over the other end, and attach the chain end hook to the link above the axle. Make sure the chain loops are as tight as possible. Do the same actions to the other end of the chain.
Make sure both vehicle’s wheels are parallel and straight – ask the driver of the stuck vehicle to place their car in neutral and stay inside the vehicle. This will help the vehicle’s physics remain in synchronization with each other. Put your truck in the lowest gear facing forward to help prevent the tires from spinning or slipping. Slowly accelerate the gas pedal to slowly increase tension on the chain, making sure your wheels are still straight. Drive straight at a steady slow pace while traction increases, and once you’re moving more smoothly, make your speed faster at a very slow pace. Just be careful, as the drivers in front of you may pose a danger – the main danger being a driver who strikes their brakes suddenly – so it’s best to keep as much distance between your truck, the vehicle you’re towing, and any other cars in front of you. Once the towed vehicle is on firm non icy ground, stop the truck in a safe place – and of course, always make sure that your brake lights are on when you’re stopping.
The harsh weather of winter can be rough on vehicles. It’s important, for your own safety, and the safety of your car, that you prepare for the icy road that lies ahead of you. The intense cold of winter can take its toll on the internal mechanics of cars. If you don’t want to be caught unprepared, it’s important to inspect and repair your vehicle before it gets as extremely cold as it normally does in the middle of winter. Here’s a list of tips you can follow to keep your vehicle prepared and ready.
Leave ice scrapers and snow brushes inside the house if an overnight storm is predicted. This will allow you to remove ice and snow without having to open your car, which, when frozen, can be quite an arduous task. By keeping window and lock de-icers inside the house, you can rest assured that you’re fully prepared to uncover your vehicle from the frost.
Effective windshield wipers should be able to clear the windshield in three swipes. If this isn’t happening, and cleaning the blades doesn’t help, you should replace the blades. Winterized blades prevent snow from jamming within the center of the blade itself and are ideal for snowy conditions. Refill washer fluid frequently. You don’t want to wait until you’re out of fluid to notice that your windhield is caked with frozen salt. You additionally want to utilize the defroster to keep the fluid from freezing inside the cold. The inside of the windows should be kept clean to reduce the forming of surface fog, as well as speeding defogging. By using the air conditioner with the heat on, you can quickly defog windows.
Engine coolant or antifreeze should also be tested to make sure that it’s protected from freezing. If it looks old or has been there for over two years, change the antifreeze to restore the working order of the car’s rust inhibitors and water pump lubricants. By performing a professional power flush, you’ll remove any dirt that may cause water pump trailer.
As it gets colder, the thickness of oil becomes crucial. Oil without a “W” in it’s thickness rating (like 5W-30) could make the engine crank up too slow. By checking your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended oil thickness for cold weather you can be prepared. Automotive transmission fluid should always be full, not leaking, and should never looked singed, brown, or burnt. Transmissions are strained in the cold – make sure to change your transmission oil before it gets cold to prevent problems.
High beams, brake lights, and turn signals should be working properly, and headlights should be able to be aimed correctly. For maximum visibility- and safety – keep the lights clean.
All tire treads should have at leas ta 2/32’’ depth in their grooves. If the tire tread is wearing differently between the edges, sides, and middle groove, check the tire pressure. If one side is wearing faster than the other, it’s time for your car’s wheels to be realigned. The deeper the grooves of the tread, the better traction you have in snow or ice. Tire chains are also recommended.
No matter the climate, brakes should be checked at least twice a year to ensure safety. This maintenance is best done before Winter and Summer, just to avoid working in extreme temperatures. Exhaust systems should also be inspected and primed – these systems can be extremely dangerous when not working correctly – especially if one’s stuck in snow or ice. By regularly checking your car’s systems, you’re ensuring your safety, and the lasting longevity of your vehicle, no matter the weather.
