Planning to have your car towed? Whether you’re moving a vehicle you just purchased, transporting a project car, or relocating during a move, proper preparation makes the difference between a smooth experience and costly complications. Taking the right steps beforehand protects your vehicle, speeds up the process, and ensures everything goes exactly as planned.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Unlike emergency towing where you’re dealing with whatever situation you’re handed, planned towing gives you the luxury of time to do things right. This preparation prevents damage to your vehicle, avoids delays on towing day, and ensures you have everything documented properly. A little effort upfront saves you headaches and money later.
Essential Documents and Information
Gather Your Paperwork
Start by collecting all necessary documents at least a day before your scheduled towing. You’ll need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license. If you’re moving a car you recently purchased, have the bill of sale and any transfer paperwork ready. Keep these documents in a folder you can easily grab when the tow truck arrives.
Prepare Vehicle Information
Write down your car’s make, model, year, and VIN number. Note whether it’s front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive – this information helps the towing company bring the right equipment and use the proper method for your vehicle. If you’re unsure about your drivetrain type, check your owner’s manual or call the towing company for guidance.
Plan Your Route and Timing
Discuss the pickup location and destination with your towing service ahead of time. Make sure the pickup location has adequate space for the tow truck to maneuver safely. If you’re picking up from a tight driveway or parking lot, mention this when scheduling so they can bring appropriate equipment.
Vehicle Preparation Steps
Clean Out Personal Items
Remove all personal belongings from your car, including items in the glove compartment, center console, door pockets, and trunk. Even if you’re using flatbed towing, it’s smart to remove valuable items, electronics, and anything that could shift around during transport. Don’t forget items you might not think about – sunglasses, phone chargers, garage door openers, and parking passes.
Secure or Remove Loose Parts
Walk around your vehicle and check for any loose exterior parts. Secure or remove custom accessories, spoilers, or aftermarket parts that might come loose during transport. If your car has a convertible top, make sure it’s properly secured. For project cars or vehicles with body damage, point out any loose parts to the tow operator so they can take extra precautions.
Handle Fluids and Battery
Check fluid levels and address any leaks before the towing service arrives. If your car has been sitting for a while, you might have low battery power or old fluids that could cause problems. For vehicles that haven’t run recently, let the towing company know so they can prepare for potential electrical or mechanical issues during loading.
Disable Security Systems
Turn off car alarms and any aftermarket security systems that might activate during towing. Nothing’s more embarrassing than having your car alarm go off repeatedly while it’s being loaded onto the tow truck. If you have a complex security system, write down the disarm procedure for the tow operator in case they need it.
Special Considerations for Different Situations
Non-Running Vehicles
If your car doesn’t start or run, inform the towing service when you schedule. They’ll need to know whether the engine turns over, if the steering wheel locks, and whether the transmission can shift into neutral. This information helps them bring the right equipment and plan the safest loading method. Professional vehicle recovery service teams have specialized tools for handling non-operational vehicles safely.
Classic and Vintage Cars
Older vehicles need extra attention during preparation. Check for loose trim pieces, ensure all fluids are at proper levels, and document the car’s condition with photos before towing. Classic cars often benefit from flatbed towing to avoid any stress on aging components. If your classic has unique requirements or sensitivities, discuss these with your towing provider beforehand.
Project Cars and Restoration Vehicles
Cars in various stages of restoration require special handling. Make a list of any missing or loose parts, disconnected components, or modifications that might affect towing. If the car has been partially disassembled, ensure that all loose parts are either secured or removed. Professional towing operators experienced with project cars know how to handle vehicles that aren’t in standard condition.
Long-Distance Transport
For long-distance towing service, additional preparation ensures your vehicle arrives in perfect condition. Top off all fluids, ensure the battery is secure, and check tire pressure. Remove or secure any aftermarket accessories that could be affected by extended transport time or varying weather conditions.
Day of Towing: Final Steps
Be Present and Available
Plan to be available when the tow truck arrives. Even though you’ve prepared everything in advance, the driver may have questions about your specific vehicle or need access to move the car into the best position for loading. Your presence ensures clear communication and helps address any last-minute concerns.
Conduct a Vehicle Inspection
Walk around your car with the tow operator and point out any existing damage, special concerns, or unique features they should know about. This isn’t about distrust – it’s about ensuring everyone’s on the same page about your vehicle’s condition and any special handling it might need.
Confirm Destination and Contact Information
Double-check the delivery address and make sure your contact information is correct. If your plans change or you won’t be available at the destination, arrange for someone else to receive the vehicle and provide their contact information to the towing service.
Keep Important Numbers Handy
Have the towing company’s contact information easily accessible in case you need to reach them during transport. For long-distance moves, knowing you can check on your vehicle’s progress provides peace of mind.
What Professional Towing Services Handle
Equipment and Safety Decisions
Professional towing operators assess your vehicle and determine the safest loading method. They have experience with different vehicle types and know whether your car needs wheel lift towing, flatbed service, or specialized equipment. Trust their expertise – they’ve handled thousands of vehicles and know what works best for different situations.
Loading and Securing
Proper loading and securing requires professional equipment and expertise. Towing operators use specific tie-down points, weight distribution techniques, and securing methods that protect your vehicle during transport. This isn’t something to attempt yourself or second-guess – let the professionals handle what they do best.
Route Planning and Logistics
Experienced towing services know the best routes for different types of vehicles and can avoid low bridges, weight restrictions, or road conditions that might affect your car. They also understand timing and can work around traffic patterns to ensure safe, efficient transport.
Regional Expertise Makes a Difference
Local Knowledge Benefits
Working with towing services that know your area provides distinct advantages. Companies serving Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor, Saint Joseph, Paw Paw, and Coloma understand local road conditions, traffic patterns, and the best routes for safe vehicle transport.
Comprehensive Service Options
Choose towing companies that offer complete solutions for different vehicle types. Whether you need car towing, truck transport, RV moving, or specialized services, working with a provider that has comprehensive towing capabilities means they can handle your specific needs properly.
Your Preparation Checklist
One Week Before:
- □ Schedule your towing service and confirm details
- □ Gather all necessary paperwork
- □ Check vehicle condition and note any concerns
- □ Plan pickup and delivery logistics
Day Before:
- □ Remove all personal items from vehicle
- □ Secure or remove loose parts and accessories
- □ Disable security systems and alarms
- □ Check fluid levels and battery condition
- □ Confirm pickup time and location
Day of Service:
- □ Be present for pickup
- □ Walk around vehicle with operator
- □ Confirm destination and contact information
- □ Keep towing company contact information handy
Making Towing Day Smooth and Stress-Free
Proper preparation transforms towing from a potentially stressful experience into a straightforward process. When you’ve handled the preparation work correctly, the actual towing becomes simple and efficient. Your vehicle gets the care it deserves, and you get peace of mind knowing everything was done right.
Zielke Towing and Tire specializes in planned vehicle transport with the expertise and equipment to handle any situation properly. Our experienced team works with you to ensure your preparation efforts pay off with safe, professional service. With comprehensive towing capabilities and strategic locations throughout Southwest Michigan, we make vehicle transport straightforward and reliable.
Ready to schedule your planned towing? Contact us today to discuss your needs and ensure your vehicle gets the professional transport it deserves.
