Towing

Towing is the process of pulling a vehicle or other object using a powered vehicle or another mechanical means. In road transport, towing is used to move disabled or illegally parked vehicles, relocate equipment, or recover vehicles after an accident. Towed loads range from passenger cars to heavy trucks and machinery, and they can be moved over short distances on-site or across longer distances to a repair facility or storage site.

Tow operations rely on specialized equipment. Common tow methods include flatbed towing, in which the entire vehicle is loaded onto a rigid platform; wheel-lift systems, which lift one end using hydraulic arms; and conventional hook-and-chain or strap methods that may attach to anchors at the vehicle. For heavy-duty needs, integrated tow trucks or detachable trailers are used. The method chosen depends on the vehicle's weight, condition, and the need to minimize damage to the towed vehicle.

Safety and regulation are important in towing. Operators typically require training and licensing where mandated and must follow standards for lighting, braking, load securing, and roadway operation. Proper licensing and insurance help assign liability for damage and loss. In many jurisdictions, towing is subject to laws governing roadside assistance, vehicle repossession, and the handling of impounded or illegally parked vehicles.