It can be an alarming situation if your vehicle has suddenly broken down at the side of the road and you have to leave it behind to be towed. When this happens, some people are unsure of what to do to make sure their vehicle is left and towed safely and successfully.
There are a few useful tips to remember that can make the whole process as smooth as possible. Read on to discover our tips for leaving your car to be towed.
1. Contact the police
An important step before leaving your vehicle is to inform the police that you’re leaving it there for the towing service. This means there’s an official record of your vehicle and it won’t be mistaken for an abandoned car. In the event that thieves or vandals target the car whilst it’s waiting to be towed, you can more easily file a criminal complaint and make a claim with your insurance company when the police already have a record of it.
2. Move it to a safer location
If possible, move the vehicle to a safer location at the roadside so that it doesn’t pose a hazard to other drivers. Aim to drive as far off the road as you can safely. If the area you’ve broken down in has streetlights it’s also sensible to park the car as close to one as possible. This is an excellent way to make sure it’s visible to other drivers.
3. Make the car visible
Making the car visible is an important safety precaution both for your car and for other vehicles. Turning on the headlights or hazard lights or hanging something bright and colourful from the car window helps other drivers to notice your vehicle and avoid hitting it. Street lighting is another way to help to make the car more visible.
4. Remove your valuables
Before leaving the car you should always remove your valuables. This includes car titles and documentation as well as your personal belongings. The sight of valuables increases the odds of the car being stolen or vandalised before the towing service arrives, so make sure you take anything that’s important or of value with you.
5. Hide the key
The tow truck driver will need the car key so they can put the vehicle into neutral before towing it. Doing this helps to prevent damage to the car. Leave the key in a safe location that you agree with the tow truck driver. Choose somewhere discreet like inside the gas cap or behind your license plate. It’s important not to leave the key in an obvious location because this drastically increases the risk of theft or vandalism.
Contact Mick’s Towing Service
If you’ve had a roadside breakdown and need rapid and reliable towing services throughout the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern New South Wales, we’re available 24/7 whenever you need great quality towing services. Call us today on 0411 715 630 or contact us for a free quote.
