Can every vehicle be towed on its own wheels?

No. Towing is possible only when the condition of the wheels, suspension, steering and brakes allows the vehicle to be controlled safely. The drivetrain, gearbox, stopping location and applicable road rules also matter.

Can a vehicle with an automatic gearbox be towed?

This depends on the vehicle design, gearbox type, drivetrain, cause of the fault, distance and manufacturer’s instructions. In many cases, transporting the complete vehicle on a flatbed is safer and avoids damage to the gearbox or drivetrain.

What is checked before towing begins?

We check whether the vehicles can be connected safely, the condition of the wheels, steering, brakes and suspension, and whether the disabled vehicle can roll in a stable and controlled manner. Road conditions, visibility and the starting and destination points are also assessed.

When is a flatbed required instead of towing?

A flatbed is safer after a collision, with a locked wheel, damaged suspension or steering, fluid leakage, an unstable vehicle, or when the drivetrain design does not allow safe towing on the vehicle’s own wheels.

Is towing intended only for short distances?

Towing is generally considered for a short route to a workshop, car park, home or safe location. Whether it is possible depends on vehicle condition, road conditions and regulations. For a longer route, flatbed transport is usually safer.

What determines the towing price?

The price depends on the location, route length, vehicle condition, road conditions, access and the method required. If the assessment shows that a flatbed is necessary, the platform-transport cost is calculated separately.

Vehicle Towing | HELP-CAR

Towing a vehicle only when it is safe

Not every breakdown requires a recovery platform

Towing may be a suitable solution when the vehicle’s technical condition allows it to be moved safely on its own wheels. This mainly applies to short distances and situations where no safety-critical components have been damaged.

Before towing begins, we always assess the condition of the vehicle and the road conditions. If there is a risk of causing further damage or creating a hazard for other road users, we recommend transport on a recovery platform.

Our aim is to select the safest solution for the vehicle rather than apply the same method to every situation.

When is towing possible?

Towing may be considered when:

the wheels rotate freely;
the steering system is operational;
the suspension has not been damaged;
the vehicle remains stable;
road traffic regulations allow towing in the circumstances.

Every request is assessed individually. The final decision depends on the actual condition of the vehicle and the location where the breakdown occurred.

When is a recovery platform the better option?

Transport on a recovery platform will be safer if:

the vehicle has been involved in a collision;
the suspension is damaged;
a wheel is locked;
operating fluids are leaking;
the steering system is damaged;
the drivetrain or transmission requires platform transport.

If it becomes clear during the conversation that towing is not suitable, we arrange recovery platform transport immediately.

Can a vehicle with an automatic transmission be towed?

There is no single answer.

Whether towing is possible depends on:

the manufacturer’s instructions;
the type of transmission;
the type of drivetrain;
the transport distance;
the cause of the breakdown.

In many cases, transporting the vehicle on a recovery platform is the safer solution. This can prevent additional damage to the transmission or drivetrain.

What is checked before towing?

Before the service begins, we assess:

whether the vehicles can be connected safely;
the condition of the steering system;
whether the brakes are operational;
whether the vehicle can roll;
the road conditions.

This allows us to determine whether towing will be safe for both the drivers and the vehicle itself.

Short-distance transport

Towing is most commonly used for short distances:

to the nearest workshop;
to a parking area;
to the customer’s home;
to a safe place where the vehicle can be left.

For longer distances, transport on a recovery platform is usually the better option.

Direct contact with the driver

With HELP-CAR, the customer speaks directly to the driver arranging the assistance from the beginning.

During one conversation, we establish:

the breakdown location;
the type of damage;
the technical condition of the vehicle;
whether towing is possible;
the estimated cost of the service.

This makes it possible to decide more quickly and select the appropriate transport method.

Useful information to prepare before calling

Please have the following ready where possible:

the exact location;
the make and model of the vehicle;
a description of the breakdown;
information about whether the vehicle can roll;
photos of visible damage.

These details help determine whether towing is possible or whether a recovery platform should be prepared immediately.

Safety is more important than the transport method

Not every breakdown ends with towing, and not every vehicle requires a recovery platform. Each situation must therefore be assessed individually.

If towing could cause further damage or create a hazard on the road, we choose platform transport. The priority is to deliver the vehicle safely to its destination, not to use one particular transport method.

VEHICLE TOWING