How to tow a car safely

Published on 23 June 2025

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Your tyres are one of the most important safety features on your car. Well-maintained vehicles are not only required by law,but also make for a smooth journey and can help save you money in the long run.

Tyre maintenance might not sound exciting, but without good quality wheels, you can’t get from A to B. It pays to understand the basics.

Here are some of our tips to look after your tyres…

Need to tow another car? Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and secure.

First things first, before you decide to tow or be towed, make sure you have the right equipment.
Your vehicle should be able to handle the weight of the car you’re towing - check your owner's manual for details.
Avoid any sudden movements, especially when pulling away as this can damage both cars or break the tow rope.

If you find yourself broken down, your first call should be to your breakdown cover provider. They'll give you advice over the phone about what’s best for your situation and send an engineer to help.

Car towing essentials

Equipment: Make sure you have a suitable tow rope or tow bar. Most modern cars have towing brackets at the front and back. If it's not obvious where they are, you probably need to screw in an eyelet attachment, which can usually be found with the spare tyre. Your car owner's manual will show how this is done.
Vehicle capacity: It’s important to check your vehicle can handle the weight of the car you’re towing. Again, your manual will have the details.
On Tow sign: Place an 'On Tow' sign in the back window of the car being towed. These often come as a set when you buy a tow rope, but you can make your own if needed.

Being towed when you’ve broken down

Preparation: Before you set off, make sure the gearbox is in neutral and the handbrake is off. If your car’s an automatic or 4x4, towing might not be possible as it could damage your driveshaft or gearbox - check your car’s manual or use a recovery truck instead.
Ignition and steering: Turn on the ignition to release the steering lock. Your power steering may not be working, so be prepared to steer or apply the brakes yourself. Braking may be more difficult than normal, so you’ll need to be aware of this when coming to a stop.
As you'll be 'driving' so closely to the towing vehicle, you’ll need to pay close attention. Try to keep the tow rope taut between the two cars.
Communication: Agree some pre-arranged signals, such as honking the car horn if you need to slow down or stop.