Towing Safety: How to Protect Your Vehicle During Transport

Most drivers only think about towing after they're already stuck. By then, the tow truck is on its way and questions about how the job will be done get glossed over in the stress of the situation. But knowing what a proper tow looks like — and what the warning signs of an improper one are — can prevent vehicle damage and a difficult dispute after the fact.

This guide explains what happens during a correct tow, what the driver should inspect before loading, how straps and chains are used safely, and what you should always ask before allowing the tow to proceed in Winnipeg.

Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift: When Each Is the Right Choice

The two most common towing methods for passenger vehicles are flatbed (rollback) and wheel-lift. They serve different purposes and each has appropriate use cases.

Flatbed towing

The vehicle is driven or winched onto a flat metal deck. All four wheels are off the ground for the entire journey. This is the safest method for:

• AWD and 4WD vehicles
• Electric and most hybrid vehicles
• Vehicles with transmission, drivetrain, or suspension problems
• Low-clearance vehicles (sports cars, lowered vehicles)
• Vehicles that cannot be steered or shift gears
• Any vehicle where maximum protection of the drivetrain is required

Wheel-lift towing

A hydraulic arm cradles two wheels while the other two remain on the road surface. Appropriate for:

• Standard FWD vehicles towed from the front
• Standard RWD vehicles towed from the rear
• Short-distance tows in controlled conditions

What the Driver Should Inspect Before Loading

A professional tow driver doesn't just hook up and go. Before loading any vehicle, they should:

• Walk around the vehicle and note any pre-existing damage — dents, scratches, broken body panels
• Check whether the vehicle can be placed in neutral and whether the steering unlocks
• Confirm the vehicle type and drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD) to select the correct loading method
• Identify the manufacturer tow points — typically marked in the owner's manual or visible as reinforced frame points
• Check tire condition — a flat tire affects how the vehicle loads and sits on the deck
• Confirm there are no fluid leaks that could cause a hazard during loading

If a driver skips straight to attaching chains without inspecting the vehicle, that's a warning sign. Professional tow operators in Winnipeg document pre-existing damage before every job.

How Straps and Chains Should Be Positioned

On a flatbed tow, straps are typically run from the truck's anchor points to the vehicle's wheels — around the tire or through the wheel spokes — rather than attached directly to the frame or body. This distributes force through the tire and wheel assembly, which is designed to handle it. When straps contact painted body panels or plastic trim, protective sleeves or edge guards should be used.

What straps should never attach to:

• Plastic bumper covers — they will crack under load
• Suspension arms (control arms, tie rods) — designed for vehicle operation loads, not tow restraint
• Exhaust components
• Brake lines or fuel lines

For wheel-lift towing, the cradle should engage the tires firmly with no rocking or movement. The steering should be locked (windows up, key in ignition in the appropriate position) to prevent the front wheels from swinging during transport.

Protecting AWD and 4WD Vehicles

AWD and 4WD vehicles have a transfer case that connects all four wheels through the drivetrain. When any wheels rotate, the transfer case and differentials rotate too. Wheel-lift towing these vehicles forces drivetrain components to spin at road speed without lubrication — causing heat, friction, and mechanical damage very quickly.

The rule is simple: AWD and 4WD vehicles must be on a flatbed. Always tell the dispatcher when you call that your vehicle is AWD or 4WD. Jets Towing's dispatch will automatically send a flatbed for AWD/4WD calls. If the first company you call sends a wheel-lift truck for your AWD vehicle, do not allow the tow to proceed — call (431) 791-1122 instead.

What to Ask Your Tow Company Before the Tow Begins

Before you agree to any tow, ask these questions:

1. "What type of truck are you sending, and is it appropriate for my vehicle type?"
2. "Is your company licensed and insured in Manitoba?"
3. "What is the total price for this tow before you begin?"
4. "Will the driver inspect the vehicle for pre-existing damage before loading?"
5. "If my vehicle is damaged during the tow, what is your claims process?"

A professional towing company will answer all of these confidently. Hesitation or vague answers to any of these questions — especially questions about insurance and pricing — are warning signs. Read more about what to do if towing damages your vehicle.

After the Tow: What to Inspect

When your vehicle arrives at its destination, take a few minutes to walk around it before the driver leaves:

• Check bumpers and lower panels for strap marks or scratches
• Look at the tow attachment points for any deformation
• Check underneath for any fluid leaks that weren't present before
• Confirm the vehicle is in the same gear/mode as when loaded

If you notice anything different from the pre-tow condition, document it with photos immediately and raise it with the driver before they leave. See our FAQ for more on what to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions