1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Auto Repair

How To Properly Use a Tow Strap

By , About.com Guide

4 of 5

Pulling With The Tow Strap

Pulling with a tow strap.

Pull the strap tight before you start to pull the car.

photo by Matt Wright, 2008
Now that you have both ends securely hooked in, you're ready to pull. There are a couple of things to remember:

  • Never pull an unattended vehicle with a tow strap.
  • Never use a tow strap to tow at highway speeds.
  • Smooth is the word of the moment (as in not jerky).
With both vehicles manned, slowly creep the pulling vehicle forward until the tow strap is tight. Don't try to get a running start, that's not how this works. Once the strap is tight, you can begin to pull the other vehicle. Remember to keep all of your movements nice and slow. Anything abrupt will be felt doubly by the car you're pulling.
Explore Auto Repair
About.com Special Features

How to Inspect a Used Car

Stay safe and save time by following these tips before driving a used car. More >

New and Redesigned Cars for 2010

Discover the hottest cars for the 2010 calendar year. More >

  1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Auto Repair
  4. Emergency Repairs
  5. Roadside Repairs
  6. How To Use a Tow Strap - Pulling Your Car With a Tow Strap - Tow Hooks, Tow Ropes, Tow Cables

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.