How Do Tow Trucks Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

For many drivers, the need for a tow truck arises unexpectedly—often during one of the most stressful moments on the road. Whether it’s a sudden mechanical breakdown, an accident, or a flat tire on a deserted highway, knowing what to expect can bring much-needed clarity to an otherwise chaotic situation. At CHUSHENG VEHICLE GROUP CO., LTD., we manufacture advanced, reliable tow trucks that simplify recovery and transport. But beyond the machinery, understanding the full towing process helps drivers make better, faster decisions and ensures a smooth experience from breakdown to drop-off.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of the towing process—from the moment your vehicle breaks down to the final delivery—so you know exactly how tow trucks work and what to expect when one comes to your aid.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Breakdown?

The first few minutes after a breakdown are crucial. Staying calm and following safety protocols not only protects you but also prepares for a smoother towing process.

1. Turn on your hazard lights. This alerts nearby drivers to your stationary vehicle, especially important if you’re stopped on a busy road or at night.

2. Move your vehicle to a safe location. If possible, guide the vehicle to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to avoid obstructing traffic.

3. Use safety markers. Place flares or reflective triangles behind your car to increase visibility. This is particularly important on highways or poorly lit roads.

4. Remain inside the vehicle if conditions are unsafe. If you're on a fast-moving road or in extreme weather, staying in your car may be safer than standing outside.

5. Call for a professional tow truck. Avoid the temptation to fix the issue on the spot if you lack the right tools, training, or parts.

Having a safety-first mindset sets the tone for everything that follows and allows the tow truck operator to begin their work with fewer complications.

How Do You Call and Communicate with a Tow Truck?

Once you're safe, it's time to reach out to a towing service. The information you provide during the call can greatly impact how quickly and effectively the tow truck operator can assist you.

Here’s what to prepare:

Your exact location. Use your phone’s GPS, a highway mile marker, or nearby landmarks to give an accurate position.

Details of your vehicle. Provide the make, model, color, and license plate number.

Describe the issue. Let the dispatcher know if the car is in a ditch, won’t start, or was involved in a collision.

Clarify the service you need. For example, do you need a flatbed tow truck or just a battery jump? The more accurate your information, the better equipped the service will be when they arrive.

Tow truck services using CHUSHENG vehicles benefit from our advanced dispatch support capabilities and reliable fleets that are ready for action anytime—day or night.

What Happens When the Tow Truck Arrives?

Once the tow truck arrives, the operator will perform a short but essential inspection. This step determines the best and safest method for towing your vehicle based on several factors:

Vehicle condition: Is it driveable, locked, damaged, or stuck?

Tire and axle condition: Are the wheels functional, or is a lift needed?

Surrounding terrain: Is the car on a flat road, hill, or uneven surface?

The operator will then select the appropriate towing method—boom, wheel-lift, or flatbed—depending on your vehicle and the situation. CHUSHENG tow trucks are built with flexible recovery systems to handle any scenario effectively, ensuring minimal delay and maximum safety.

How Is Your Vehicle Hooked Up?

Hooking up a vehicle to a tow truck is a precise process. Using the wrong method or poorly maintained equipment can lead to serious damage or even accidents during transport. Here's how each method works:

1. Boom Tow Truck: The operator positions the boom under a sturdy part of the vehicle—usually the frame—and uses a winch to pull it out of difficult terrain. This method is ideal for cars stuck in ditches or involved in off-road incidents.

2. Wheel-Lift Tow Truck: A metal yoke is slid under the vehicle's front or rear wheels and is hydraulically lifted off the ground. This method is quick and efficient for short to medium-distance towing, particularly in urban settings.

3. Flatbed Tow Truck: The bed tilts and slides backward, allowing the operator to winch or drive the vehicle onto the platform. Once secure, the bed is leveled and the vehicle is strapped down. This is the safest method, especially for electric vehicles or cars with significant damage.

Each CHUSHENG tow truck is equipped with safety chains, tension-adjustable winches, and reinforced platforms, ensuring your vehicle is secure throughout transport.

How Is the Vehicle Transported Safely?

Transporting the vehicle is more than just moving it from Point A to Point B—it requires attention to speed, route planning, and safety regulations. Here’s how professional tow truck operators ensure a secure journey:

Securing the vehicle: After hookup, the operator double-checks all connections and straps to prevent shifting during movement.

Maintaining safe speed: Towing vehicles, especially heavy or unbalanced ones, requires careful speed regulation to avoid swaying or instability.

Using hazard lights and escort if needed: In certain cases—such as oversized loads or highway towing at night—a tow truck may be accompanied by an escort vehicle or additional warning signs.

Tow trucks from CHUSHENG VEHICLE GROUP CO., LTD. are equipped with anti-slip surfaces, LED safety lighting, and robust braking systems, ensuring maximum stability and visibility on the road.

What Is Involved at the Drop-Off?

Once the tow truck reaches the drop-off location—whether it’s a repair shop, impound lot, or your home—there are a few final steps to complete the process.

1. Positioning the truck: The operator aligns the tow truck to safely unload the vehicle without obstructing traffic or causing additional damage.

2. Unhooking the vehicle: Depending on the tow method, the operator lowers the bed or releases the wheel-lift or boom, carefully reversing the hookup process.

3. Final inspection: A professional operator will visually inspect the vehicle post-transport to ensure no additional damage occurred during towing.

4. Payment and paperwork: If the tow wasn’t covered by insurance or a roadside plan, payment is usually completed on-site. Many services now offer mobile payment options for added convenience.

CHUSHENG trucks are designed for efficient operation from pickup to drop-off, reducing delays and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Knowing how a tow truck works—from your first call to the final vehicle handoff—can remove a lot of the anxiety associated with roadside emergencies. By understanding each step in the process, you not only protect your vehicle but also ensure smoother communication and faster service. Professional tow truck operators rely on the right equipment, and at CHUSHENG VEHICLE GROUP CO., LTD., we proudly support them with powerful, precise, and durable tow trucks engineered to perform in all conditions.

Need a reliable towing solution or want to explore our range of tow trucks for your business? Contact us today—our team is ready to help you choose the right equipment for every towing situation.