The Hidden Costs Of DIY Towing: Why You Need Professionals
January 14, 2025
Have you ever thought about towing your car yourself? At first, it might seem like a smart way to save money. Grab a rope, call a buddy, and you’re good to go, right? Well, not quite.
What starts as a quick fix can quickly turn into a costly and dangerous headache. DIY towing often comes with risks that aren’t obvious until it’s too late.
From potential damage to your vehicle to unexpected legal issues, towing a car on your own can cost more than you’d think. And let’s be honest, do you want to gamble with your car’s safety—or your own?
In this blog, we’re diving into why DIY towing often costs more than hiring a professional towing company.
Did you know towing your car the wrong way can mess up its transmission or suspension?
For example, pulling a front-wheel-drive car with its wheels on the ground can wreak havoc on the transmission.
Fixing that? It could cost you thousands. And let’s not even start on how improper towing can damage your car’s alignment or undercarriage. Suddenly, that “cheap” DIY tow isn’t looking so cheap anymore.
We bet after a bad DIY tow, even your car will say “I’m tired of being dragged into this!”
In Canada, there are strict regulations for towing vehicles. If you don’t follow them, you could face hefty fines or penalties. Something as small as improper signage or inadequate equipment can lead to trouble.
Let’s talk about safety. DIY towing isn’t just risky for your car; it’s risky for you and everyone else on the road. Without proper training or equipment, things can go wrong fast.
Picture this: a poorly secured vehicle breaking loose in the middle of traffic. That’s not just dangerous; it’s terrifying. A snapped tow strap or a loose hitch can cause major accidents.
And if your car rolls into another vehicle? Well, that’s an insurance claim waiting to happen.
Additionally, you have to worry about balance, speed, braking, and steering—all while avoiding potholes and bad drivers. Why put yourself through that? Let a towing company handle the stress for you. They’ve done this a thousand times, and they know how to keep things safe.
The irony of DIY towing is that it often ends up being more expensive than professional towing. Here’s why:
As we mentioned earlier, towing your car incorrectly can lead to expensive repairs. A damaged transmission or busted suspension can cost thousands to fix. Suddenly, that professional towing fee feels like a bargain.
Skipping the rules can land you in hot water. Whether it’s improper signaling, inadequate equipment or unsafe towing practices — the fines can pile up fast. It’s like trying to save money by skipping car insurance—it never ends well.
DIY towing isn’t just risky; it’s time-consuming. Setting up the tow, dealing with unexpected issues, and navigating traffic takes hours you’ll never get back.
When you hire a towing company, they handle everything while you focus on more important things—like getting home.
So, why should you hire a professional towing company instead of going the DIY route? The short answer: they’re equipped to do the job right. The long answer? Let’s break it down.
Professional towing companies use equipment designed for every towing scenario. Whether it’s a flatbed truck for luxury cars or a wheel lift for tight spaces, they’ve got the tools—and the know-how—to tow your car without a scratch.
You wouldn’t use a butter knife to cut steak, right? The same logic applies here.
Here’s a comforting thought: when you hire a towing company, your car is covered. If anything goes wrong (which is rare with professionals), their insurance takes care of it. Compare that to DIY towing, where every mistake comes straight out of your wallet.
AAA Towing is a professional towing company based in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to providing reliable and efficient towing services for all types of vehicles and equipment.
With years of experience, our team is equipped with advanced tools and highly trained professionals to ensure that your towing needs are met safely and effectively.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you. Call us now or visit our website to experience the AAA Towing difference!
We make sure each customer is completely satisfied before we leave the job.