The Real Risks of Towing – Straight Talk for Hamilton Drivers
Alright, so let’s have a good yarn about towing cars the old-school way with a tow rope, especially around Hamilton. We get asked about this all the time at Grimmer Motors. Short answer? It can be dodgy – and if you can, you’re way better off with a proper flatbed tow truck. But if you’re in a pinch (and your car’s a manual or set up for it), here’s the lowdown you need, from years of seeing what happens out there on the roads between Te Awamutu, Morrinsville and the city centre.
First up: the rules. In New Zealand, your tow rope can’t be over 4 metres. Enough length so you don’t end up in someone’s boot if they brake hard! Not too long, either – you don’t want the car behind swinging all over the show, especially with all those speed bumps on River Road or the potholes popping up out in Rototuna and Chartwell.
Here’s the guts of it – always keep your speed max 20 or 30 k’s an hour, otherwise it’s easy to lose control. In the wet Hamilton winters, tow ropes get real slippery, and in summers the tar gets soft and slippery too, especially near Melville or Dinsdale. And don’t even think about towing with no-one in the car being towed – you NEED someone behind the wheel, even if it’s just from the Warehouse carpark round to the workshop.
*Heads up: Most Kiwis don’t realise insurance often won’t touch claims if there’s any damage while towing with a rope. Could even be in the small print on your policy. If you’re not sure, best to check first with your insurer so you don’t end up with a nasty shock AND a busted car.
If you have to tow (safely) – get the engine going in the car being towed if you can, especially those heavier Euro wagons like a Skoda Superb or a Citroen C4. No power steering or brake boost? Makes it dead hard to control, and next thing you know, someone’s bumped over a kerb on Peachgrove Road. If it won’t start, honestly, give us a bell and we’ll help you sort a truck instead – not worth the risk, especially for hybrids or electrics (Prius, Suzuki Swift Hybrid, you name it).
Big tip: whoever’s in the towed car – you’ve got to keep the rope tight with gentle braking, or you’ll both get whipped when it tightens up. Trust me, jolts like that snap tow ropes and give you a case of whiplash worse than a sudden stop on Ulster Street in peak traffic. If the brakes are cactus, and you’re relying on the old handbrake, it’s too risky. Park up and call for a flatbed.
Still not sure whether your ride’s safe to be towed? Got something out-of-the-ordinary (we recently had a SsangYong Korando and a Honda Insight roll through the shop)? Have a squiz here: Car that shouldn’t be towed
Thinking of just driving instead of towing? Here’s a solid read: Should I Drive Or Tow My Car?
Need a Tow or a Fix? – Your Local Car Towing Service in Hamilton
Look, if the car’s not running sweet, don’t muck about with rope tricks. At Grimmer Motors, we always say: flatbed tow truck is king, especially if you care about your car (and your back pocket). We can tee up numbers for reliable towing, or even sort the lot for you – get your car safely to our shop for a proper look, WOF or car service. You’ll dodge extra repairs and get honest local advice, from one of our techs who actually works on cars, not just sits behind a desk.
So if you need help with car towing, repairs, or even a hybrid repair or WOF in Hamilton and all around – Rotokauri, Cambridge, Ngaruawahia, or right here in Frankton – give us a yell at Grimmer Motors. We’re here to help get you back on the road, no dramas.