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Old 3rd May 2010, 17:08   #1
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Towing ?

Hi Bhpian's !

Can somebody throw some light on this ?

Is it possible to tow the car,when the car is slotted to reverse gear and hand brake is on, while parking ?

My mind goes bonkers especially with this question offlate !

Cheers !
Otomobil.

PS: Guys dont be ready to jump with your guns.

Last edited by Otomobil : 3rd May 2010 at 17:09.
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Old 3rd May 2010, 17:18   #2
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If you are wondering about, how did my car got towed like this.

The towing guys are masters in both,

- moving the gear lever from below the engine to neutral, whereever physically possible.

- Loosening the handbrake cable for rear wheels.
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Old 3rd May 2010, 17:18   #3
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Yes it can be towed with the front lifted - the hand brake mechanism will be shot.

Did you come across a similar situation?
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Old 3rd May 2010, 17:29   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dadu View Post
If you are wondering about, how did my car got towed like this.

The towing guys are masters in both,

- moving the gear lever from below the engine to neutral, whereever physically possible.

- Loosening the handbrake cable for rear wheels.
Thanks Dadu ! : Never knew this. I mean can you shift the gear to neutral from the car from the bottom.


Quote:
Originally Posted by planet_rocker View Post
Yes it can be towed with the front lifted - the hand brake mechanism will be shot.

Did you come across a similar situation?
planter_rocker: not yet, I was told my colleague that this would prevent towing !
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Old 3rd May 2010, 18:02   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dadu View Post
If you are wondering about, how did my car got towed like this.

The towing guys are masters in both,

- moving the gear lever from below the engine to neutral, whereever physically possible.

- Loosening the handbrake cable for rear wheels.

i didn't know that was possible. Do they tighten the hand-break cable later?

in mumbai these towing guys come ready with steel rulers, slide them into the window rubber lining, unlock the car in 2-3 sec flat, disengage the hand break, lift and off they go, all within a period of 30 sec.

having the car in reverse gear is useless in a front wheel drive car as the front is raised up.

i have personally seen them tow a car with the hand-break still pulled as they could not get it. the wheels screeched for 10-20 meters and then gave way.

UM
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Old 3rd May 2010, 18:45   #6
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They usually lift the front and mess up the front bumper. In most cases the handbrake cable is not loosened but CUT!
So at the end of it you end up paying the fine+ replacement/repair of bumper+ other small damages + hand brake cable + labout charges for the work.
Keep an eye out for those No-Parking signs!
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Old 4th May 2010, 22:21   #7
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Otomobil,

I believe your logic is :

Handbrake is on -- therefore rear wheels are "locked"

Gear is engaged -- therefore front wheels are "locked" (assuming FWD car)

The above will make towing a car very difficult, however, as dadu and uniquemods said the towing guys have ways around this.

From what i've seen, its always the method of opening the door and then manually disengaging the gear + handbrake.

cya
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