Picture this: Your car breaks down on a busy Perth street or in the middle of nowhere. And you can’t afford to wait on the road for towing services.
Maybe you’re late for a meeting, or worse, the weather is turning against you. Frustration starts creeping in with the lingering question:
How will a tow truck move your car without the keys?
It’s an issue we face regularly here at Kings Car Towing. When customers need their cars moved, but they don’t want to leave vehicles open. Such situations make our job difficult, but not impossible.
Wondering how? Let’s find out in detail.
Do Tow Trucks Need Your Car Keys?
In most situations, the answer is “yes”. But if there is a scenario where keys are not available. Then, there is a way of towing without them too. So, “no” is also the right answer.
Confused? Let’s make it simple for you.
For safe loading and towing of vehicle. The driver needs to put it in neutral gear and release the handbrake. So, if we don’t have the keys while towing. We won’t be able to follow this procedure and our job will be a bit tougher.
Let’s discuss the damages that can be caused by a keyless towing.
The Potential Challenges of Towing a Car Without Keys
It’s not impossible to tow a vehicle if we do not have the keys. However, towing without keys raises the risk of accidental damage.
Transmission:
In the parking mode (or the first gear in manual cars). The transmission is locked by a tooth that stops your gearbox from turning. So, if a tow driver uses a winch to pull your vehicle on top of the flatbed truck. Your transmission can get damaged in the process.
Engaged Handbrake:
If the parking brake is engaged. Moving the car without keys is nearly impossible as wheels are unable to move. Special equipment will be required to safely release the brake without damaging the vehicle.
Locked Steering Wheel:
Many modern cars have steering wheel locks that activate when the key isn’t in the ignition. Steering is required for turning and making the optimal position for towing. So, tow truck operators need to work around this issue.
Potential Damage Risks:
Without careful handling, there’s always a risk of damage to the tyres, suspension, or bodywork when towing without keys. Especially for the cars parked in narrow spaces or garages.
Read More: Can Towing Damage My Car?
We need special equipment to get around these problems Read on to find out about them.
Advanced Towing Procedures Without Key Access
We can get around this problem by using specialised equipment and techniques. Our staff is properly trained to handle the situation with minimal damage.
Some common tools and methods to move cars without requiring keys are:
Flatbed Trucks:
The most versatile option, flatbed tow trucks allow operators to load the entire car onto the truck bed. A winch is used to pull the vehicle up, even if it’s immobilised.
Wheel Lifts:
This method uses a hydraulic lift to secure the front or rear wheels of the car, leaving the others free to roll. It’s effective for shorter distances and lighter vehicles.
Dollies:
Dollies are small wheeled platforms that can be placed under the tyres. Allowing the tow drivers to safely winch the vehicle on truck even if it’s locked.
Specialised Winches and Straps:
These tools are used to safely manoeuvre vehicles out of tight spots or unusual positions. They keep the car safe and secure while loading and unloading.
Also Read: Emergency Towing Service | Everything You Need to Know
Each method is carefully chosen. Based on the car’s condition, location, and the challenges at hand. And the operators are trained to use the best technique for every situation. That keeps your vehicle towed safely under any circumstances.
Thinking about the unauthorised use of these tools & techniques?
Don’t worry. Several legal boundaries keep the towing companies bound. So, they can’t move any vehicle without authorised access. The details of which are given below.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Moving a car without the owner’s keys can raise concerns about legality and ethics. Reputable towing companies operate within strict legal guidelines to make sure all towing activities are legitimate and authorised.
- Tow truck operators will require proof of ownership before moving your vehicle to protect against theft.
- In cases of abandoned or illegally parked cars, towing will be carried out with the approval of local authorities.
- A trustworthy towing company will always prioritise transparency and professionalism explaining the process clearly to the car owner.
At Kings Car Towing, we adhere to all legal and ethical standards. To provide expert help along with peace of mind.
What to Do When You Leave Your Broken Car Unattended
If your car breaks down and you’re unable to stay with it. There are a few steps you can take to make towing easier and stress-free:
- Remove any personal items or valuable belongings from your car before leaving it.
- Provide accurate details about your car’s location and condition to the towing service.
- Show your registration and ID ready to confirm ownership of the vehicle to the towing company.
- Inform the security services about your vehicle’s location and towing company to avoid any legal issues later.
- You can also lock up the vehicle and put the keys in a secure place and inform the towing company about it. But if it’s not possible, go for keyless towing.
- Always choose a reputable towing provider like Kings Car Towing to make sure that your vehicle is handled professionally.
In this way, you can minimise complications and get a smooth towing process even in your absence.
Conclusion
Moving a car without keys is a difficult process. But it is necessary in situations like lost keys, broken ignition systems, or malfunctioning locks. An expert towing team along with the right equipment can do it safely and efficiently.
So, your vehicle can easily reach its destination without unnecessary stress. But always follow the legal guidelines relative to the process. And make sure that your towing company has the experience and tools to guarantee a damage-free process.
Need a Keyless Towing Service for Your Vehicle in Perth?
Call Kings Car Towing to Your Rescue
At Kings Car Towing, we specialise in keyless towing solutions for all types of vehicles. Our team is licensed, trusted and properly trained in advanced towing techniques. Offering fast and reliable service across Perth and surrounding areas 24/7.
With modern tow trucks and skilled personnel. We handle every vehicle with care and precision, no matter the challenge. So, if you need to move your broken vehicle car even in your absence. Our expert team will make sure it reaches safely where you need it to.
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