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Seasonal Towing Challenges: Summer Heat vs. Winter Storms

seasonal towing challenges extreme weather towing

Towing is a task that calls for expertise and knowledge of the difficulties presented by the seasons. The weather has a big impact on a towing experience, and towing service costs may also be affected by the elements. Let’s go over the difficulties in towing a driver encounters, particularly in the summer and winter. We’ll also provide the adjustments to make so that you address them properly.

 

Summer Towing Challenges

Since many people use the warm weather to travel with trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles, summer is frequently regarded as a busy time of the year for personal towing or the towing business.

  1. Overheating Engines and Transmissions

    Towing adds stress to your engine and transmission, especially in hot weather, increasing the risk of overheating.

    • How to Avoid: Make sure your car’s coolant is at optimal level to reduce this risk.

  2. Tire Blowouts

    Tires may overheat due to hot pavement and increased friction. In the summer, tires that are worn out or overinflated are prone to blowouts.

    • How to Avoid: Ensure your tires are properly inflated with good tread, or invest in towing-specific tires.

  3. Increased Traffic and Congestion

    Since summer is the busiest travel season, roads are frequently congested with motorists. Heavy traffic can make towing more challenging.

    • How to Avoid: Stay alert, maintain distance, plan your route, and avoid rush hours.

  4. Heat-Related Fatigue

    Driver fatigue brought on by extended driving in hot conditions is a safety risk. The body and brain become easily exhausted as the temperature rises.

    • How to Avoid: Stay hydrated, take breaks, and use AC to stay cool in the summer heat.

Winter Towing Challenges

The challenges of winter towing are entirely different due to the snow and cold. Towing service rates and the level of difficulty for this season would surely vary as well.

  1. Slippery Roads

    Snow and ice can make roads treacherous, especially when towing a heavy load. Reduced traction increases the risk of skidding and losing control of the vehicle.

    • How to Avoid: Use winter tires or chains for grip, slow down, and avoid sharp turns or sudden stops.

  2. Starting Issues

    Your car may have trouble starting in cold weather if the battery is old or weak.

    • How to Avoid: Ensure your battery is strong for towing. Carry jumper cables or a jump starter, and use a block heater for cold starts.

  3. Frozen Brakes and Hitches

    Brakes and hitches may freeze due to moisture from snow and ice, making it challenging to connect or disconnect your trailer.

    • How to Avoid: Use silicone lubricant on the hitch ball and brakes to prevent freezing. Gently tap off any ice buildup.

  4. Reduced Visibility

    Winter weather brings about the difficulty in seeing other cars, traffic signs, or obstructions on the road.

    • How to Avoid: Ensure lights and wipers work properly. Use headlights for better visibility.

Hot Tips and Cold Truths

Towing in summer and winter, the two primary extremes in weather conditions, usually pull with its challenges, and it’s best to be prepared for them. A safer experience is guaranteed by being aware of these issues.

Classic Towing readily replies to simple inquiries like tow service costs. We’re also open round the clock for emergency roadside assistance. Just give us a ring at 630-392-6844.

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