Rules for towing vehicles. Rigid towing Rigid and soft hitch

Motorists often have to help each other out - “pull out” a stuck car, start it, and also tow a broken car to the place of repair.
Usually, a tow rope is used for these operations. But there are times when you have to use a rigid hitch even for passenger cars mobiles. For example, the Rules of the Road prohibit towing on flexible hitch if the towed car does not have a working brake system.
In such cases, towing on a rigid hitch helps, which allows you to keep a fixed distance between cars and prevent them from colliding, for example, when braking.
Before considering in detail possible options designs of rigid coupling devices, we will only mention that there are two of their options - with two and three attachment points. First, let's dwell on the requirements for towing with a rigid hitch of traffic rules.

First of all, traffic rules prohibit towing in any case, if the steering for a towed vehicle - it can only be transported by partial or full loading.
Sometimes they write that when hitching with three attachment points, it is not necessary for the driver to be behind the wheel of a towed car - this is an erroneous idea that contradicts the requirements of traffic rules.
The driving experience of the driver of the towing car must be at least 2 years. The dimensions of the rigid hitch must be such that the distance between the machines is no more than 4 meters.
The mass of the towed car with a non-working braking system should not exceed half the mass of the "tug".

How to properly tow a car

Universal rigid hitch

Towing on a rigid hitch, so to speak, is more comfortable than with a cable - there are no jerks that occur when it sags. But in both cases, moderation is required when driving a “tractor”.
First of all, the driver of the “tractor” must take into account that the load on his car increases significantly. Therefore, to avoid overloading the engine and transmission, do not drive in sport mode, that is, to avoid sharp accelerations, and generally maneuver as carefully as possible. Even a fixed length of a rigid hitch, if it saves you from being hit from behind by a towed machine when hard braking, then, if you do not take into account the increased mass of a car with a trailer, you run the risk of "catching up" with the car stopped in front.
Recommended speed mode when towing - no more than 50 km / h, but in case of adverse road conditions, you can reduce the speed.
When towing cars with automatic transmission or such cars, it is generally better not to exceed 30 km / h, and when long trips take breaks to cool off transmission oil and gearbox parts.
All-wheel drive cars with automatic transmission preferably transported by tow truck.

Varieties of rigid coupling devices

Universal rigid hitch for a car

This type of hitch is commonly called a "bar". Its device is elementary and does not require special explanations. It is attached to the regular car loops, designed for towing cables.

Rigid hitch "triangle"

Rigid hitch type "Triangle"

This version of the hitch is less versatile, since not all cars have ready-made loops for attaching it.
But, firstly, such couplings are on sale, already adapted to specific model cars, and, secondly, you can make a similar rigid hitch for a car with your own hands.
Although the price of a rigid hitch for a car is usually low - from 2,000 rubles for a "rod" to 4,500 rubles for a "triangle", you can make a drawing of a rigid hitch yourself, after carefully measuring between the attachment points (although a sketch is quite enough).
Well, then, if you have a “grinder”, welding and a drill at your disposal, the question of how to make a rigid hitch for your passenger car will, as they say, be a “technical matter”.

SDA 2018 with comments online

20.1. Towing on a rigid or flexible hitch should be carried out only if there is a driver behind the wheel of the towed vehicle, except when the design of the rigid hitch ensures that the towed vehicle follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle during straight motion.

When would towing is carried out on a rigid hitch, the towed and towing vehicles are interconnected by a rigid towing device in the form of a metal rod, triangle or trapezoid. If towing takes place on a flexible coupling, then the vehicles are connected by a cable, rope or tape, on which red flags with white diagonal stripes must be fixed every meter.

If the transport is towed on a flexible hitch or a bar is used (it is also called a “pencil”), then a driver must be in the cab of the towed vehicle! When a rigid triangle-type hitch (also called a "tie") is used, the presence of the driver in the cab of the towed vehicle is not necessary, but desirable.

20.2. When towing on a flexible or rigid hitch, it is prohibited to transport people in a towed bus, trolleybus and in the back of a towed truck, and when towing by partial loading- presence of people in the cab or body of the towed vehicle, as well as in the body of the towing vehicle.

20.2 (1). When towing, the control of towing vehicles must be carried out by drivers who have the right to drive vehicles for 2 or more years.

Clause 20.2 (1) was introduced by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of March 24, 2017 N 333 (See changes in the SDA of April 4, 2017).

When towing by the method of partial loading, the front axle of the towed vehicle is installed in the body of the towing vehicle. Another way is when the front axle rises above the road and is fixed in special device rigidly fixed to the towing vehicle. In these cases, the transportation of people in a towed vehicle and even in the back of a towing vehicle is prohibited.

The presence of people during towing on a flexible or rigid hitch in a car or the cab of a towed truck is allowed.

20.3. When towing on a flexible hitch, the distance between the towing and towed vehicles must be within 4-6 m, and when towing on a rigid hitch - no more than 4 m.

The flexible link must be marked in accordance with paragraph 9 of the Basic Provisions.

Too short length of the connecting hitch will deprive the driver of the towed vehicle of visibility, and unreasonably long hitch length can lead to a significant deviation of the trajectory of the towed vehicle from the trajectory of the tractor. At the same time, the minimum length of a rigid hitch is not limited by the Rules, but should not be less than half the overall width of the tractor.

20.4. Towing is prohibited:

• Vehicle, which have no steering control ( ) (towing by partial loading method is allowed);
• two or more vehicles;

Simultaneous towing of two or more vehicles is prohibited, however, towing a disabled road train is not prohibited, because the road train is considered as one transport unit.

• vehicles with inoperative brake system ( systems that do not allow the driver to stop the vehicle or perform a maneuver while driving, even with minimum speed ), if their actual mass is more than half actual weight towing vehicle. With a lower actual mass, towing of such vehicles is allowed only on a rigid hitch or by partial loading;
• two-wheeled motorcycles without side trailer, as well as such motorcycles;
• in icy conditions on a flexible hitch.

Car towing, in common language, is the transportation of one vehicle (practically a “passenger”) to another. The need for towing arises in the event of a sudden failure or breakdown of vehicle control systems. For example, as a result of an accident, when the car receives serious external and internal damage.

General Rules for Towing Vehicles

Transportation in tow requires the presence of a tractor vehicle auxiliary technical means and equipment, as well as a sufficiently high qualification of the driver.

On the vehicle-tractor must be switched on dipped beam, and on a towed vehicle - alarm (if it is faulty, then the sign "Emergency stop" is attached).

- No passengers allowed in the cab of towed and towing vehicles due to a decrease in their operational reliability.

It is forbidden to use as tugs-tractors motorcycles.

- Towing speed must not exceed 50 km/h (for vehicles with manual transmission) and 30 km/h (for vehicles with automatic transmission).

Transportation of a car in tow can be carried out in several ways. Consider towing methods more.

Rigid towing

In this case, a special cylindrical metal rod or a towing structure of two rods connected at an angle (“triangle”) acts as a connecting element.

This type of towing is not suitable for moving cars, because their design does not provide space for attaching a rather weighty rigid traction.

Rules for towing on a rigid hitch:

Tow bar length must not exceed 4 meters.

must be driving to stay on the path, but this is optional (although desirable) for a delta hitch.

On a rigid hitch it is forbidden to tow cars with faulty steering.

Rigid towing permissible in icy conditions, when moving to slippery road.

Flexible towing

In order to carry out towing on a flexible hitch, a nylon or steel cable should be used as a connecting link. By the way, a nylon halyard is in no way inferior to a steel halyard (for example, in terms of strength). Under load, the nylon halyard begins to stretch. Due to this, the probability of damage to body parts is reduced, and the breakage or deformation of the towing eyes becomes almost impossible.

But the nylon cable also has a drawback: if it sags a lot, then most likely it will rub off on the asphalt. True, now this "minus" has been eliminated, thanks to the creation of a special protective sheath for a nylon cable. The shell itself is also quite flexible. The use of this design does not allow sagging of the nylon halyard (even in cases where a minimum distance of 1.5-2 meters is formed between cars).

Rules for towing on a flexible hitch:

Cable length for flexible hitch must not exceed 4-6 meters.

Tow rope should not sag and touch the road.

In order to visually mark the cable, you should use 2 checkboxes(at a minimum) that measure 215 x 200 mm should be painted with white and red stripes diagonally 50 mm wide.

Towed vehicle driver must be driving to keep the path of movement and a certain distance.

forbidden in case of violation of the steering and / or brake system on the towed vehicle.

Flexible towing prohibited on ice.

Towing by partially or fully loading the car

As an auxiliary vehicle, a tow tractor is used here, equipped with a special cargo area and equipment to lift and securely fix the transported vehicle.

This type of towing is just the same used when driving in ice, with faulty steering and a failed brake system. That is, in all cases when towing on a flexible or rigid hitch is prohibited.

For cars with automatic transmission, due to the above design features, it is usually used towing by full loading to the tow truck.

Car towing

• Car towing
• 2.1 Flexible hitch
• 2.2 Rigid hitch

Each driver, one way or another, faced with the towing of a vehicle, when one of the motorists needs the help of another for certain reasons. In your car, in addition to a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a spare wheel and a sign emergency stop, the presence of which is mandatory, the towing cable will also be useful. To tow a car, the driver needs to know the general rules for towing a vehicle. Actually, about this, about the features of towing with automatic transmission, as well as about the types of towing, we will talk below.

1. General rules for towing vehicles

A machine that, due to certain circumstances, had to be taken in tow must be marked with an emergency light signaling or an emergency stop sign that can be used in the event of a malfunction of the emergency light signaling. Then the warning triangle is fixed on the rear bumper of the towed vehicle. If you are towing your vehicle in dark time days, then on the towed machine you need to turn on parking lights.

In addition, all moving vehicles must have either dipped beam headlights, or fog lights, or daytime running lights. running lights. Max speed, at which the vehicle can be towed, is 50 km / h - this also applies settlements, and tracks. The cable during towing must be constantly taut, otherwise it can be cut off with sharp jerks, and a sagging cable can be run over by the wheel of the towed vehicle.

To the tow rope there are clear traffic rules: the distance between two cars on a flexible hitch should be from four to six meters, and with a rigid hitch - no more than four meters. The rules of the road prohibit towing a vehicle in the following cases:

- if a flexible hitch is used during ice or on a slippery road;

- towing by a vehicle with a trailer, or when several vehicles are towed at a time;

– towing trailers of any type by buses;

- if the weight of the towed vehicle with a damaged brake system exceeds half the weight of the towing vehicle;

- in case of poor visibility due to weather conditions;

- if the length of the entire structure of coupled machines exceeds 22 meters, and in the case of route transport- 30 meters;

– towing motorcycles without attached side trailer;

– towing of mopeds and bicycles.

For ignoring the rules of towing vehicles, you can get administrative penalty or a warning.

2. Types of vehicle towing

There are three most common methods of towing: rigid hitch, flexible hitch, partial loading method. The most common method is considered to be towing on a flexible hitch - it does not require special training no car, no driver; and in the rarest way - the method of partial loading, it is practically not used by motorists. As for the rigid hitch, it is used mainly for trucks and large-capacity vehicles.

2.1 Flexible hitch

To tow a car on a flexible hitch, a cable made of metal or a special elastic material, such as nylon, is used. It must be of sufficient length and equipped with a fixing device - a ring, a bracket, a hook.

A lot of restrictions are imposed on this method of towing: the towed vehicle must be driven by experienced driver; the carriage of passengers in a towed vehicle is strictly prohibited; you can not tow the car with faulty brakes; the distance between cars must be at least four meters and not more than six; the towing cable must have reflective elements with a diagonal pattern in the form of alternating red and white stripes, at least two, and measuring 20 by 20 centimeters.

2.2 Rigid hitch

Towing is carried out with a special rigidly fixed coupling device, and its design can be in the form of a simple metal pipe or beam with lugs, or in the form of complex devices that allow the towed vehicle to move along the trajectory of the tow. Such a hitch is safer and more reliable due to the fact that it provides a stable distance between the machines, and therefore eliminates jerks and convergence, also has fewer restrictions, but at the same time requires more skill from the tug driver.

But there are still restrictions: the driver must be behind the wheel of the towed vehicle; the distance between cars should be up to 4 meters; transportation of people in a towed vehicle is prohibited; towing with defective brakes and steering system is prohibited.

2.3 Partial towing

This type of towing is more complicated, for its implementation you need a towing truck and a crane that will carry out partial loading. This method is most often used to drive new trucks, it is not very advisable to use it for cars. It should be said that the full loading of a car into the body of another is not a towing method - this is a cargo transportation, in this case vehicle.

Partial load towing also has some limitations: it is not allowed to transport people in a towed vehicle and in the back of a towing vehicle; It is forbidden to tow cars with a faulty brake system. But at the same time, towing with inactive steering is allowed, which is strictly prohibited when towing on a flexible and rigid hitch.

3. Features of towing with automatic transmission

Towing a car with automatic transmission is carried out with the engine running, because oil pump, which serves the gearbox, works only when running engine, otherwise the transmission parts will function without lubrication. The gearbox must be put in the "N" position. The speed when towing a car with an “automatic” cannot exceed 50 km / h, or specified in the operating manual, and the towing distance should not exceed 50 km.

In the event that the vehicle is automatic transmission gear acts like a tug, gotta stick the following rules: the towed vehicle must not exceed the weight of the towing vehicle; towing speed limit 40 km/h; the gearbox in position "2" or "3", and in no case in position "D"; and towing on a rigid hitch. Towing cars with automatic transmission is not very safe, and if possible, it is better to avoid it and use the services of a tow truck.

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Correct vehicle towing

No one is immune from troubles on the road. Almost any driver sooner or later participates in the process of towing: either he is towing someone, or he is being pulled in tow. In order for towing to be safe both for the participants in the process and for others, it is necessary to observe whole line rules.

Let's start with the fact that you can tow a car different ways. It all depends on the malfunction of the towed vehicle, as well as on the capabilities of the towing vehicle.

Towing on a flexible hitch. This is the most common and simplest type of towing, a cable or strap for which you can find in the trunk of almost any car. Apart from tow rope Towing with a flexible hitch also requires towing hooks or eyelets on both vehicles.

Rules for towing on a flexible hitch

• The distance between the towed and the towing vehicle is from 4 to 6 meters.
• There must be a driver in the towed vehicle.
• The cable used for towing must have at least two reflective elements of at least 200x200 mm in size with diagonal stripes of red and white color.
• It is forbidden to tow a vehicle on a flexible hitch if it has a defective steering or braking system.
• It is forbidden to tow a car on a flexible hitch in icy conditions.

Rigid towing. Unlike a flexible hitch, where a soft cable is used as a towing device, here a metal device is used to connect the cars. Depending on the configuration, it may have one or more attachment points to the towed and towed vehicle.

Rules for towing on a rigid hitch

• The distance between the towed and towing vehicles must not exceed 4 m.
• A driver must always be behind the wheel of a towed vehicle, unless a rigid hitch provides full control over the trajectory of the towed vehicle.
• It is forbidden to tow a vehicle with a faulty steering on a rigid hitch.
• It is forbidden to tow a car with an inoperative brake system on a rigid hitch. There is only one exception: when the actual mass of the towing vehicle is 2 or more times greater than the mass of the towed vehicle, in this case, towing on a rigid hitch is allowed.

Towing by partial loading method. This is one of the most difficult ways to tow a car and requires a special towing vehicle. With this method, the front wheels of the towed vehicle are loaded on cargo platform towing vehicle. Loading can be carried out using a special crane or on its own, along special rails. Please note that if the car is completely loaded, then this is no longer towing, but cargo transportation.

Rules for towing by partial loading

It is forbidden to transport people in the cab or body of a towed vehicle, as well as in the body of a towing vehicle.

It is forbidden to tow a vehicle with a faulty brake system using the partial loading method. The exception is the same as for a rigid hitch: if the actual mass of the towing vehicle is 2 or more times greater than the actual mass of the towed vehicle.

Mandatory towing by partial loading in case of faulty steering.

Towing in traffic rules

The Rules of the Road have a whole section dedicated to towing cars.

First, a few words about light signaling when towing

• On both vehicles, as in all other cases, DRLs, fog lights or dipped beam must be turned on.
• The towed vehicle must have an emergency flasher on (if it does not work, an emergency stop sign must be attached to the rear).
• At night, as well as in tunnels on a towed vehicle, dimensions must be included.

Maximum speed when towing - 50 km/h both in the city and on the highway.

Towing is prohibited in the area of ​​the sign 3.7 "Moving with a trailer is prohibited".

Forbidden towing multiple vehicles at the same time(at the same time, it is not prohibited to tow several trailers with one tractor).

For violation of the towing rules, the Code of Administrative Offenses provides a fine of 500 rubles.

If an accident occurs during towing and the towed car “catches up” with the towing vehicle, the driver of the car being towed is most likely to be blamed for the accident.

§ 23. Towing and operation of vehicles

Towing must be carried out by a power-driven vehicle without a trailer and with technically sound coupling devices of both the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle.

Starting the engine using a rigid or flexible hitch must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of this section.

It is allowed to tow one power-driven vehicle with only one trailer.

Vehicles are towed:

• a) using a rigid or flexible hitch;
• b) with partial loading of the towed vehicle on a platform or on a special support device.

A rigid hitch should provide a distance between vehicles of no more than 4 m, a flexible one - within 4–6 m. material).

When towing a power-driven vehicle on a flexible hitch, the towed vehicle must have working and serviceable working brake system and steering, and on a rigid hitch - steering.

Towing a power-driven vehicle on a rigid or flexible hitch should be carried out only if the driver is driving the towed vehicle (except if the design of the rigid hitch provides the towed vehicle with an exact repetition of the trajectory of the towing vehicle, regardless of the amount of turns).

Towing a non-motorized vehicle must be carried out only on a rigid hitch, provided that its design ensures that the towed vehicle repeats the trajectory of the towing vehicle, regardless of the amount of turns.

A power-driven vehicle with inoperative steering must be towed in accordance with the requirements of subparagraph "b" of paragraph 23.2 of these Rules.

Before towing begins, drivers of motor vehicles must agree on the procedure for giving signals, in particular to stop vehicles.

During towing on a rigid or flexible hitch, it is prohibited to carry passengers in a towed vehicle (except for a car) and in the body of a towing truck, and in case of towing by partial loading of this vehicle on a platform or a special support device - in all vehicles (except for the cab of the towing truck). vehicle).

• a) if the actual mass of the towed vehicle with a faulty brake system (or in its absence) exceeds half of the actual mass of the towing vehicle;
• b) on a flexible hitch during icy conditions;
• c) if total length coupled vehicles exceeds 22 m (route vehicles - 30 m);
• d) motorcycles without a side trailer, as well as such motorcycles, mopeds or bicycles;
• ґ) more than one vehicle (with the exception of cases when the procedure for towing two or more vehicles is agreed with the authorized unit National Police) or a vehicle with a trailer;
• d) buses.

The operation of vehicle combinations consisting of a car, tractor or other tractor and trailer is permitted only if the trailer conforms to the tractor and the requirements for their operation are met, and the vehicle composition consisting of a bus and trailer is also subject to availability towing device set by the manufacturer.

Excluded by Cabinet Resolution No. 1029 dated 09/26/2011.

The operation of a combination of vehicles consisting of a bus and a trailer is prohibited.

The article was written based on materials from sites: avtonauka.ru, autocarinfo.ru, auto.today, v-mireauto.ru, pdd.ua.

An indispensable car accessory, a do-it-yourself rigid hitch for cars assembled and laid, as they say "for a rainy day", you may need it at any time. However, there are no requirements for new car, which has traveled 200 or more thousand kilometers. A car is a set of mechanisms and electronics connected into one whole, and there is no guarantee against a sudden breakdown of one of them.

Why is she so needed?

A do-it-yourself rigid hitch for cars drawn on a drawing and assembled with a minimal set of tools can help you out on the road. It folds easily and stows away in the trunk, taking up almost no space there. And everyone can probably imagine the role in towing. First of all, this is the possibility of towing itself. Breaking down along the way, if you find stranger who expressed a desire to "drag" you to right place, you should not count on him to give you his cable. In addition, it is possible that with heavy movement you will not hit your opponent in rear bumper, when towing on a soft hitch.

Important! According to the rules road traffic RF, a rigid hitch should have a length of no more than 4 m. In this case, a decrease in this value is allowed, but not an increase in any way.

Detailed manual

As mentioned earlier, you can make a rigid hitch at home. You must first create detailed diagram design, which will indicate all the nuances of the finished product. You can make it yourself, starting from the numerous information and photographs presented on the Internet.

Lite version

In order to always have it with you, it is recommended to make a folding one. Therefore, for this you can use 3 pruning steel pipes, with a diameter of at least 16 and not more than 60 mm. The length of each of them should be about 1 m. Such dimensions will allow even a light truck, such as a Gazelle, to be pulled. The middle link is connected by two bolts on each side, it is better to make hinges at the points of contact. From the ends of each extreme rod, a head with a washer is welded, fixed with a bolt.

This is the simplest option for manufacturing a rigid hitch, applied to vehicles weighing no more than 4.5 tons. Among the main advantages, the mobility of the device can be distinguished. It is stored unassembled luggage compartment, practically does not take up space in it, but is assembled in a matter of minutes. The disadvantage is the weak structural properties of the product, which do not allow its use for transportation over long distances.

Interesting! For the convenience of coupling with a towing vehicle, a removable bracket for connecting to a towbar can be installed on the upper section, similar to that found on trailers.

Foldable towing triangle

A simple tool for safely towing a car, without fear of getting into a traffic accident, due to its inexperience, suitable for vehicles with a vertical or horizontal arrangement eyes. For its manufacture, similar pipes of greater length are used. Alternatively, a high-quality connection is allowed by welding. However, in this case, there is no longer such a guarantee in the integrity of the structure in its direct use.

2 rods are connected in the form of a triangle using a tightening bracket, and in the middle a connecting jumper is made with holes for bolts, which allows you to change the angle depending on design features towed vehicle and the location of its eyes. Such a device fully complies with safety requirements.

Interesting! A device of two pipes connected together on one side is called an "A-shaped rigid hitch".

Traffic rules and towing

Towing a car is allowed only if there is a driver in it, the only exception is the options for a strong fixation in the “A-shaped” way, when the option of a spontaneous change in the trajectory of movement is excluded. In addition, there should be no passengers in the towed vehicle, and an additional cable or chain is required for insurance in case of a break.

If you were stopped by a traffic police officer and asked to provide a certificate for a home-made hitch, you can safely answer him that there are no such requirements in the traffic rules yet and this question is not relevant. Therefore, he will not be able to write a fine for this.

Important! Recently, amendments to the Rules regarding the towing of vehicles have come into force. Now a driver who does not have driving experience for more than 2 years cannot drive a car that “drags” another one behind him.

The main rules for towing vehicles should be known to every car owner, since it is impossible to foresee all situations and a car breakdown can happen at any time. Understanding the nuances of the operation will allow you to avoid gross mistakes that can provoke accidents on the road.

General rules

The procedure for towing a car must be carried out in accordance with the traffic rules, and more precisely with the paragraphs of section No. 20.

The list of general guidelines includes:

1. The towed car should be marked with an alarm with light lights or an emergency stop indicator.
2. In the dark and with poor visibility on the towed vehicle, the marker lights must work. The rule also applies to cases where traffic is carried out through a tunnel.
3. The speed threshold for towing is 50 km/h, regardless of where the movement takes place - in urban, rural or uninhabited areas.

IMPORTANT! From April 2017, only a car owner who has a driver's license for more than 2 years can be a tug driver.

Types of towing and their features

There are 3 types of towing:

1. On a hard hitch. To carry out the operation, a special design is used in the form of a pipe or other device that allows you to move broken car along the path of the car towing it.
2. On flexible traction. In this case, a cable made of metal or other elastic material, such as nylon, is used as a clutch.
3. With partial loading. A crane or specialized transport is used as a tug.

Each of the presented types has features and rules that must be followed during the operation.

Flexible Coupling

The procedure for towing on a flexible hitch implies the following requirements for the cable:

• length - not less than 4 and not more than 5 meters;
• absence of abrasions and damage, coupling devices (bracket, hook, ring) must be in good order;
• the presence of reflective elements on the cable with red and white stripes drawn diagonally in compliance with the size of 20 × 20 cm.

Rules for towing when using a cable:

1. The presence of the driver in the towed vehicle is mandatory.
2. The distance between cars is from 4 to 6 meters.
3. The carriage of passengers in a car that is being towed is strictly prohibited. Exceptions are cars and trucks.
4. Do not allow the cable to sag and touch the ground.

IMPORTANT! It is unacceptable to subject the vehicle to towing with faulty system brakes.

rigid hitch

The main features of the method of towing a car using a rigid coupling structure are as follows:

1. Driving a towed motor vehicle there must be a driver. The exception is situations when the movement occurs in a straight line and the faulty car exactly repeats the trajectory of the leading car.
2. The distance between cars should not be more than 4 m.
3. Transportation of passengers in a towed car (bus, car body) is prohibited.

IMPORTANT! Towing vehicles with faulty steering and a breakdown of the brake system is not allowed.

Partial loading

The method is rare in ordinary life, but it is necessary to mention its limitations. The list of rules for applying the method, in addition to the main ones, includes:

• it is forbidden to transport citizens in the back or cab of a towed car, including the driver;
• transportation of the machine with a faulty brake is excluded.

IMPORTANT! Towing using the partial loading method is allowed if the car has a faulty steering system, which is unacceptable for transporting a car on a flexible and rigid coupling.

The nuances of towing with automatic transmission

It should be remembered that for cars with automatic transmission, towing with idle engine, because when it stops working, it will stop functioning and oil engine, respectively, transmission parts will not receive lubrication. This can lead the unit to a completely malfunctioning state.

• set the gearbox to position N - neutral;
• to unlock the steering wheel;
• speed - no more than 50 km / h;
• The recommended towing distance is no more than 50 km.

If a car with automatic transmission acts as a leading car, you should adhere to the following rules:

• the mass of the transported vehicle must be greater than or equal to the mass of the second vehicle;
• speed - no more than 40 km / h;
• the optimal position of the gearbox is 2 or 3;
• smooth running of the car, without jerks.

IMPORTANT! A car with an automatic transmission is best towed to specialized transport– in a tow truck, as a last resort, use a rigid hitch.

On the video about towing vehicles

When towing is not allowed

According to the traffic rules, transporting a car using another means of transportation is prohibited in the following cases:

• steering malfunction;
• towing 2 or more cars;
• icy roads;
• A motorcycle without a sidecar must not be towed with a flexible hitch.

IMPORTANT! Violation of the rules entails penalties in the amount of 500 rubles.

The towing of the car takes place in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the traffic rules. In the process, you must strictly comply with all requirements and remember safety precautions. Only in this case the probability of an error will be reduced to zero, as well as the risk of an emergency.

All cars break down, and sometimes it happens where there is no garage or tools, and you need to get to the garage anyway. This helps with towing. broken car. Consider the options for towing a car, as well as a separate point, we will tell you how to tow a faulty car with automatic transmission. But before that, let's remember the rules for towing vehicles.

1. Towing of mechanical vehicles can be carried out on a flexible or rigid hitch, as well as by the method of their full and partial loading.
2. Towing a car is allowed if there are special technical devices on both vehicles that allow you to attach a towing device. In their absence, you can use body parts that have a sufficient degree of reliability and do not interfere with driving.
3. During towing, the towed passenger car must be in without fail alarm is on. If there is none or does not work, then instead of it you can use the warning triangle installed on the back of the towed vehicle.
4. It is forbidden to tow on any roads in icy conditions on a flexible hitch.
5. The maximum permitted speed when towing any vehicle must not exceed 50 km/h.

Ways of towing cars on a flexible, rigid hitch and loading

Now, remembering the rules of towing, you can consider in as much detail as possible various ways possible towing cars.

• With a rigid hitch

A rigid hitch is a structure in the form of a pipe made of thick metal or a triangle made of plates of sufficient thickness. This type of hitch is rarely used for cars, as they do not always have special fastening devices. Nevertheless, independent production the hitch helps to solve this drawback, because it is rather problematic to tow a car, for example, in a different way.

The length of the structure for towing with a rigid hitch must not exceed 4 m. In addition, it is forbidden to tow a car in which the steering is in a faulty condition. It is also necessary to have a driver behind the wheel to keep the car on the desired trajectory.

• On a flexible hitch

It is perhaps the most common way of towing, because it requires less time and cost. There are two types of towing cables - nylon and steel. By the way, kapron, despite the material of manufacture, has much more advantages. In terms of strength, it is in no way inferior to steel, and can stretch, saving life. metal parts body. However, the nylon cable, when sagging, can easily rub off on the asphalt, which leads to its wear.

When towing with a flexible hitch, the cable length must be in the range from 4 to 6 m. This length allows for excellent control. traffic situation, making the minimum distance between cars.

To improve the visibility of towing, the cable must be marked with red and white flags, with a color stripe width of 50 millimeters.

The driver of the towed vehicle must always be behind the wheel in order to maintain the course and slow down in time. In addition, it is forbidden to tow a car on a flexible hitch if it has either a brake system, otherwise there is a risk of creating a rather serious emergency in which the drivers of two cars at once will be to blame.

In no case should a strong sagging of the cable be allowed. The first reason is wear and tear. Also, when the cable is tightened, it is easier to control braking and it is easier to start moving for the towing vehicle.

• With partial or full loading

Trucks are usually towed in this way, although cars can also be towed. The presence of a driver in the back of a towed vehicle is not required.

Usually, vehicles with a faulty brake system (provided that the actual mass of this vehicle does not exceed half the actual mass of the towing vehicle) and steering are towed in this way. In addition, in this way you can tow cars after serious accident when the opportunity further movement missing completely.

When towing by the method of full loading, carry a car must necessarily truck that has special body and enough powerful engine. Most often, these are used by police tow trucks, but the use of an ordinary truck is also possible. The method of loading itself, however, is not regulated.

How to tow a car with automatic transmission

Cars with automatic transmission are usually towed by the method of full loading, so that the car is stationary. It's all about the design features new transmission. The fact is that when the engine is stopped, the oil pump does not work, but continues to rotate during towing. Thus, the gearbox overheats, and the amount of lubricant is not in the right amount. As a result, transmission wear is accelerated. Therefore, for towing cars with automatic transmission, there are additional rules:

1. The box should have enough liquids. If it is not present in the proper quantity, then towing is not recommended. In addition, turn the key in the ignition in advance so that the steering wheel does not lock.
2. Place the mode control lever in the neutral "N" position.
3. The maximum towing speed must not exceed 50 km/h. It would be better if this speed is equal to 30. The maximum possible distance for towing is from 50 to 80 kilometers, depending on the capabilities of the automatic transmission. At the same time, it is necessary to periodically monitor the temperature of the transmission and take breaks for cooling.
4. All-wheel drive "automatic machines" can only be towed by the method of full loading. If your vehicle is equipped rear wheel drive, then you can try to remove cardan shaft and then towing will be possible without all these restrictions.

Video - How to unlock the "machine" for transportation in tow

That's all. We hope that you will never have to resort to towing a car, but you should definitely know how to do it correctly.