However, when the speed decreases, such a cable can sag, get under the wheels of a towed car and rub against the asphalt.
The standard length of the towing cable is about 6 m. It provides sufficient distance for safe towing and maneuverability of the towed vehicle. If the cable is shorter than the established norm, the driver of the towed vehicle may not have time to react to the sharp braking of the tractor, and a passing collision will occur. Keep this in mind if you intend to use not a purchased cable, but a rope that is at hand.
Its tensile strength should be at least 2 tons, and its length should be at least 6.5–7 m, taking into account the attachment points. At the end of towing, the knots will probably tighten so that you cannot untie them, so consider the possibility of cutting the tied rope.
On flexible links (cables) when towing motor vehicles, warning signs in the form of flags or shields measuring 200 x 200 mm with red and white alternating stripes 50 mm wide with a retroreflective surface applied diagonally should be carried out. If commercially available cables usually have such signs, then on a homemade cable you will have to fix them yourself. Otherwise, you will be violating the Rules of the Road.
At the front of the Chevrolet Lacetti there are two towing eyes, which are half rings made of thick steel bar, rigidly attached (welded) to body parts.
Left front towing eye
In the rear of the car, one towing eye is usually made, which is also rigidly attached to the body (located on the left side). It is used when towing or pulling another vehicle or pulling your vehicle out of snow, mud, etc. towards the rear.
Rear towing eye
When towing your vehicle, we hook the hook of the towing cable to one of the front towing eyes (preferably on the left) … …but on a towing vehicle (tractor) - behind the rear eyelet.
If the towing vehicle is equipped with a towing device (towbar), it is preferable to attach the tow rope to it.
The tow rope may have loops at the ends instead of fastening hooks. In this case, it is attached to the eye as follows: the loop is inserted into the eye, and a strong wrench is inserted into it (e.g. wheeled). When tensioning the cable, the key will not allow the loop to jump out of the eye.
Fastening the cable to the towing eye of the car using a loop and a wheel wrench.
You can also fix the cable on the eye using the loop-in-loop method...... however, in this way you can only fix one end of the cable. Moreover, the loop can also be pulled very tight when towing.
Before starting towing on a towed vehicle, turn on the emergency light alarm (according to traffic rules), and in the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility - also the side light.
The dipped headlights must be switched on at any time of the day on the towing vehicle.
On a car with a manual transmission, move the gear lever to the neutral position. On a car with an automatic transmission, set the selector to position N.
The speed of movement during towing should not exceed 50 km/h. A car with an automatic transmission may be towed at a speed of no more than 50 km/h and a distance of no more than 50 km. If a longer towing time is required, you should resort to the evacuation of the vehicle by full or partial loading.
For partial loading, the front wheels must be suspended (leading) axes.
Set the ignition key to the ACC or ON position. This will allow you to use the vehicle's electrical systems while driving (if your vehicle's battery is not dead): lighting devices, windscreen cleaner and washer, heater, etc. If the engine is operational, it must be started, while the vacuum brake booster will operate. Otherwise, the driver of the towed vehicle will need more effort when depressing the brake pedal.
When towing your vehicle, never turn the ignition key to the LOCK position, as this may activate the anti-theft device (steering shaft is locked) and the car will lose control. This will inevitably lead to an emergency.
When starting towing, the driver of the towing vehicle must start smoothly and drive his vehicle, avoiding jerks, so that the cable does not break. When broken, the tensioned cable develops a very large force and can damage the body elements of both the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle. When driving, drivers of both vehicles should try to keep the cable taut, including during slowdowns and stops, so that the cable does not get under the wheels of the towed vehicle and does not fray.
The driver of the towed vehicle must not interfere with the movement by pressing the brake pedal without a reason. He must inform the driver of the towing vehicle about the need to stop by turning on the sound signal or flashing the main beam of the headlights. If the electrical equipment of the vehicle being towed is defective, both drivers must agree on prearranged signals. If an electrical fault prevents the hazard warning lights from turning on, a warning triangle should be attached to the rear of the towed vehicle.
The driver of the tractor vehicle must avoid braking and stopping on the slopes of the road, because with a further start of movement, especially strong jerks of the cable may occur, which can lead to its rupture. When cornering, drive the tractor vehicle along the maximum possible radius. In the rear-view mirrors, the driver of the towing vehicle must regularly monitor the movement of the towed vehicle and follow the signals given by its driver.
The rules of the road prohibit towing a car with a faulty steering or braking system, as well as in icy conditions. In these cases, it is necessary to use the service of a special tow truck.