Icy roads, muddy tracks, dangerous driving conditions can cause your car to get caught in a ditch. A lot of vehicle owners have had the frustrating experience of sliding off the road or being stuck in a snowbank. The worst part of it all is not having the equipment to drive out of such a situation.
If your vehicle is stuck in the mud or snow, you need access to a winch that can get you back on the road. As a motorist, knowing how to correctly winch a car out of a ditch is necessary.
But what is winching exactly? Do you really need it? In this article, we discuss towing winches and how you can recover your car without damaging it.
What Is a Winch?
A winch is a mechanism that winds wire around a drum while maintaining steady tension at the same time. Towing winches are used to pull cars onto the towing platform or up into the towing sling. It is sturdy enough to even pull cars out of deep mud using a motorized axle and a heavy-duty cable.
When Is a Winch Needed?
Winching is necessary if a stuck vehicle is in a dangerous situation. It’s easier to attach two tow cables to the vehicle and winch it instead of driving it out of the situation. Most professional tow truck operators offer this vehicle recovery method.
If you’re ever stuck in a muddy or snowy road, be sure to reach out to a top-rated roadside assistance staff who can provide you with winch out services.
Safety Tips When Winching Your Vehicle
Be Prepared
You will never know when you need a winch. So, it’s always important to have an electric or hydraulic winch with you. Find the right winch and towing accessories that work properly. This will reduce the chances of malfunctioning in the middle of the winching operation. In addition, regularly check the winch to make sure it is in good condition.
Determine the Force and Effort Required
Not all winches are suitable for your vehicle. There are a lot of factors when going for a winch out. Consider the number of functional wheels, the weight of the car, and your vehicle’s winch. After that, calculate the resistance you’ll need to overcome, and the effort required to successfully pull and tow the vehicle.
In general, your winch capacity should be 1.5 times your gross vehicle weight. If your vehicle weighs 5,000 lbs., then your minimum winch capacity is 7,500 lbs. Always make sure to have the proper winch size for your intended application.
Rig the Winch Properly
Winching operations are risky, so always plan carefully. Do everything slowly to avoid any injuries. One important task you need to do is follow proper winching and rigging techniques. You can rig up in several ways: single line, double line, or triple line.
First, park the track and apply the brakes. Then, choose a solid anchor point in line with your vehicle. Attach the towing line or cable to the vehicle and the anchor point. Secure everything with a strap or shackle.
Learn How to Use the Winch
Your winch is incredible recovery equipment if you know several tricks to get the most power out of it. Inspect the wire rope for damage. Any broken strands can harm you and cause severe injuries. Replace the damaged part immediately with a rope that is as strong and high-quality as the original rope.
During winching operations, do not run over the winch line or the taut wire ropes. You shouldn’t also let the winch cable slide along sharp objects that might damage it. Before winching, you should have at least five complete turns of rope that can support a heavy load.
Prioritize Safety
Your safety should always be the number one priority. When operating the winch, wear heavy-duty gloves to prevent getting blisters and cuts. Keep in mind to wear personal safety equipment. For the safety of passersby, make sure everyone is clear of the line.
Moreover, keep hands and fingers clear of winch rope and hook. One mistake and you might end up losing your finger. Never put your finger through the hook as it might get trapped.
Work With a Towing Expert for Optimum Safety
Going down the DIY route is dangerous, especially if your car is in a ditch. Thankfully, roadside assistance is available when you need it. Here at Allentown Towing Co, we offer best-in-class winch out services to quickly get you out of that tight spot.
All we need to know is your vehicle’s present location, what caused the situation, and the approximate weight of your car. We have well-equipped tow trucks and tools to bring you back onto the roadway. When your vehicle becomes stuck off the road, contact us and we won’t leave you stranded.
Give us a call and one of our towing experts will go to your current location to help you. We are ready to serve you no matter where you are in Allentown, PA!