If you own a lowered car, a sports car, an exotic or a classic, you already know how careful you have to be over speed bumps and driveways. A tow is no different. Loading a low or high-value car takes a little more planning, and you can help make it go smoothly. Here's what to do before the truck arrives.
1. Set the ride height
- Air suspension: if the car runs, raise it to its highest setting before the truck arrives. Some cars have a lift or jack mode in the settings menu.
- Front axle lift systems: raise the nose if your car has one.
- Coilovers: you won't change these on the spot, but tell the driver they're installed and how low the car sits.
If the car doesn't start, tell us, because the suspension may already be at its lowest point.
2. Point out the low parts
Tell the driver about anything that hangs low or is easy to damage:
- Front lips, splitters and canards.
- Side skirts and rear diffusers.
- Low exhaust tips.
- Aftermarket body kits or carbon fiber pieces.
A good operator uses ramps or blocks to lower the loading angle so the nose clears the bed without scraping.
3. Find the tow hook point
Many modern cars and exotics have a screw-in tow eye stored with the spare tire kit or in the trunk, and a small cover on the front bumper where it threads in. Find it before the driver arrives and have it ready. Your owner's manual shows the exact spot. Never let anyone pull the car by the bumper, the suspension arms or the exhaust.
4. Know how to put it in neutral
Some cars need a special procedure to stay in neutral with the engine off, or have a "tow mode" or "transport mode." Electric cars often have their own setting. Look it up in the manual ahead of time, or have it open on your phone so you can show the driver.
5. Check the wheels
- Tell the driver about wheel locks, and have the key ready if needed.
- Point out wide or expensive wheels so the straps go on the tires, not the rims.
- Mention any flat or damaged tire.
6. Empty the car and take photos
- Remove loose items, valuables and anything that could slide around.
- Fold in the mirrors if the car allows it.
- Walk around the car and take photos of all four sides, the front lip, the wheels and the interior. Ask the driver to take photos at pickup and drop-off too.
7. Plan the drop-off
Lowered cars can get stuck at the other end too. Tell us if the delivery spot has a steep driveway, a gate with a raised bump, or a garage with a sharp entrance, so the car can be unloaded where it won't scrape.
What to tell us when you call
- Year, make and model, and whether it's lowered, on air or bagged.
- Roughly how low it sits (a measurement under the front lip helps).
- Whether it runs, and whether you have the keys.
- Where it's going, and anything tricky about the drop-off.
