DIY Towing is A Risky Business
At some point, most of us have seen someone trying to tow a vehicle using rope or a strap, slowly dragging it behind another car. Maybe you’ve even thought, “How hard can it be?” But take it from us—doing your own towing is one of the riskiest decisions you can make on the road. Even if it looks like a simple fix, there’s a lot that can go wrong. In an actual emergency, you’re far better off calling one of our tow truck operators for Ann Arbor emergency towing than relying on a DIY method.

Lack of Control and Equipment
We use proper equipment designed for stability, weight balance, and safety. A standard tow rope or chain just doesn’t cut it. When you tow a vehicle without the right tools, you’re gambling with:
- Sudden swaying or jackknifing on turns
- Braking problems for both vehicles
- Unstable weight distribution
- Lack of proper signaling or lighting
- Inadequate attachment points on vehicles
It’s not just about pulling another vehicle—it’s about doing so in a way that doesn’t endanger others or damage your own car.
Legal and Liability Issues
DIY towing on public roads isn’t just unsafe—it can be illegal. There are strict regulations about how a vehicle must be towed, including braking requirements, lighting, and secure attachment. If an accident occurs while you’re towing improperly, you could be held responsible for property damage, injuries, or worse.
We’ve seen drivers try to avoid a towing bill only to face hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines and repair costs. Calling us for your Ann Arbor emergency towing job keeps you protected both legally and financially.
You Could Make the Problem Worse
Imagine your car broke down due to a transmission issue. You try to tow it using a buddy’s SUV and a borrowed rope. But you don’t realize you’ve been dragging it with the drive wheels on the ground, causing irreversible damage to the drivetrain.
This happens more often than people realize. Many modern cars—especially those with all-wheel drive or continuously variable transmissions—require specific handling methods to avoid serious damage. One wrong move and you’re looking at a repair bill far more expensive than a professional tow.
Towing Isn’t a Two-Person Job
Think about what’s involved in towing: coordinating turns, accelerating smoothly, and braking in sync. That’s hard enough when you’re in full control of one vehicle. When you’re operating as a two-vehicle team without professional training or communication tools, things can get messy fast.
We’re trained to manage vehicle recovery even under tough conditions—narrow shoulders, bad weather, stalled engines. Our job isn’t just pulling a vehicle. It’s keeping every moment of the tow controlled and safe, especially in high-stress situations.
Here’s What We Bring That DIY Can’t
When we show up for an Ann Arbor emergency towing job, we don’t just bring a tow truck. We bring years of experience, certified operators, and gear suited for every kind of vehicle and situation.
- Wheel-lift and flatbed options to fit different drivetrains
- Light-duty to heavy-duty recovery for any type of breakdown
- Secure mounting to avoid cosmetic and mechanical damage
- Onboard lighting for nighttime operations
- Real-time tracking and dispatch to speed up response time
Most importantly, we bring the judgment to know what needs to happen to get your car moved safely, without guesswork.

Nationwide Towing: Here for All Your Ann Arbor Emergency Towing Needs
Our Ann Arbor emergency towing service has helped drivers out of every kind of mess you can imagine—from cars stuck halfway in a ditch to trailers that lost a wheel on the freeway.
Towing isn’t a DIY job. It takes the right tools, the right training, and the right response—especially during roadside emergencies. So next time you’re tempted to save a few bucks and call a friend, remember: our Ann Arbor emergency towing team is here with the skill and tools that make towing safe. Let us handle the hard part. That’s what we do best, and why our Ann Arbor emergency towing service exists in the first place.