Preparing your car properly before the tow truck arrives takes just a couple of minutes, but it noticeably reduces the risk of misunderstandings during loading and transport: from small lost items in the cabin to disputes over who's responsible for a new scratch. Here's a step-by-step checklist our crews follow, and one that's useful for any driver to know.

What to do before the tow truck arrives

  • Move the car to a safe, accessible spot if it can still move a little. This speeds up loading and reduces risk for the crew working on the roadway.
  • Turn on your hazard lights so the car stays visible until the tow truck pulls up close.
  • Close the windows. If the electrical system isn't working and the windows are stuck open, let the crew know.
  • Check that the fuel tank isn't overfilled. A very full tank adds weight and, in rare cases, requires a specific positioning on the platform.
  • Photograph the car from all sides before loading. This is standard practice that protects both you and the tow company by documenting the car's condition beforehand.

Items in the cabin and trunk

During loading and transport on the platform, unsecured items inside the car can shift around, especially on turns and rough pavement.

  • Remove or secure valuable and fragile items: electronics, documents, jewelry. Take them with you if possible;
  • Make sure there are no loose heavy objects inside that could damage the interior or windows if the platform brakes suddenly;
  • If there's cargo in the trunk, make sure it's properly secured or repositioned so it can't shift;
  • Clear the dashboard and window ledges of loose items: phones, sunglasses, air fresheners. The car's angle changes briefly during loading onto the platform.

Neutral gear and the parking brake

One of the key factors for a safe, quick load: having the transmission and brake in the right position while the car is winched onto the platform.

  • If the car is a manual, shift into neutral;
  • If it's an automatic, shift into neutral (N) rather than leaving it in Park, if that's safe to do. Ask the crew what works best for your specific situation;
  • Don't leave the parking brake engaged if the car is being winched onto the platform: locked wheels make loading harder. The crew will tell you exactly what's needed and when;
  • If the parking brake is electronic and won't release due to a dead electrical system, be sure to mention this to the dispatcher when you call.
Tip: if you're not sure what to do with the gearbox or brake, just wait for the crew and follow their instructions on-site. They work with different makes and models every day and know the specifics of your particular car.

What to watch for during loading

  • The car should be secured by the wheels with soft straps, not by cables attached to the body or suspension. This is the standard safe-loading practice our crews follow;
  • Low-clearance cars (sports cars, modified vehicles) should be loaded using a low-angle flatbed to avoid scraping the front bumper or underbody protection;
  • Make sure the mirrors are folded in if appropriate. On the platform, this reduces the risk of accidental damage when loading a neighboring vehicle, if more than one car is being transported;
  • Pay attention to how the wheels are secured: the straps should be snug, with no slack, so the car can't shift during transit.

After delivery: what to check

Once the car arrives at its destination, don't rush to sign paperwork or let the crew go. Take a minute for a final check:

  1. Inspect the body for any new damage, comparing against the photos taken before loading;
  2. Check that everything in the cabin and trunk is where it should be;
  3. Make sure the wheels and suspension show no marks from the tie-down straps;
  4. If you have any questions or concerns, raise them with the crew on the spot, before the tow truck leaves.

Bottom line

A few minutes spent preparing your car before a tow (clearing loose items, taking photos, setting the gearbox correctly) saves you from disputes and reduces the risk of damage. And if you still have questions, just ask the dispatcher, or check our article on when you actually need a tow truck versus just roadside help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the license plates before towing?

No, there's no need to remove the plates. The car is transported as-is once it's prepared for loading, and the plates stay in place.

What if the car is locked and none of the doors will open?

Let the dispatcher know when you call. The crew will arrive with the equipment needed to safely load a locked vehicle, including working with electronic systems if necessary.

Can I ride along in the tow truck's cab with my car?

In most cases, yes, this is standard practice. Confirm this with the dispatcher when booking, more so if you plan to accompany the car in person.

Do I need to remove a car alarm or GPS tracker before loading?

No, these devices don't interfere with loading or transport on the platform.

What if I notice old dents or scratches during loading?

Photograph them before loading and point them out to the crew. This is standard practice that protects both sides from misunderstandings once the car is delivered.

How long does it take to load a car onto the platform?

On average, 10–15 minutes for a standard passenger car; low-clearance vehicles or difficult conditions (a tight yard, icy roads) can take a bit longer.