Before deciding on a particular method of towing a car with another car, you first have to analyze your vehicle's specifications.

First, you'll need to know your car's tow rating. Is there a tow hitch? Does it have two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive? Also, does the other vehicle have an automatic or manual transmission? If you're unsure of any of these questions, your owner's manual should have the answers. 

Besides those factors, good towing practices include:

• The towing car should be heavier and bigger than the other vehicle, as moving and stopping two cars takes extra horsepower and braking ability. 
• No one can be inside of the vehicle needing a tow. Not only are passengers inside of towed cars against the law, but it's also a safety hazard. And the same goes for pets. 
• The towed vehicle’s ignition must be turned on so that the steering is active and won't lock up. In low visibility conditions, activate the towed car's parking lights to ensure those following behind keep a safe distance. 

Usually, SUVs and trucks have higher tow ratings than passenger cars, making them a better choice for towing another vehicle. Many trucks and SUVs are also larger and have more powerful engines than typical cars for increased safety and power when towing. 

Aside from a tow vehicle's mechanical attributes, several methods exist for towing another car. These include using a dolly, a trailer, or a tow bar. 

Buying a used pickup truck with an excellent tow rating can save you thousands versus purchasing a new one. But finding a pre-owned truck in excellent condition can be a hassle. An advertisement may look nice, but a used truck could be hiding mechanical issues. Shift's certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections on every car and have complete vehicle history reports, so you know your used car feels as good as new. Shift's website has a large selection of fully inspected vehicles located across the country that are ready to go. The website is user-friendly, and you'll be able to find various makes and models to suit your needs and budget. Whether you want a Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado, Shift has what you need.

A dolly lightens the load for the vehicle doing the towing by carrying the weight of the other car's front wheels. With only the towed vehicle's rear wheels in contact with the road, there's less weight to pull, lessening the strain on the tow car. 

Tow dollies work especially well when towing front-wheel-drive cars since their rear wheels are not connected to the transmission and can spin freely. But if you use a tow dolly to transport a four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive car long distance, first you'll need to uncouple the drive shaft. 

When using a dolly, the tow vehicle has to weigh at least 750 pounds more than the car it's towing. And it's also essential not to exceed the maximum capacity of the dolly. 

Follow these steps:

1. Connect the dolly to the tow vehicle's hitch ball.
2. Fasten the safety chains on the dolly to the tow car for additional safety in case of a disconnection.
3. Drive the towed car onto the dolly ramps until the wheels contact the stops.
4. Secure the vehicle onto the dolly with the provided straps. 
5. If towing a four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicle, you'll have to disconnect the driveshaft to protect the transmission.

Using a trailer to tow another car is the safest method available, but the increased weight could prove too much for some tow vehicles.

To avoid any issues while towing another car with a trailer, first, find out the towing capacity of your vehicle. This rating must be equal to or more than the combined weight of the towed vehicle and the trailer.

These are the steps to tow another car with a trailer:

1. Connect the trailer to the trailer hitch on the tow vehicle.
2. Secure the safety chains on the trailer to the vehicle doing the towing.
3. Drive the towed vehicle onto the trailer ramps until the front tires touch the stops.
4. Put the transmission in park and activate the parking brake.
5. Secure the towed car to the trailer using tie-downs.

Somewhere on the highway, you may have seen an RV towing a car with a tow bar. 

With a tow bar, all of the wheels on the towed vehicle remain on the ground while moving. 

But before towing with a tow bar, you must disconnect a vehicle's driveshaft to prevent transmission damage.

When you use a tow bar, you have to connect brackets to the frame on the towed vehicle. If you're unsure how to do this, consult with a mechanic to ensure the proper fit.

Here are the steps to towing another vehicle with a tow bar:

1. Find suitable locations on the front of the towed car's frame and drill holes to secure the brackets. 
2. Buy a wiring system that allows both vehicles' brake lights and turn signals to work simultaneously. After connecting the two cars' lighting systems, perform a test to ensure they work together. 
3. Secure the tow bar to the vehicle doing the towing. Then connect the tow bar to the car in need of a tow. After that, fasten the safety chains between the tow vehicle, pivot bracket, and car needing a tow. 

When you run into trouble on the road and need a tow, it's nice to know help is only a phone call away. With Shift's best-in-industry service contracts, not only are essential components covered, but you receive roadside assistance if you encounter mechanical issues away from home. Wherever you happen to be in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.