🚗 Car Towing

Everything You Need to Know About Car Towing

Car Towing
Why Do You Need a Tow?
What You Absolutely Shouldn’t Do
Different Towing Methods
Special Vehicles: Electric, Light Commercial, RVs
How a Towing Operation Unfolds
What to Do While Waiting for the Tow Truck
Highway Towing: The Special Case
Towing in Urban or Remote Areas
Your Rights and Duties
Towing and Car Insurance
Why Call a Professional?
Customer Testimonials
Real Case Studies & Unusual Situations
Car Towing by Fast Depann

Car Towing

Breaking down or, worse, being in an accident is every driver’s nightmare. In those moments, knowing you can count on a **reliable, fast, and professional towing service** makes all the difference.

Towing isn’t just logistics—it’s a **technical operation**, often urgent, requiring expertise, specialized equipment, and compliance with safety standards. Whether in the city center, at night on a highway, or in an underground parking lot, each situation is unique.

At **Fast Depann**, we believe well-informed drivers are more at ease. That’s why we offer this comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about vehicle towing.

Why Do You Need a Tow?

There are many reasons a car may need towing. Here are the most common:

✅ Mechanical Breakdown

This is the most frequent scenario. A car that won’t start, stalls while driving, makes worrying noises, or suddenly stops usually needs towing to a workshop.

👉 Real example: Mrs. Lemoine, 48, heading to a wedding, experienced a failed automatic transmission at 8 AM on a Saturday. Thanks to a fast Fast Depann response, she caught a rental vehicle on-site and made it in time.

🚫 Traffic Accident

Even a minor collision can make the vehicle unsafe or unusable to drive. Body damage can hide steering, brake, or suspension issues.

👉 Testimonial: « My car seemed drivable after a fender-bender… but the trucker spotted a crack in the front axle. He prevented a second accident. » – Mr. Abdelli, Montreuil

⚠️ Dead Battery or Electrical Failure

In cold weather or after long inactivity, the battery can die. With electric or hybrid cars, this is more complex and requires specific precautions.

👉 Case in point: A Tesla Model 3 got stuck in an underground lot in Nanterre. The B2XL-certified Fast Depann team intervened safely.

⛽ Wrong Fuel

Putting diesel in a gasoline car (or vice versa) is more common than you’d think. It’s strongly advised not to restart in this case—call for a tow.

🅿️ Obstructive Parking or Tow-Away

A badly parked or broken-down vehicle may be towed by the municipal pound. You may also need urgent private towing to avoid this.

What You Absolutely Shouldn’t Do

When your vehicle is disabled or damaged, you might be tempted to “handle it yourself”… but beware: some practices are not only **dangerous** but also **illegal**.

❌ Towing with a Rope or Strap

It might seem handy between friends, but it’s forbidden on open roads. Risks include:

Poor steering or braking control
Rope snapping
No insurance coverage in case of accident

❌ Trying to Start an Electric Vehicle That’s Broken Down

This can **severely damage high-voltage circuits** or even cause electric shock. Only a trained professional should intervene.

❌ Staying Inside Your Vehicle on the Hard Shoulder

This is extremely dangerous. You must exit, wear a reflective vest, place the warning triangle, and stand behind the guard rail if possible.

Different Towing Methods

Each situation requires a specific towing technique. These are the main methods used by professionals like Fast Depann:

🔹 Flatbed Tow Truck

The vehicle is fully loaded onto a mobile flatbed. This is the safest method and is used for:

Accident-damaged vehicles
Sports or vintage cars
Electric vehicles

👉 Use case: loading a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider stuck on a slope without damage or slipping.

🔹 Boom Lift Tow

Two wheels are lifted while the other axle remains on the ground. Quick and convenient for short urban moves, but not ideal for low-clearance or automatic vehicles.

🔹 Winching

The vehicle is hauled using a motorized cable, typically in:

Stuck vehicles
Vehicles in ditches
Blocked parking situations

🔹 Specialized Towing for Electric Vehicles

An electric vehicle **cannot be towed on its wheels**, especially if they are drive wheels. This can damage in-wheel motors. Instead, professionals must:

Fully lift the vehicle
Isolate the electrical system
Disconnect the battery if needed

Special Vehicles: Electric, Utility, RVs

Not all vehicles are towed the same way. Some have technical specifics that require a tailored approach.

🔋 Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (Tesla, Zoé, e-208…)

High-voltage battery: These vehicles operate on batteries exceeding 400 volts.
Specific risks: Electrocution, in-wheel motor damage, and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
Professional procedure:
- Safe power-down of the vehicle
- Towing exclusively via flatbed
- Mandatory use of PPE (personal protective equipment)
- B2XL certification (as required at Fast Depann)

👉 Real-life example: A Kia EV6 breaks down at 2 a.m. in Montmorency forest. Fast Depann’s specialized team arrives within 40 minutes and safely transports it to an approved dealership.

🚐 Utility Vehicles / Small Trucks

These require more powerful tow trucks or specially sized flatbeds.

Special height: Often taller than 2.5 meters
Difficult access in city centers
Risk of tipping when going up ramps

🏕️ RVs and Camper Vans

Shifted center of gravity
Heavy weight
Fragile components (waste tanks, solar panels)

👉 Tip: Always provide your vehicle’s length and height during the call to avoid equipment mismatch.

🏍️ Motorcycles and Scooters

Require specific supports (motorbike rails)
Multiple tie-downs needed
Be mindful of the handlebar, linked braking, and center of gravity

How a Towing Operation Unfolds

When you contact a professional like Fast Depann, each step is designed to be clear, safe, and efficient.

Step 1 – The Call

You call the towing service and describe:

Your exact location
Type of vehicle
Nature of the issue (breakdown, accident, etc.)
Any constraints (underground parking, rain, nighttime, etc.)

🔎 Tip: Enable location services on your phone to help the tow truck find you faster.

Step 2 – Evaluation

The tow operator conducts a quick inspection:

Can the vehicle be towed as-is?
Are there any hazards (fuel leak, electrical short)?
Should it be lifted, pulled, or fully loaded?

Step 3 – Safety Measures

Before any action:

Secure the area
Set up road signs or warnings
Handle with care (handbrake, disengagement if possible)

Step 4 – The Tow

Based on the chosen method:

Flatbed loading
Boom or winch towing
Securing all tie-downs before departure

Step 5 – Transport

Your car is taken to:

A repair garage
Your home
A dealership

Step 6 – Delivery

The vehicle is handed over, possibly with an incident report or service sheet, and further steps are explained (quote, insurance, repairs, etc.).

What to Do While Waiting for the Tow Truck

Here are some simple but important actions to take while waiting:

🔺 Secure the Area

Turn on hazard lights
Put on your reflective vest
Place the warning triangle at least 30 meters behind your vehicle (100 m on highways)

📞 Notify a Relative

Share your location
Keep your phone charged
Request support if the situation is stressful

🧾 Gather Your Documents

Vehicle registration
Insurance certificate
Photo ID
Garage or drop-off address

⚠️ Avoid Doing This:

Staying inside the vehicle on a busy road
Trying to restart an electric vehicle
Forcing open a jammed hood
Approaching a smoking, leaking, or heavily damaged car

Highway Towing: The Special Case

Highways are regulated areas. Here’s what you need to know:

🚫 You Can’t Call Just Any Tow Company

On highways, only **prefecture-approved** tow trucks can operate—call via a **SOS roadside phone** or **112**.

✅ Fast Depann Is Highway Certified (in Some Zones)

Certain teams are authorized to assist in these specific contexts.

⚠️ Rates Are Regulated

Highway towing prices are **set by government decree**. They are the same for all certified operators.

➕ Additional Services

Transport of driver and passengers
Possibility to tow the vehicle beyond the highway zone (upon request)
Possible insurance coverage (see insurance section)

Towing in Urban or Remote Areas

Towing conditions vary greatly depending on the location of the vehicle. That’s why **Fast Depann** customizes each operation to the environment.

🏙️ In the City

Urban centers present specific challenges:

Heavy traffic
Few parking spots
Tight spaces, narrow streets, one-way roads
Cars parked double, on sidewalks, or between bollards

👉 Our fleet includes compact tow trucks with articulated arms, able to maneuver in even the narrowest Paris or Montreuil alleys.

🛣️ In Suburbs or Outskirts

Easy access to parking areas
Many private housing developments
Business or industrial zones (company fleets, service vehicles)

🌲 In Rural or Forested Areas

Narrow or poorly maintained roads
No lighting
Weak or no cell signal
Wildlife or natural obstacles

👉 Tip: Provide as many location details as possible (road name, kilometer marker, GPS coordinates if possible).

🅿️ In Underground or Private Parking

Height limits: Some tow trucks can’t fit
May require manual winching
Limited access to the drive wheels

👉 Fast Depann has specialized teams for underground and residential parking towing.

Your Rights and Duties

Many drivers are unaware of their rights. Here’s a summary:

⚖️ You Have the Right To:

Refuse a provider if you are off the highway
Request a clear quote before the operation
Be informed of where your vehicle is taken
Be present during the towing
Request a service report or detailed invoice

🚫 You Must:

Cooperate with the operator (keys, registration, relevant info)
Secure your vehicle if leaving it before the tow truck arrives
Not hinder the towing process (long arguments, aggressive behavior, etc.)

Towing and Car Insurance

🧾 Assistance Coverage

Most car insurance policies (comprehensive or extended third-party) include **breakdown or accident towing**. You should check:

The distance covered (often 0 km or 25 km)
What’s included (empty tank, flat tire, wrong fuel…)
Whether you must use a partner garage or have free choice

👉 Fast Depann partners with many insurers and helps clients with their claims.

💡 Did You Know?

If you break down **less than 30 km from home**, some policies do not cover towing. In that case, a **private tow truck** like Fast Depann is often faster and simpler.

Why Call a Professional?

Here’s a summary of the **key advantages**:

✅ Experience

Over 10 years of experience in towing and roadside assistance in Île-de-France.

✅ Responsiveness

Available **24/7**, even on public holidays.

✅ Coverage Zones

Paris and inner suburbs
Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Hauts-de-Seine
Yvelines, Essonne, Val-d’Oise, Seine-et-Marne
Oise (60)

✅ Equipment

Flatbed tow trucks
Articulated arm tow trucks
Electric winches
Ramps, motorcycle rails, automatic locking straps

✅ Vehicles Handled

Gasoline, diesel, electric, hybrid
Vans, SUVs, sports cars, vintage cars

✅ Trained Staff

All agents are B2XL certified for electric vehicles
Exclusive in-house training
Strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines

Customer Testimonials

“Broke down on the A86 at 9 p.m., alone with my baby in the back seat. The tow truck arrived within 35 minutes, the driver was kind, reassuring, and professional.”
– Sonia R., Créteil

“My car stalled at the gate. I thought it was nothing, but Fast Depann advised me to leave it still. Good call: it turned out to be a brake fluid leak!”
– Jean-Paul D., Gonesse

“Tesla Model S blocked in an underground parking lot. No other provider would help. Fast Depann got it out gently without a scratch.”
– Luc H., Issy-les-Moulineaux

Real Case Studies & Unusual Situations

🧊 Breakdown in Freezing Weather

Assistance for an Audi Q3 stuck at -5°C on a country road. Dead battery + frozen ABS sensor. Towed to Audi La Défense.

🏖️ Stuck in Sand

Renault Trafic stuck on a sandy path in Étampes. 4×4 tow truck with reinforced winch deployed.

🏗️ Utility Vehicle in a Construction Site Accident

Peugeot Boxer hit by construction equipment. Partial vertical towing to clear debris and extract the van.

Car Towing by Fast Depann

Towing is more than moving a vehicle from point A to B. It’s an **emergency, technical, and precision profession**. Whether it’s a minor breakdown, major accident, or complex case, the quality of the towing often determines what happens next: safety, repairs, insurance.

With **Fast Depann**, you get:

Fast response
Trusted know-how
Professional-grade equipment
Friendly, understanding, and helpful staff

📞 Call us now at 01 84 18 16 30
🌐 Or visit www.fast-depann.fr

Your peace of mind starts with quality towing.

Car Towing: Everything You Need to Know About Car Towing