How Yeti Towing and Service Uses Special Skates to Tow Cars Stuck in Gear or with Engaged Emergency Brakes

When a car cannot be put into neutral or the emergency brake won’t release, towing it becomes a challenge. Traditional towing methods risk damaging the vehicle’s transmission or brakes. Yeti Towing solves this problem with a clever tool: special towing skates. These skates allow safe, damage-free towing of vehicles that are otherwise immobile. This post explains how Yeti Towing and Service uses these skates, why they are essential, and what makes their approach effective.

Tire on a skate.

Why Some Cars Cannot Be Towed Normally

Cars stuck in gear or with engaged emergency brakes present unique challenges:

• Transmission Damage Risk: When a car is in gear, towing it with the drive wheels on the ground can cause the transmission to grind or break.

• Brake Lock: An engaged emergency brake locks the wheels, preventing them from turning freely.

• Neutral Gear Issues: Some vehicles, especially newer models or those with electronic shifters, may fail to shift into neutral due to mechanical or electrical faults.

  
  

These conditions mean the vehicle cannot roll freely, so traditional flatbed or dolly towing methods may not be possible or safe.

What Are Towing Skates?

Towing skates are specially designed platforms with wheels that fit under the car’s tires. They lift the wheels slightly off the ground, allowing the vehicle to roll without the drive wheels turning or brakes dragging. Here’s what makes them effective:

• Low Profile Design: Skates slide easily under the tire, even in tight spaces.

• Heavy-Duty Wheels: The wheels on the skates are strong enough to support the vehicle’s weight and roll smoothly.

• Adjustable Fit: Many skates can adjust to fit different tire sizes and widths.

• Secure Locking Mechanism: Once in place, the skate locks to the tire to prevent slipping during towing.

  
  

How Yeti Towing Uses Skates to Tow Difficult Vehicles

Yeti Towing’s team follows a careful process to tow cars that cannot be put into neutral or have the emergency brake engaged:

1. Assessment on Site

   The team first inspects the vehicle to confirm the problem and determine the best towing method. They check if the car is stuck in gear, if the emergency brake is on, or if other issues prevent rolling.

   
   

2. Positioning the Skates

   Using hydraulic jacks or ramps, the team lifts the affected wheels just enough to slide the towing skates underneath. This step requires precision to avoid damage to the car’s undercarriage.

   
   

3. Securing the Vehicle

   The skates lock firmly around the tires, ensuring the wheels are lifted and immobilized on the skate itself. This prevents any rotation of the drive wheels or dragging of the brakes.

   
   

4. Connecting to the Tow Truck

   The vehicle is then strapped down and secured on the tow truck using chains or straps, with the skates bearing the weight of the wheels. This setup allows the car to be safely pulled without stressing the transmission or brakes.

   
   

5. Careful Transport

   Yeti Towing and Service drives slowly and carefully, especially over bumps or uneven surfaces, to avoid jolting the vehicle or causing the skates to slip.

   
   

Benefits of Using Towing Skates

Using towing skates offers several advantages:

• Protects Vehicle Components

The transmission and brakes remain unharmed because the wheels do not turn or drag.

• Versatile for Many Situations

Skates work on cars stuck in gear, with locked brakes, or even with flat tires.

• Saves Time and Money

Avoiding damage means fewer repairs and faster towing service.

• Enables Safe Urban Towing

Skates allow towing in tight city spaces where flatbeds might not fit.

Real-Life Example

A customer called Yeti Towing and Service after their car’s emergency brake stuck. The wheels would not turn, and the car was parked on a slight incline. Traditional towing risked damaging the brake system or transmission. Yeti’s team arrived with towing skates, lifted the wheels, slid the skates under, and locked them in place. The car was safely towed to a nearby garage without any damage. The customer praised the quick and careful service.

When Are Towing Skates Not Suitable?

While towing skates are very useful, there are cases where they may not be the best option:

• Severe Underbody Damage

If the car’s underside is damaged or low to the ground, skates might not fit.

• Extremely Heavy Vehicles

Very large trucks or SUVs may require specialized equipment beyond standard skates.

Yeti Towing evaluates each situation carefully to choose the safest method.

What to Expect When You Call Yeti Towing

If your car won’t shift into neutral or the emergency brake won’t release, Yeti Towing offers expert help:

• Efficient Response

Their team arrives quickly with the right equipment.

• Professional Assessment

They diagnose the problem and explain the towing options.

• Use of Towing Skates When Needed

They bring and use skates to protect your vehicle.

• Safe and Careful Handling

The team ensures your car is take care of carefully.

Tips for Vehicle Owners to Avoid Towing Issues

While some problems are unavoidable, you can reduce the risk of needing special towing:

• Regular Maintenance

Keep your transmission and brakes serviced.

• Check Emergency Brake Function

Test and adjust the emergency brake regularly.

• Avoid Parking on Steep Slopes with Emergency Brake Only

Use wheel chocks or park in gear if possible.

• Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Requirements

Some cars have manufacturer guidelines for towing.

Summary

Yeti Towing and Service uses special towing skates and a flatbed tow truck to safely tow cars that cannot be put into neutral or have engaged emergency brakes. These skates lift the wheels off the ground, preventing damage to the transmission and brakes. The process involves careful assessment, precise placement of skates, and secure towing. This method protects vehicles, saves time, and ensures safe transport even in tricky situations. If your car is stuck in gear or the emergency brake won’t release, Yeti Towing and Service’s skilled team and their towing skates provide a reliable solution. Call for service today 919-886-1771.