- By Admin
- Jan 21, 2026
Professional Towing vs. DIY: Why Using a Tow Rope Can Be a Costly Mistake
When a car fails, the first instinct for many Brisbane residents is to phone a friend with a 4WD and a tow rope. This article serves as a stern but helpful warning about the legal and mechanical pitfalls of DIY towing. We break down the Queensland Government’s towing regulations, highlighting that unless the towed vehicle has operational brakes, lights, and a specific distance-rated tow bar, you are likely breaking the law and risking heavy fines from the Queensland Police.
Mechanically, we explain the Hidden Damage factor: how towing a modern automatic, hybrid, or electric vehicle (EV) with its wheels on the ground can starve the transmission of lubrication, turning a $200 tow into a $6,000 gearbox replacement. We also discuss the safety risks of surge braking, where the towed vehicle crashes into the back of the lead vehicle. By emphasizing the Safety First approach of a professional tilt-tray tow, we educate the reader on why specialized equipment is a necessary investment to protect their vehicle’s warranty and their own safety on busy roads like the Ipswich Motorway.
