Things You Should Know About Winching A Car
August 12, 2021
One thing you can never be certain about is the ever-changing Canadian weather. Especially during winter, when bright, sunny morning skies can turn into nights of snowstorms. Highways and roads are usually covered in inches of snow or frost during the bitter weather conditions of winter. These slippery roads reduce the friction between your vehicle’s tires and the road’s surface, which can cause your car or truck to go off-road.
Vehicles that become stuck in the snow, mud, sand, or a ditch after going off-road is a common occurrence. Even experienced drivers can be caught off guard under such extreme driving conditions. A single mistake can lead to dangerous situations that can cause injuries or fatalities. This is especially true when you are driving on poorly lit roads with multiple twists and turns.
In this situation, contacting a local car winch services provider is the best way to get your vehicle recovered from a ditch. Continue reading to understand what a winch is and how it works.
Assess The Situation
Ensuring the safety of those directly involved in winching a vehicle and those present nearby is an all-important aspect of a winching operation. A winch is a useful tool, however, if not done properly, it can lead to injuries and major damage to the car or truck. It can also be hazardous for passersby. Therefore, you must try to remain calm when you find yourself in this situation. It will help you stay in control and effectively assess the situation. Start by evaluating your options; you can either ask a stranger for help or try to reverse your vehicle out of the ditch yourself. Although strangers are often willing to help, it may lead to more problems and safety hazards. Contacting a heavy-duty towing service for assistance is the wisest option.Before Starting The Winching Process
There are some important safety considerations you must make to ensure a smooth and safe winching operation:- Take your time to properly assess the situation, and act accordingly.
- To protect your hands from any cuts or burns, wear a pair of heavy-duty gloves when using a synthetic rope or wire winch.
- Make sure that the battery of the recovery vehicle being used can handle the additional load.
- Always use a hook strap to pull the line away from the fairlead. Don’t try to put your finger through it.
- Use D-shackles or a clevis to safely connect a winch to a car or strap.
- Recovery straps can stretch and store a lot of energy which can cause serious damage. So, it’s best to avoid using them for safety reasons.
- Make sure that the winches’ installation does not have any loose bolts.
- Remain calm through the entire process and you will successfully pull out your car.
3 Ways Of Rigging A Winch
The following are the three ways you can rig a vehicle winch:- Single line
- Double line
- Triple line