There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a car: what’s the mileage? How old is the vehicle? However, one factor often ignored — and sometimes even appreciated — is when a used car has a towbar already attached to it. Thoughts on the subject often don’t stem beyond “A towbar? Well that will come in handy if I ever need to tow something”.

Unfortunately, little do people realise that purchasing a car with a towbar already attached can be a troublesome idea.

Today, our article is going to focus on this subject. We’re going to explain why it’s important to be vigilant when noticing a towbar on a potential new car, and why we would always recommend choosing a car without a towbar and having one professionally installed instead.

Towing’s effect on the engine.

A towbar attached to a vehicle signifies that the vehicle has been previously towing. The duration, weight and recurrence of the towing may not be clearly apparent, but it’s always important to consider the possibility of rigorous towing as a precaution.

Heavy towing may have unseen effects on parts of the car, namely the engine. An engine that has been towing will be considerably more strained than an engine of the same age that has been tow-free. Hence, when purchasing a car with a towbar on, it’s important to consider that the engine may be less proficient and may even give out quicker than the engine of a towbar-free vehicle.

Of course, not every vehicle with a towbar on has been rigorously pulling large horseboxes every week. It’s vitally important you question the vendor about the vehicle’s towing history. Any reputable vendor should be able to give you these details, and any who can’t should be avoided.

If a strained engine does cease working prematurely, you may be forced to spend significant amounts on its repair. A safer and more cost effective option would be to purchase a car without a towbar and then have one fitted when needed.

Fitting

It’s paramount that you have any towbar fitted by a professional. This is to ensure the strict levels of safety that are vital when towing on a busy road. Unfortunately, not everyone will heed this advice. When purchasing a car with a towbar already attached, you are purchasing without assurance that the towbar has been fitted professionally or safely. Using it could risk the towbar coming off entirely. At best you will need to pay for a new towbar to be attached. At worst you could cause a serious accident.

MOT

Even if you weren’t to tow with your vehicle at all and were oblivious to any safety risks your towbar posed, you would still be liable for the repercussions if it failed an MOT. This could significantly affect your insurance prices in the future, once again making it much less cost-effective than buying a new towbar in the first place.

Purchasing a car without a towbar and then having one installed is the only way to ensure a cost-effective, safe future for your vehicle. At Towbar2U we offer some of the most competitive prices on the market for our extensive range of towbars. If you’d like to enquire about any of products or services, give our friendly team a call today on 0800 998 1969 or check out our areas covered page to find your local fitter.