Deciding to Repair or Replace a Tow Truck

When you’re running a towing company, your tow trucks are the lifeblood of your business. They’re what gets you out on the road to help stranded drivers, recover vehicles, and keep your business moving. But as with any piece of machinery, tow trucks can break down and need repairs. And sometimes, those repairs can be costly. So, how do you know if you should repair or replace a tow truck? Here are just a few key factors that towing company owners should consider when making this decision.

Questions to Consider to Decide if You Should Repair or Replace a Tow Truck

How Much Life Is Left in Your Tow Truck?

One of the first things to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace a tow truck is its age and mileage. As tow trucks age and accumulate mileage, they become more prone to mechanical problems and breakdowns. If your tow truck is several years old and has a lot of miles on it, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new tow truck rather than repair it.

How Much Will It Cost to Fix Your Tow Truck?

Another important factor to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace a tow truck is the cost of repairs. If the cost of repairing your tow truck is significant, fixing it may not be cost-effective. You should compare the repair cost with the tow truck’s expected lifespan after the repairs are completed. If the repair costs are close to the truck’s value, it may be time to replace it.

Is Your Tow Truck Breaking Down Frequently?

If your tow truck has a history of frequent breakdowns and repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer model that is more reliable. Frequent breakdowns can result in lost revenue, unhappy customers, and high repair bills. A newer, reliable model can save you money in the long run.

Can a Newer Tow Truck Save You Money on Fuel Costs?

Older tow trucks may be less fuel-efficient than newer models, resulting in higher operating costs. If fuel efficiency is essential to you, you should consider the potential fuel savings of a newer tow truck when deciding whether to replace an older model. Newer models often have improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, saving you money on fuel costs and being better for the environment.

Is Your Tow Truck Capable of Handling Your Workload?

If your towing company’s business has grown or the demand for heavier towing has increased, the old tow truck’s towing capacity may be insufficient. A newer model with a higher towing capacity may be necessary to meet your business needs. You should consider your current workload and potential future growth when deciding whether to replace your tow truck.

Can Newer Tow Trucks Help Keep You and Your Drivers Safe?

Newer tow trucks may have improved safety features that can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Anti-lock brakes, stability control systems, and backup cameras are just a few of the safety features that newer tow trucks may offer. These features can help keep you and your drivers safe on the road, reduce the risk of accidents, and potentially lower your insurance costs.

Collins is your partner for long-term business success.

Supplying you with information to help you decide if you should repair or replace a tow truck is another way our teams are committed to helping our clients succeed. There’s a lot involved in running a company, and we’re here to help every step of the way. 

Collins has been an industry leader in the towing equipment industry for over 45 years because we know high-quality products make a significant difference for your company and your employees. Our Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems provide towing professionals with lightweight solutions durable enough to get even large vehicles out of challenging situations and transport them safely wherever they need to go. Our products are designed with safety first to keep your employees safe while attaching and moving vehicles. Visit our website or call us to learn more about our products.