CAUSAULTIES WITH LOCKED WHEELS
Locked wheels are a common issue a light-duty operator will be asked to deal with. They can be caused by a brake issue or a wheel bearing issue. Regardless of the cause, they can be easily dealt with when using the right tools. While it is unlikely that all four wheels will lock simultaneously, it can occur. In that scenario, similar techniques can be used to load a vehicle with four locked wheels as would be used when loading a vehicle with the parking brake enabled.
WITH A CAR CARRIER
Loading a vehicle with locked wheels on a carrier can be straightforward with the right equipment. The most common and useful tool is the WreckMaster skate. The skates reduce resistance and allow a vehicle to more easily slide along the ground.
Place a skate in front of the locked wheel or wheels and lightly hammer it under the wheel with a block of wood. Be sure not to hammer the skate too far or it could damage the skate or cause further damage to the wheel. Once the skate has been placed under the wheel, the vehicle can be safely winched onto the carrier bed. After the casualty is safely on the bed, the vehicle can be secured with at least four points of securement and transported.
WITH A TOW TRUCK
Depending on the wheel or wheels that are locked, towing a casualty with a locked wheel can be straightforward. If the wheel or wheels is on the drive axle – the axle that you should be towing from – then the vehicle can be hooked up for a typical light-duty tow.
If the locked wheel or wheels are on the non-drive axle, the solution for towing must be more creative. If the wheel can not be repaired on site, the simplest solution is to use a dolly to tow the casualty. Dollies can be safely installed on locked wheels and can allow an operator to tow the vehicle without further damaging the wheels. Dollies are not designed for long distances or high speeds, so they should only be used locally. It is the responsibility of the operator to know the limitations of their own equipment, including the speed and distance that they are good for. The vehicle must be properly secured to the dollies prior to towing the casualty. WreckMaster recommends using a motorcycle strap for the main points of securement when using a dolly.