Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions is highlighting that the majority of towbars are fitted after the car has been delivered to the driver and adds that not fitting an EC type-approved towbar and vehicle specific wiring harness could interfere with the car’s passive and active safety systems, preventing them from working in an emergency.

Drivers also risk compromising a car’s warranty and their insurance cover becoming invalid.

‘If the correct harness is fitted to a car it recognises when a caravan or trailer is being towed and ensures that the car’s safety systems take this into account when braking, cornering or accelerating,’ explained Tim Bowden, Hitachi Capital’s head of operations.

‘This is particularly important as the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Programme includes a Trailer Stability Programme, which activates the necessary measures to counter any incidents of trailer or caravan “snaking” that are detected’

‘Electronic systems such as brake control systems, traction and lighting as well as reversing sensors could all be compromised,’ he added.

Hitachi Capital has updated its towing recommendations and also advises that a credible towbar manufacturer such as Witter or Thule is preferred and that drivers need to provide written authority before a towbar is fitted.