When your vehicle breaks down, choosing the right towing service can be crucial to ensuring it’s handled safely and efficiently. Two common types of towing methods are flatbed towing and wheel lift towing, each with specific advantages depending on your vehicle’s condition and needs. In this blog post, the experts from Jon’s Wrecker Service share a breakdown of these methods to help you understand the differences and how to decide which is right for you.
Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing involves a tow truck equipped with a large, flat platform where the entire vehicle is loaded and transported. The platform tilts or uses hydraulics to make it easier to pull the vehicle onto the bed. Once secured, the car remains stationary during transport, keeping it off the road.
When to Choose Flatbed Towing
All-Wheel Drive or 4×4 Vehicles: Vehicles with power to all wheels can sustain damage if towed improperly. Flatbed towing eliminates the risk of drivetrain damage since the car doesn’t touch the road.
Luxury or Low-Clearance Cars: High-end, exotic, or low-clearance cars are better protected on a flatbed, avoiding contact with road debris or potential undercarriage damage.
Damaged or Inoperable Vehicles: If your car has been in an accident or has significant damage to its wheels or tires, a flatbed is ideal because the vehicle doesn’t need to roll or be functional.
Wheel Lift Towing
Wheel lift towing uses a metal yoke that is placed under the front or rear wheels of the vehicle. The truck lifts the wheels off the ground, leaving the other two in contact with the road as the vehicle is towed. It’s a modern evolution of the traditional hook and chain method, offering better protection for the towed car.
When to Choose Wheel Lift Towing
Short-Distance or Light Towing: Wheel lift towing is often sufficient for short to medium distances and works well for small or medium-sized cars.
Parking Lot or Tight Space Towing: Wheel lift tow trucks are smaller and more maneuverable than flatbeds, making them ideal for pulling vehicles out of tight spots, like parking garages or crowded lots.
Two-Wheel Drive Cars: If you have a front- or rear-wheel drive car, this method can be efficient, as only the non-powered wheels touch the road during transport.
How to Know Which Towing Method is Best
Type of Vehicle: If you drive an all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or luxury vehicle, flatbed towing is the best choice to prevent damage. For standard front- or rear-wheel drive cars, wheel lift towing can be a more affordable and convenient option.
Extent of Damage: After an accident or in cases where the car has severe damage, a flatbed ensures your vehicle is transported without additional harm.
Distance of Tow: For long distances, flatbed towing is typically preferred because it offers more security. For short, local towing, a wheel lift tow might be the more practical option.
Location of Vehicle: If your car is stuck in a tight parking lot or a hard-to-reach area, a wheel lift truck’s smaller size and flexibility could be a better fit.
Flatbed Towing, Cash for Junk Cars, Quality Used Auto Sales & More in Greenville, Tyler, Waco, Conroe, Dallas / Fort Worth TX and all other cities within 150 miles of Canton, TX
Understanding the differences between flatbed and wheel lift towing can help you make an informed decision when your vehicle needs to be transported. While flatbed towing provides more protection and is ideal for luxury or all-wheel drive vehicles, wheel lift towing offers a more practical solution for standard cars and short distances. The right choice ultimately depends on your vehicle’s condition, drive system, and location. If you’re unsure which tow option is right for you, call the professionals from Jon’s Wrecker Service to help you decide. They can assess your needs and get the help you need to tow your vehicle. Call Jon’s Wrecker Service as soon as you need a tow.
