Flatbed Towing vs. Wheel-Lift What to Know

Towing services are an essential part of vehicle ownership, providing assistance when cars break down or are involved in accidents. Two common types of towing are flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation.

Flatbed towing is considered one of the safest ways to tow a vehicle. This method involves placing the entire car on a platform that is then transported to its destination. Flatbed tow trucks can carry all sorts of vehicles, regardless of their size or weight, making them versatile for different situations. They’re especially useful for long-distance transportation as they minimize wear and tear on your vehicle by keeping all four wheels off the ground.

One significant advantage of flatbed towing is that it prevents further damage to your car during transportation. Since your vehicle is fully supported by the flat surface, there’s no risk of parts dragging along the road or tires wearing unevenly due to being lifted off the ground at an angle. Additionally, this towing company also reduces risks related to chain failure – which can happen with other types of tow trucks – since chains aren’t used in securing vehicles onto flatbeds.

On the downside, flatbed tow trucks tend to be more expensive than other options because they require more fuel and maintenance due to their larger size and heavier weight.

Wheel-lift towing works differently than flatbed towing; instead of lifting all four wheels off the ground, only two wheels (either front or rear) are lifted while the others remain in contact with road surfaces throughout transportation. Wheel-lift tow trucks use metal yokes hooked under either front or rear wheels; hydraulic lifts then raise part of your vehicle off-ground while it’s being transported.

This type offers quicker hook-up times compared to flatbeds – making them ideal for situations where speed is crucial such as impounds or repossessions. Wheel-lifts also have smaller footprints compared to their counterparts; hence they can easily navigate through tight city streets or crowded parking lots.

However, wheel-lift towing may not be suitable for all vehicles. For instance, it’s not recommended for all-wheel-drive and 4×4 vehicles as it can cause transmission damage. It’s also less secure than flatbed towing since only half of your vehicle is lifted off the ground.

In conclusion, both flatbed and wheel-lift towing have their own strengths and weaknesses. Flatbeds offer more protection but are costlier while wheel-lifts provide quick hook-up times and better maneuverability but might not be suitable for certain types of vehicles. Therefore, understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision when you need a tow service.