When your vehicle breaks down or gets into an accident, one of the first decisions you might face is what type of towing service to choose. The two most common methods are flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing. While both get your vehicle from point A to point B, the way they do it, and what they’re best suited for, are very different. Today, we at Citywide Towing Service would like to break it down so you can decide which is right for your situation.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing involves a truck with a long, flat platform that tilts and lowers to the ground. Your vehicle is then driven or winched onto the bed, which is raised and leveled for transport. All four wheels are off the ground during the ride.
Best for:
1) All-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles
2) Luxury, exotic, or low-clearance cars
3) Heavily damaged vehicles
4) Long-distance towing
Pros of Flatbed Towing:
– Minimizes wear and tear: Because all wheels are off the ground, there’s less risk of transmission damage or wear to tires and suspension.
– More secure: The car is firmly strapped to the platform, reducing the risk of shifting or additional damage.
– Safe for any vehicle type: Great for all-wheel drive or vehicles with severe damage that can’t be towed by other means.
Cons of Flatbed Towing:
– Takes longer to load/unload: Especially if the vehicle is immobile or stuck.
– May be more expensive: The equipment and time involved typically come at a higher price.
What Is Wheel-Lift Towing?
Wheel-lift towing uses a hydraulic yoke to lift either the front or rear wheels of a vehicle off the ground. The other two wheels stay on the road during towing.
Best for:
1) Short-distance tows
2) Front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicles
3) Quick roadside assistance
Pros of Wheel-Lift Towing:
– Faster and more affordable: Great for quick jobs or when time is of the essence.
– More maneuverable: Wheel-lift trucks are more compact, making them ideal for tight spaces or urban environments.
Cons of Wheel-Lift Towing:
– Not ideal for AWD or 4WD: Towing without lifting all four wheels can damage the drivetrain.
– Increased risk of damage: The car’s bumper or undercarriage is closer to the ground and more susceptible to wear, especially on rough roads.
Which Tow Truck is Right for You?
It really depends on your vehicle type, condition, and towing needs. If you’re driving a luxury car, have a vehicle with all-wheel drive, or need long-distance towing, flatbed is usually the safer, smarter choice. If you’re stuck nearby with a front-wheel-drive car and need quick service, a wheel-lift tow can do the trick just fine.
Towing Service, Roadside Assistance & More in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
When in doubt, call a trusted towing company and explain your situation. A professional can help assess your needs and recommend the best option to get your vehicle where it needs to go—safely and efficiently. Call Citywide Towing Service when you are in need of towing services in Dallas / Fort Worth, TX and surrounding areas.
