Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Is Right for Your Car?

When your car breaks down or you get in an accident, making a decision on which towing method to use is important in preventing any damage to your car. Two commonly used forms of towing are flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice usually depends on what type of vehicle you are towing, the type of breakdown, and the distance in which it has to be towed. In the following article, we will break down the differences between the two types of towing so you can decide which is best to use.

Whether you need general towing or specific towing in Greenville, knowing the applicable methods of towing can help you make good choices when you experience the unexpected.

What Does Flatbed Towing Mean?

Flatbed towing is where a truck has a large flatbed in the back and the entire vehicle is picked up and secured to the flatbed for transport. The flatbed is hydraulically inclined and is lowered onto the ground, so the car is able to be either driven or winched onto it.

Benefits of Flatbed Towing

Fully On the Flatbed: The vehicle is off the ground during transport and will not cause wear and tear on the tires, transmission, and suspension.
Best for Long Distance: Vehicle will not make road contact, so it is perfect for long hauls.
All Vehicle Types: Great for luxury cars, 4WDs, motorcycles, and low-clearance vehicles.
Transport with No Damage: The main benefit is to prevent any more damage when transporting a vehicle. This is why flatbed is the preferred method for picking up crashed vehicles or luxury vehicles. https://thebizmagazine.com/

Draw Backs

Price: Typically more expensive than a wheel-lift tow because of gear and fuel expenses.
Time: Loading and unloading takes a little longer.

What is Wheel-Lift Towing?

Wheel-lift towing uses a metal yoke that is placed underneath either the front or rear wheels of the vehicle. The tow truck raises the wheels off the ground and it tows the vehicle with the other two wheels rolling freely on the road.

Benefits of Wheel-Lift Towing:

Lower Cost: Usually cheaper than flatbed towing.
Fast and Efficient: Easier to hook-up, wheel-lift tows can be done quickly for short-distance towing.
Good in Tight Spaces: Excellent for the city or smaller parking lots where space is limited.

Disadvantages:

Limited Protection: With two wheels on the ground, the tires and drivetrain will suffer more wear when towing.
Not Ideal for All Vehicles: All-wheel-drive or luxury vehicles that need special treatment when being towed will not benefit from wheel-lift towing.
Risks of Damage: Improper procedures may lead to damage being caused to the bumper, suspension or transmission.

Which towing method is right for your vehicle?

There are several factors to weigh to determine which are the appropriate towing methods flatbed or wheel-lift.

Type of Vehicle

If your vehicle is a luxury car, sports car, electric vehicle, or classic car you will want to choose flatbed towing.
If your vehicle is a sedan or standard front-wheeled vehicle, wheel-lift towing is a cheaper alternative and is adequate for short distances.

Type of Drive Train

All-wheel (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles should only be towed on a flatbed truck to prevent damage to the drive train.
If your vehicle is front wheel drive, wheel-lift towing is safe as long as the rear wheels remain on the ground.

Distance and Terrain

Flatbed truck towing should be only used for towing long distance and interstate travel.
If you only need to tow a short distance or only for in-city transport, then using a wheel-lift truck is preferred.

Condition of Vehicle

The condition of the vehicle also plays a role in making a choice of using wheel-lift or flatbed. More seriously damaged or inoperable vehicles are easier to handle with a flatbed tow truck as opposed to a wheel-lift.
But in comparison, you can use a wheel-lift to transport or relocate a drivable vehicle (or to assist with some minor breakdowns).

Finding Trustworthy Towing Services

When you need to call for a tow, you want to ensure that you are calling a professional provider that offers reputable towing services. In particular, Greenville residents can rest assured that there are qualified operators who can tow in both tow truck styles. Your vehicle will have safe hands.

Look for providers who:

Have 24/7 emergency towing services.
Have newer model secured and maintained trucks.
Use trained and certified towing professionals.
Provide upfront pricing and friendly service.

If you are specifically looking for towing services in Greenville, be sure to select a company local to you and check online ratings to choose a company with reliable reviews, qualifications, and reputation for vehicle care and timely response.

Conclusion

There is nothing worse than needing to tow your vehicle and not knowing which type of towing method is best for your vehicle, and stressing out over the potential damage to your vehicle. Knowing the differences between flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing can save you time, money, and even potentially a headache.

For valuable vehicles, vehicles with all-wheel-drive, and long distance tows, flatbed tow trucks are your best option for damage control. For local tows, standard vehicles, and for a little roadside assistance, wheel-lift towing is probably your best option.

Regardless of the type of towing, be sure to hire a highly-rated and trusted towing service. If you live in South Carolina, you should be able to find a quality towing service in Greenville, SC that offers both flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing options.