When you call for a tow, the truck that shows up matters more than most people realize. The two most common towing methods are flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing, and the right choice depends on what you drive and what is wrong with it.
How wheel-lift towing works
A wheel-lift truck slides a metal yoke under the front or rear wheels, lifts that end off the ground, and pulls the vehicle with the other two wheels rolling on the road. It is quick to hook up and works fine for many two-wheel-drive vehicles on short trips.
The downside is that half of the vehicle is still on the pavement. The wheels that stay down keep turning, which means parts of the drivetrain are moving the whole trip.
How flatbed towing works
A flatbed truck, also called a rollback, tilts its entire bed down to the ground to form a ramp. The vehicle is winched or driven up onto the bed, secured at multiple points, and carried with all four wheels off the road. Nothing on the vehicle turns or touches the pavement during the trip.
Vehicles that should go on a flatbed
- All-wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles. With wheels on the ground, AWD systems can be damaged. Most manufacturers recommend flatbed transport.
- Electric vehicles and many hybrids. Turning the wheels can turn the drive motors, so many EV makers require flatbed towing.
- Luxury, sports, and lowered cars. Low bumpers and splitters can scrape or crack when one end is lifted at an angle.
- Classic and collector cars. Flatbeds avoid stress on older suspension and drivetrain parts.
- Wrecked or non-running vehicles. If the wheels will not roll or the steering is damaged, a flatbed is the safe option.
- Motorcycles. Bikes need to be carried upright and strapped down, not pulled.
When in doubt, check your owner’s manual. It usually has a towing section that spells out what the manufacturer allows.
Why we tow on flatbeds
At DMC Towing Service, our fleet runs flatbed trucks. It takes a little more care to load, but your vehicle rides fully on the bed, protected from road wear and drivetrain damage, and arrives at the shop in the same condition it left. It also lets us haul more than cars. Our flatbeds move heavy duty loads like compact equipment and storage containers.
Need a flatbed tow in the Spring area?
We provide flatbed towing 24/7 across Spring, TX and about 30 miles around, including The Woodlands, Klein, Tomball, Cypress, Humble, and Kingwood. Call (346) 407-9559 and tell us what you drive. We will make sure it is handled the right way.
DMC Towing Service