When your vehicle cannot move due to reasons such as an accident, relocation, or a malfunction, it still needs to be transported. Therefore, selecting the correct towing method is very important. Flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing are the two most popular methods of towing. Each one usually has advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the type and state of your vehicle, as well as the towing situation, one option will always be better than the other. In this article, we will discuss the flatbed towing vs wheel lift: which one is best for your vehicle?
Flatbed Towing vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which One Is Best for Your Vehicle?
Understanding Flatbed Towing
Using a flatbed truck is one of the safest and most versatile options for transporting a vehicle. A flatbed tow truck has a long, flat platform that can be tilted so that a vehicle can either drive or be pulled onto the platform. The car is then securely strapped down, and the platform is leveled out for safe transportation.
Flatbed towing also helps minimize potential damage to a car since all four wheels are lifted off the road. This strategy, however, is especially suitable for luxury cars, sports cars, and vehicles with low ground clearance since there is no risk of scraping the less durable parts of the vehicle against the road. Moreover, it is the ideal method for transporting cars that are damaged beyond repair and are not in a drivable condition.
Advantages of Flatbed Towing
The most significant benefit of flatbed towing is how it protects your vehicle. With the car being transported, there is zero stress on the tires, driveshaft, and even the transmission since the vehicle is put on a flatbed truck. Due to these factors, flatbed towing is the best choice for cross-country hauling. Flatbed towing can accommodate virtually all vehicles, including motorcycles, SUVs, and even large trucks. Moreover, it helps too while dealing with broken-down or damaged cars, as it can lift and transport cars regardless of the state they’re in.
Another noteworthy benefit is the security it guarantees when the vehicle being towed is in transit. With the car mounted to the flatbed truck, the risks of shifting around during transportation are greatly reduced. This is especially crucial when transporting the vehicle on the highway at fast speeds, which is normally a problem when other towing strategies are used.
Understanding Wheel-Lift Towing
Wheel-lift towing is a more conventional and often-seen technique of moving automobiles. Here, a metal frame with a yoke is fit beneath the front or the rear axle of the vehicle, depending on its engine configuration. Once the car is towed, the truck pulls the other end of the automobile upwards while the other section’s wheels remain in contact with the surface.
Wheel-lift towing has become popular for use with light-duty vehicles and is very effective for transport within a city. Compared to flatbed towing, wheel-lift towing is easier and more efficient while requiring less equipment. The equipment is also more maneuverable since wheel-lift tow trucks are smaller, which makes them more convenient in congested areas like downtown blocks or crowded shopping center parking areas.
Advantages of Wheel-Lift Towing
The affordability that comes with wheel-lift towing is one of its greatest benefits. It is typically cheaper than flatbed towing due to lower operational costs. For cars and trucks that are in good condition, wheel-lift towing is an inexpensive method of quick and easy transport.
Due to their smaller size, wheel-lift tow trucks have better functionality in urban areas where space is scarce. They can easily fetch parked cars from tight spaces, tow vehicles on narrow streets, and reach places where flatbed tow trucks would have difficulty. Because the equipment is simpler, it also makes wheel-lift towing faster because there is less time require to prepare than loading a car onto a flatbed.
Which Towing Method Is Best for Your Vehicle?
Deciding between flatbed and wheel lift towing comes down to several things, such as your vehicle, how far you need it towed, and your wallet. Flatbed towing is perfect for luxury cars and sports cars which have low clearance. It is also best for extremely damaged or broken vehicles. It is also the most effective method for long-distance transport.
Wheel-lift towing, on the other hand, is most commonly use for short-distance towing for lightweight vehicles. It is very economical, effective, and great for use on standard passenger cars in working order. If your car has no special requirements and you are on a budget, wheel lift towing could be the best choice.
Conclusion
Various types of towing and flatbed towing come with their unique advantages and are intend for distinct uses. Understanding the pros and cons of each will guide you in a way that saves your car and works for your situation. Your goal will be achieved regardless of the method chosen, especially with the assistance of professional towing specialists, who guarantee you a stress-free experience.