Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Understanding the Best Choice for Your Car

Wheel Lift Vs Flatbed Towing Which Is Better For Your Vehicle OH

When you need professional towing services, one of the most important questions is: Should your vehicle be towed with a wheel-lift or a flatbed tow truck?

Both methods are commonly used in the towing industry, but they serve different purposes depending on your vehicle type, condition, and situation.

At Dick’s Towing, we provide both wheel-lift towing and flatbed towing services, ensuring your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently. Below, we break down how each method works, its pros and cons, and when one option may be better than the other.

How Wheel-Lift Towing Works

Wheel-lift towing uses a hydraulic metal yoke that slides under either the front or rear wheels of a vehicle. The tow truck then lifts those wheels off the ground, while the other two wheels remain in contact with the road during transport.

This method evolved from traditional hook-and-chain towing and is now a safer and more efficient option for many vehicles.

Common Vehicles for Wheel-Lift Towing:

  • Sedans
  • Compact cars
  • Small SUVs
  • Pickup trucks
  • Front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles

Pros of Wheel-Lift Towing:

  • Faster hookup time
  • More cost-effective
  • Ideal for tight spaces (parking garages, narrow streets)
  • Efficient for short-distance tows

Cons of Wheel-Lift Towing:

  • Two wheels remain on the ground
  • Not ideal for all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles
  • Less suitable for severely damaged vehicles
  • Not recommended for luxury or low-clearance sports cars

Wheel-lift towing is often used for roadside assistance calls, illegal parking removals, short-distance transports, and standard breakdowns.

How Flatbed Towing Works

Flatbed towing involves loading the entire vehicle onto a flat platform truck. The bed hydraulically tilts to create a ramp, allowing the vehicle to be driven or winched onto the truck. Once secured, all four wheels remain off the ground during transport.

Flatbed towing is widely considered the safest and most versatile towing method.

Common Vehicles for Flatbed Towing:

  • Luxury vehicles
  • Sports cars
  • All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles
  • Electric vehicles (EVs)
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavily damaged vehicles
  • Classic or collector cars

Pros of Flatbed Towing:

  • All four wheels off the ground
  • Reduced wear and tear
  • Ideal for AWD and 4WD vehicles
  • Safer for accident-damaged vehicles
  • Best option for long-distance towing

Cons of Flatbed Towing:

  • Slightly higher cost
  • Requires more space for loading
  • May take slightly longer to secure

Flatbed towing is commonly used for accident recovery, specialty vehicle transport, long-distance towing, and high-value vehicles.

Safety Considerations: Which Method Is Safer?

In most situations, flatbed towing is the safest option because the vehicle is fully secured and lifted off the roadway. This eliminates drivetrain strain and reduces the risk of additional damage.

However, wheel-lift towing is perfectly safe when:

  • The vehicle is front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive
  • The tow distance is short
  • The vehicle is not severely damaged
  • Proper equipment and procedures are used

Using the wrong method can cause drivetrain damage, especially with AWD or 4WD vehicles, which should typically be transported on a flatbed to prevent transmission or differential issues.

At Dick’s Towing, our experienced dispatchers determine the safest towing method based on:

  • Vehicle type
  • Drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD)
  • Condition after an accident
  • Distance of transport
  • Location constraints

When to Choose Wheel-Lift Towing

Wheel-lift towing is often appropriate if:

  • You drive a standard passenger vehicle
  • Your car has a minor mechanical issue
  • You’re parked in a tight space
  • You need a quick, short-distance tow
  • Budget-friendly towing is preferred

For everyday breakdowns and roadside assistance, wheel-lift tow trucks are efficient and effective.

When to Choose Flatbed Towing

Flatbed towing is typically the better choice if:

  • You own a luxury or specialty vehicle
  • Your vehicle has low ground clearance
  • You drive an AWD or 4WD vehicle
  • Your vehicle was involved in a collision
  • You need long-distance vehicle transport

If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to request flatbed towing, especially for newer or high-value vehicles.

Professional Towing Services You Can Trust

Choosing between wheel-lift vs. flatbed towing doesn’t have to be stressful. The team at Dick’s Towing is trained to evaluate your situation and send the properly equipped tow truck for safe vehicle transport.

We provide:

Our goal is to protect your vehicle and get you back on track quickly.

Contact Dick’s Towing Today

If you need reliable towing services, Dick’s Towing is ready to help. Whether you require wheel-lift towing for a quick breakdown or flatbed towing for maximum protection, our professional operators are available 24/7.

Call Dick’s Towing now for fast, safe, and dependable towing services. We proudly provide trusted towing and recovery services backed by experience, professionalism, and a commitment to safety.

Wheel-Lift vs. Flatbed Towing FAQs

Is flatbed towing better than wheel-lift towing?
Flatbed towing is generally considered safer because all four wheels are off the ground. However, wheel-lift towing is safe and effective for many standard vehicles and short-distance tows.
Can AWD vehicles be towed with a wheel-lift?
Most AWD vehicles should be transported on a flatbed to prevent drivetrain damage unless specialized equipment is used.
Is flatbed towing more expensive?
Flatbed towing may cost slightly more due to equipment and loading time, but it offers added protection.
How do I know which tow truck I need?
When you call Dick’s Towing, provide your vehicle make, model, and situation. Our team will dispatch the safest and most appropriate tow truck for your needs.