When your car breaks down and you need a tow, you might assume all tow trucks are the same. They're not — and choosing the wrong one for your situation can result in serious damage to your car. Understanding the difference between flatbed and wheel-lift towing is something every Dallas driver should know.
What Is Wheel-Lift Towing?
Wheel-lift towing is the classic method most people picture. A metal yoke is placed under the front or rear wheels of your vehicle, and those wheels are lifted off the ground while the other two remain on the road. The tow truck then pulls your vehicle with two wheels rolling.
This method is fast, efficient, and works well for many standard towing situations. It's commonly used for short-distance tows, repossessions, and moving vehicles in tight spaces where a flatbed can't easily maneuver.
Best for: Standard front-wheel-drive vehicles, short-distance tows, tight urban spaces.
Not ideal for: All-wheel-drive vehicles, luxury cars, low-clearance vehicles, long-distance transport.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing uses a truck with a flat, hydraulic platform that tilts to ground level. Your vehicle is driven or winched onto the platform, secured with straps and chains, and transported with all four wheels completely off the ground.
This is widely considered the safest method of towing because your vehicle has zero contact with the road during transport. There's no risk of drivetrain damage, no wear on tires, and no chance of the vehicle coming loose from a yoke.
Best for: All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, luxury and exotic cars, low-clearance vehicles, long-distance transport, vehicles with significant damage, motorcycles.
Why AWD and 4WD Vehicles Must Use a Flatbed
If you drive an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle — think Subaru, Audi Quattro, Ford F-150 4x4, or any modern SUV with AWD — you must use a flatbed tow truck.
AWD and 4WD systems are designed to have all four wheels rotating at the same speed. When a wheel-lift tow truck lifts two wheels off the ground and the other two roll, the drivetrain is forced to operate in a way it was never designed for. This can cause catastrophic damage to the transfer case, differentials, and transmission — repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.
If a towing company shows up with a wheel-lift truck for your AWD vehicle, insist on a flatbed. A reputable company like Texas Tows Inc. will always send the right equipment for your vehicle type.
Luxury and Low-Clearance Vehicles
If you drive a sports car, a luxury sedan, or any vehicle with low ground clearance — a Corvette, a Porsche, a lowered BMW, or even a Tesla — a flatbed is the only safe option. The approach angle of a wheel-lift truck can scrape the front bumper, splitter, or undercarriage of low-clearance vehicles.
At Texas Tows Inc., we always ask about your vehicle before dispatching a truck. If you have a low-clearance or luxury vehicle, we'll send a flatbed.
Long-Distance Transport
If your vehicle needs to be transported more than a few miles, a flatbed is strongly recommended regardless of your vehicle type. The extended time on the road with two wheels rolling increases wear, heat, and the risk of something going wrong.
Which Should You Request?
When you call a towing company, always mention your vehicle's drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4WD), the vehicle's clearance (standard or low), and the distance you need it transported. A knowledgeable dispatcher will recommend the right equipment.
If you're ever unsure, ask for a flatbed. It's the safer choice in almost every situation, and a good towing company will never push you toward a cheaper method that could damage your vehicle.
Call Texas Tows Inc. — We'll Send the Right Truck
At Texas Tows Inc., we have both flatbed and wheel-lift trucks available 24/7. When you call (817) 512-1024, we'll ask the right questions to make sure we send the right equipment for your vehicle — every time.