Why Should You Use A Flatbed Tow Truck?
Flatbed towing services are becoming more and more popular in Canada. Why is that and why should you use a flatbed tow truck instead of a wheel lift tow truck?
Nobody ever wants their car to break down, their tire to blow out or an accident to happen. That is life. You can’t be prepared for those situations when they happen. However, you can do your research on what towing company to call. The towing company plays a significant role in the safety of your vehicle. There have been numerous accidents in which the vehicle was fine, but due to inappropriate towing, the vehicle has suffered severe damage. This can be prevented by using the right tools and equipment. Many people try to save on towing costs and choose the cheapest option, which in the end costs them more in repairs.
There are two most popular types of tow trucks: wheel lift tow trucks and flatbed tow trucks.
Wheel lift tow truck has hydraulic booms with a crossbar at both ends. The crossbars could be positioned at either end of the wheels. With the help of the crossbars, the wheel lift tow truck lifts the car in need of towing so that only two of its wheels are touching the road. This is the most common option for towing a short distance or when a car is parked on a narrow road and isn’t accessible by other means of transport. This is the cheaper option when choosing a towing service.
A flatbed tow truck uses a slanted platform that can be moved. Towing flatbed means you can drive your vehicle on the slanted platform or it can be moved to a slanted platform using the winch system. When your vehicle is transported to the platform, it is secured in place using chains and straps. Flatbed tow trucks are great for long distance hauling and for vehicles that have four wheels. If your vehicle is damaged, then it is especially recommended to use flatbed towing. Also, since your vehicle won’t have contact with the road, your transmission is safe.
How big is a flatbed tow truck? A flatbed tow truck is usually 48 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and has an 8.5 foot load height. Its maximum freight weight is around 48 000 pounds.
Why should you use a Flatbed Tow Truck?
Here are a number of reasons why you should use a flatbed tow truck instead of a wheel lift tow truck.
- Better safety for your vehicle
In comparison, the flatbed tow truck is the safest option for your vehicle. The car is tightly secured on the flatbed platform and your tires won’t be worn out. Also, your vehicle is safe from stones that might hit it when it is towed by a wheel lift tow truck.
- Accessible for all road users
Flatbed tow service encompasses not only personal cars but also bigger vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, buses, and large industrial equipment. Their powerful engine and sturdy frame ensure the support of the weight of vehicles that are even larger than them.
- Easiest option
Towing a flatbed is by far the easiest option and the one that is the most convenient. You don’t have to worry about damaging the transmission of the vehicle, you can just skip that step, drive the vehicle to the platform, secure it and transport it to where it needs to go. Simple as that!
- Convenient for the transport of severely damaged vehicles
Even if your vehicle gets demolished in a car accident, flatbed tow trucks can transport it safely to the mechanic or the junkyard and remove it from the road, where it can prevent traffic.
- No added delivery mileage
When you call for wheel lift tow service, your vehicle still resides on 2 wheels and travels all that distance as if you were driving it. Flatbed tow trucks prevent additional mileage since your vehicle isn’t moving and is safely anchored on the platform. This option is great for car manufacturers and car dealers, ensuring that the new car stays “new,” without any unwanted mileage.
WHEN to use flatbed tow trucks?
It is always up to you to choose which service to purchase, but in the situations below, it is recommended to use a flatbed towing service:
- Long-distance towing
If you’re towing long distances, then a flatbed tow truck is the best solution. Why? Because your tires won’t wear out and your vehicle will be safely stored on the platform. When towing long distances using the wheel lift tow truck, there are a lot of dangers on the road, especially small stones that could break your vehicle’s glass or damage the sheet metal. When using a flatbed tow truck, those things can’t touch your car, literally.
- When transporting expensive vehicles
If you have a prized vehicle that you wouldn’t trade for a world, then we recommend ALWAYS using the flatbed tow truck service. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to nervously sweat while watching your 2-legged or 4-legged baby being towed by a wheel lift tow truck. One small stone could mean the end of your otherwise immaculate prize vehicle.
- Suitable for lowered cars
When you tow a lowered car by a dolly, it is prone to serious damage, whether it comes from the underside, exhaust pipes or the body. One small bump on the road could seriously damage your vehicle. When using flatbed tow truck service, you mitigate ALL of those factors.
- Removing misshapen vehicles
If your vehicle was in a serious car accident, it may have been severely damaged. Maybe you can no longer control the wheels on your car or maybe they are misaligned. If you use a dolly, you could inflict additional damage on the car. Using a flatbed tow truck, your vehicle will be better secured and it won’t be prone to additional possible damage while towing.
We, at Tow Truck Mississauga, are a fully insured and certified roadside assistance company centred in Mississauga, Ontario. We operate on a 24/7 basis and can offer you flatbed towing truck service whenever you need us. We are one phone call away! You can reach us at 1-877-218-4481.