Choosing Between Flatbed and Standard Towing: What Drivers Should Know
When your vehicle breaks down or needs transport, choosing the right towing method can make all the difference in protecting your investment. At Piasecki Towing Service, we use both flatbed towing and standard (wheel-lift) towing methods, depending on your vehicle type and situation. Understanding the difference helps ensure your vehicle is handled with the utmost care and safety.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing involves loading the entire vehicle onto a flat platform, keeping all four wheels off the ground. The vehicle is secured with heavy-duty straps and winches, preventing any contact with the road surface.
This method is often considered the safest way to transport vehicles, especially for:
- Luxury, classic, or specialty cars
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- All-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles
- Low-clearance sports cars
- Vehicles with transmission or suspension damage
Because the entire vehicle is lifted onto the truck, flatbed towing eliminates wear and tear on the tires, drivetrain, and undercarriage. It’s also the preferred option for long-distance towing, as it minimizes movement and vibration.
What Is Standard (Wheel-Lift) Towing?
Standard towing, also known as wheel-lift towing, involves lifting one end of the vehicle off the ground, typically the front or rear, while the other two wheels remain in contact with the road. This method uses a metal yoke that fits under the tires to safely lift and tow the vehicle.
Wheel-lift towing is efficient, versatile, and often used for short-distance tows, such as:
- Accident recovery or breakdowns in tight spaces
- Towing cars from parking lots or driveways
- Front-wheel-drive vehicles
For most light-duty towing situations, wheel-lift trucks are fast and effective. However, they may not be ideal for vehicles that are particularly low to the ground, all-wheel drive, or have delicate front or rear bumpers.
When Should You Choose Flatbed Towing?
At Piasecki Towing, we recommend flatbed towing whenever vehicle safety or special handling is a priority. Here are some common situations where a flatbed is the better choice:
- Luxury or Exotic Cars: Protect high-end finishes and avoid potential undercarriage damage.
- EVs (Electric Vehicles): Because of their unique drivetrains, EVs should never be towed with wheels on the ground.
- Classic Cars: Prevent mechanical strain or cosmetic damage to vintage vehicles.
- All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles: Towing with only two wheels on the ground can damage the drivetrain.
- Long-Distance Hauling: Reduces wear and vibration during transport.
- Accident Damage: If your vehicle’s wheels or axles are compromised, a flatbed ensures safe, stable loading.
Why Choosing the Right Towing Method Matters
Selecting the wrong towing method can cause costly mechanical or cosmetic damage. For example, towing an AWD vehicle with a wheel-lift truck can ruin the transmission, while towing a low-clearance sports car risks scraping bumpers or exhaust systems.
That’s why Piasecki Towing Service uses the latest towing technology and industry best practices to ensure every vehicle is handled safely. Our fleet includes modern flatbed trucks and specialized wheel-lift equipment designed to accommodate today’s diverse range of vehicles, from everyday sedans to performance and electric cars.
Specialized Towing for EVs, Luxury Cars, and Low-Clearance Vehicles
Piasecki Towing’s trained operators are experts in EV towing, luxury vehicle transport, and low-clearance loading. We use soft straps, under-lift protection, and precision hydraulic systems to ensure every vehicle arrives in pristine condition. Whether you drive a Tesla, BMW, or classic Corvette, our team treats your car as if it were our own.
Contact Piasecki Towing Service
When you need safe, professional towing, trust the experts who know how to handle every situation with care. Call Piasecki Towing Service today.
Whether you need emergency roadside help or scheduled transport for a specialty vehicle, we’re available 24/7 with the right equipment for the job.