A Closer Look at Towing Options
When drivers in Auburn need a tow, which truck type is the best option is usually not on top of their minds. Most motorists have heard of flatbeds and wreckers, but don’t really know what makes them different—or why one might be better than the other for their specific situation. As a tow truck company that provides Auburn flatbed towing, we’ve handled all kinds of vehicles, and we’ve seen what happens when the wrong truck shows up for the job.
Let’s break down what sets these two towing methods apart and when it makes sense to use one over the other.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing uses a truck with a long, flat platform that tilts back and down to the ground. We drive or winch the vehicle onto the platform, then secure it completely before transporting it. Once the vehicle is loaded, it rides off the ground with all four wheels lifted.
This type of towing is one of the safest options, especially for:
- Low-clearance or luxury vehicles
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive systems
- Vehicles involved in an accident
- Long-distance transportation
Flatbed towing keeps the car off the pavement, avoiding additional wear or damage. For people who care about their car’s condition—or just want to play it safe—flatbeds are the go-to solution.
What Is Wrecker Towing?
Wrecker towing involves a boom and hook or a wheel-lift system. With wheel-lift towing, we raise either the front or rear wheels of the car while the other two remain on the road. This method is faster and often used for short-distance tows or in tight spots like parking garages and alleys.
Wreckers are great tools when:
- A car needs to be moved quickly from a busy street
- There’s limited space to maneuver
- A vehicle is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive and not badly damaged
That said, they’re not always ideal for newer vehicles with sensitive suspension systems or those with all-wheel drive.
Flatbed or Wrecker: How Do We Decide?
Each method has its place. The choice comes down to several key factors:
1. Vehicle Type
Some vehicles aren’t meant to be towed with wheels on the ground. We always check the drivetrain. For instance, towing an all-wheel-drive car with a wheel-lift can seriously damage the transmission. In those cases, we always recommend Auburn flatbed towing.
2. Damage Level
If a car’s been in a wreck or has a broken axle, it may not roll properly. That makes wheel-lift towing risky. A flatbed lets us transport the whole vehicle without stressing already damaged parts.
3. Distance
Flatbeds offer smoother rides for longer trips. When someone calls needing to move their car from Auburn to another town, we usually suggest our Auburn flatbed towing service to minimize any road impact.
4. Road and Environment
If we’re working in a tight downtown space or on a steep incline, a wrecker can be more nimble. It’s easier to back into a cramped alley or navigate a narrow driveway with a wheel-lift.
Fitz Towing: Your Auburn Flatbed Towing Experts
In the end, your situation decides what’s best. As long as you tell us what kind of car you have, what’s wrong with it, and where you are, we can send the right kind of tow truck—flatbed or wrecker—to handle it right.
Auburn flatbed towing has proven to be the safest bet for vehicles with sensitive drivetrains or those needing extra care. If your car needs to ride above the road, our Auburn flatbed towing team has got you covered. And for those quick roadside pickups, wreckers still do the job just fine.
No matter the scenario, we’re here to help you figure out the safest and most practical option every time. Need Auburn flatbed towing or just unsure of what you need? Let Fitz Towing take it from here.