When your car breaks down or gets into a bit of trouble, the last thing you want is more stress trying to figure out how it’ll be towed. While all tow trucks might seem the same to most people, the method used can make a real difference in how your vehicle is handled. Two of the most common towing types are flatbed towing and wheel lift towing, and each serves a different purpose depending on your situation.
Let’s walk through the differences so you know exactly what to expect the next time you call for a tow.
What is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing involves a truck with a large, flat platform on the back. This platform tilts to the ground, allowing the vehicle to be either driven or pulled onto the bed. Once the vehicle is secured, the flatbed levels out and lifts the car completely off the ground.
It’s one of the safest and most secure ways to transport a vehicle because none of the wheels touch the road during the tow. That means no wear and tear on your tyres, transmission, or suspension.
Flatbed towing is often used for:
- All-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles
- Heavily damaged or undriveable vehicles
- Luxury or low-clearance cars
- Long-distance towing
- Accident recovery
For example, we once towed a customer’s brand-new electric SUV that had broken down on a freeway exit. Because it had a low front end and AWD, using a flatbed was the safest option to avoid any damage to the undercarriage or drivetrain.
What is Wheel Lift Towing?
Wheel lift towing uses a metal yoke that slides under either the front or rear wheels of the car, depending on which end is the drive axle. This end is then lifted off the ground, while the other two wheels stay on the road and roll behind the truck during the tow.
Wheel lift towing is a more traditional and usually quicker method. It’s commonly used for short distances or in tight spaces where a flatbed might not be able to fit, like underground parking lots or narrow laneways.
It’s best suited for:
- Front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicles
- Short-distance tows
- Cars that aren’t severely damaged
- Tight or low-clearance areas
We once had to tow a sedan from a multi-level car park where a flatbed simply couldn’t maneuver. A wheel lift tow got the job done quickly and without a scratch.
Which One Should You Use?
If your car has significant damage, is an AWD or 4WD model, or you just want the most secure option for transport, flatbed towing is your best bet. It provides full protection since the vehicle is lifted completely off the road.
On the other hand, if you’ve broken down nearby and your vehicle is otherwise in decent condition, wheel lift towing is a faster, more practical solution. It’s also more cost-effective in many cases.
Just keep in mind, some vehicles—especially AWDs and certain electric cars—aren’t suited to wheel lift towing unless special precautions are taken, such as removing the drive shaft or using towing dollies.
What If You’re Not Sure?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. The tow truck operator will assess your car’s condition, location, and drivetrain type before deciding on the safest method. That’s part of the job.
That said, if you do have a preference—maybe you’re worried about keeping your luxury car in perfect shape or you’ve had a bad towing experience in the past—it’s always worth mentioning. A professional towing company will listen to your concerns and explain the best option.
At our company, we always match the right truck and method to the job. Whether you need a flatbed or a wheel lift, you can count on us to get your vehicle to safety without adding to the damage or the headache.
Being stuck on the side of the road is never fun, but knowing the difference between flatbed and wheel lift towing helps you feel more in control during an unexpected situation. Next time you call for help, you’ll understand exactly what your options are and why they matter—and that makes a tough day just a little bit easier.
If you are in Skye, and looking for a tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Tow Trucks
39 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977
(03) 7042 2059