Flatbed Towing vs. Traditional Towing: Which Is Right for Your Vehicle?

When your vehicle breaks down, or you have a flat tire, the last thing you need is choosing the wrong type of towing service. 

You want your car to be safe, right? But how do you know which type of towing service is best for your vehicle? This article will explain flatbed towing and traditional towing, how they work, and which one is the right choice for your vehicle, whether it's an SUV, a motorcycle, a van, a box truck, a commercial vehicle, a tractor, or a classic car. 

Read on, and by the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your vehicle safe and in good hands with the right car towing method.

What Is Traditional Towing?

A traditional wrecker service uses a hook-and-chain system or a wheel-lift method to move your vehicle. 

In the hook-and-chain method, one end of the car is lifted, and the other wheels roll on the road while the car is pulled by the tow truck. Wheel-lift towing is similar, but instead of a chain, the vehicle’s front or rear wheels are raised using a metal yoke.

How Traditional Towing Works

When a tow truck arrives for emergency roadside assistance, or vehicle recovery, the truck driver attaches a chain or metal device to your car. 

Then, the front or back of your vehicle is lifted off the ground. The other end of your car stays on the road, and the tow truck pulls it to the repair shop or your home.  This towing method works well for short distances and smaller cars, but it can be hard on your vehicle. If you have a low-to-the-ground car, the parts underneath can get damaged. 

Also, if your car is all-wheel or four-wheel drive, towing like this could cause serious problems to your drivetrain.

What Is Flatbed Towing?

Flatbed towing uses a tow truck with a large flat surface (bed) on the back. Flatbed towing uses a tow truck with a large flat surface (bed) on the back.

The bed can be lowered to the ground, allowing the car to be driven or pulled onto it. After your car is on the bed, the flat surface is raised, and the entire vehicle sits off the ground as the tow truck drives to your destination.

How Flatbed Towing Works

When the flatbed tow truck arrives, the driver lowers the truck’s bed to the ground. 

If your vehicle can’t be driven, the truck driver uses a winch to pull it onto the bed. After your car is secure, the bed is raised, and the car is fully off the ground, safe from road bumps, dirt, or other hazards.  Flatbed towing is safer because your car doesn’t touch the road. There’s no extra wear and tear on your tires or suspension. 

This method is ideal for expensive cars, sports cars, or any vehicle with low ground clearance.

Which Towing Method Is Better for Different Vehicles?

Not all cars are the same, and neither are all tow truck service needs. The type of vehicle you own will play a big role in choosing between traditional and flatbed towing. Let’s break it down.

Best for Small, Front-Wheel Drive Cars

If your car is small and has front-wheel drive, a traditional car towing service might be fine. 

Many cars like this are light and don’t have parts underneath that can get damaged. However, it’s still important to know that some wear and tear could happen, especially on long distance towing.

Best for All-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) cars should always use flatbed towing.

This is because traditional towing methods can damage the drivetrain of these vehicles. AWD and 4WD systems rely on all four wheels moving at the same time. If two wheels are off the ground, the car’s systems could malfunction.

Best for Luxury or Low-Ground-Clearance Cars

Luxury cars, sports cars, and any car with low ground clearance should use flatbed car towing. 

Traditional towing can cause the underside of these cars to scrape against the road. Flatbed towing keeps the entire vehicle off the ground, ensuring no damage happens.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Traditional Towing?

Pros of Traditional Towing:

• Faster and easier for short trips
• Cheap towing service
• Works well for light and small cars

Cons of Traditional Towing:

• Can damage AWD or 4WD vehicles
• Not safe for luxury or sports cars
• Cars with low ground clearance may scrape the ground
• More wear and tear on tires and suspension

What Are the Pros and Cons of Flatbed Towing?

Pros of Flatbed Towing:

• Safer for your car since all wheels are off the ground
• Ideal for any type of vehicle, including AWD and 4WD
• Best option for long distance towing
• No extra wear and tear on your car’s tires or suspension

Cons of Flatbed Towing:

• Usually more expensive than a traditional towing service
• May take longer to load the vehicle onto the truck
• Not always available in remote areas

What Type of Towing Is Best for Long-Distance Travel?

When towing over a long distance, flatbed towing is often the better choice. 

The reason? The car is completely off the ground. This means there’s no extra wear and tear on the tires, suspension, or any other parts. Traditional towing can add stress to these parts over long distances, leading to more damage and repairs.  Plus, with flatbed towing, your car will be more secure. It won’t sway or move as much during transport. 

This makes flatbed towing service a safer option for longer trips.

What Are the Costs of Different Towing Methods?

Costs vary depending on where you are and the type of towing service you choose. 

Flatbed towing is typically more expensive than traditional towing. However, the extra cost may be worth it, especially if you have a luxury car or need a long-distance tow.  Traditional towing may be a more affordable towing method, but it can lead to expensive repairs if your vehicle gets damaged during transport. 

It’s important to weigh the upfront cost of a towing service with the potential cost of repairs.

Conclusion

So, which is better: flatbed towing or traditional towing? 

When it comes to choosing between flatbed towing and traditional towing, safety and cost are the main factors to consider. 

While traditional wrecker service may seem cheaper upfront, the potential for damage to your vehicle could end up costing you more in the long run. On the other hand, flatbed towing from a reputable towing company may have a higher initial cost, but it guarantees that your vehicle will be transported without any risk of damage.

For those with luxury cars or who need a long-distance towing service, flatbed towing from a good tow truck company is a non-negotiable choice. The specialized equipment and secure loading process used in flatbed towing ensure that your classic car will not come into contact with any rough or uneven surfaces during transport.

At Potts Towing, we specialize in flatbed towing services, so you can always ensure your vehicle will be transported safely and securely. 

Don't take the risk of damaging your car with traditional towing methods, trust the experts at Potts Towing for professional 24 hour towing service in Forsyth County, Georgia, Metro Atlanta, and beyond.

Contact us today for a free quote.