When your vehicle needs to be towed whether due to a breakdown, accident, or transport to a repair shop you want to ensure that it’s handled with care. Among the various towing methods available, flatbed towing is often regarded as the safest and most reliable option for vehicles of all types. But what exactly is flatbed towing, and why is it so highly recommended? Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance will explain what flatbed towing entails and explore why it’s the best choice for keeping your vehicle safe during transport.
What is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing involves transporting a vehicle on a flat, horizontal platform attached to the back of a tow truck. Unlike traditional towing methods, where a vehicle’s wheels remain in contact with the road, flatbed towing lifts the entire vehicle onto the flatbed, keeping all four wheels off the ground.
• Loading the Vehicle: The flatbed tilts to create a ramp, allowing the vehicle to be driven or winched onto the platform. This feature is particularly useful for vehicles that are not drivable or have low ground clearance.
• Securing the Vehicle: Once the vehicle is on the flatbed, it is secured using wheel straps or soft straps to ensure it doesn’t move during transit.
• Transport: The flatbed tow truck safely transports the vehicle to its destination, keeping it fully protected from road hazards.
Flatbed towing is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, and even luxury or classic cars.
Why is Flatbed Towing the Safest Option?
Flatbed towing offers a number of benefits over other towing methods, making it the preferred choice for ensuring the safety of your vehicle.
Prevents Damage to Tires, Suspension, and Drivetrain
Traditional towing methods, such as wheel-lift towing, leave two of the vehicle’s wheels on the ground, which can cause wear and tear to the tires, suspension, and drivetrain during transit. This is especially risky for vehicles with:
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): AWD vehicles are designed to have all four wheels moving simultaneously. Towing them with two wheels on the ground can damage the drivetrain or transmission.
• Low Ground Clearance: Vehicles with low ground clearance are at risk of scraping their undercarriage on uneven roads or during loading and unloading.
Protects Against Road Hazards
When a vehicle is towed with its wheels on the ground, it is exposed to various road hazards, including:
• Potholes and Bumps: These can cause additional damage to an already compromised vehicle.
• Debris: Rocks, glass, and other debris on the road can scratch or dent the vehicle’s exterior.
• Uneven Terrain: Rough roads or steep inclines can put extra strain on the vehicle.
Ideal for Non-Drivable or Heavily Damaged Vehicles
Vehicles that are not drivable due to accidents, engine failure, or severe damage cannot be safely towed using traditional methods. Flatbed towing is often the only viable solution in such cases. The flatbed platform allows vehicles to be loaded and transported, regardless of their condition. This makes it the safest and most efficient choice for heavily damaged vehicles.
Ensures Safe Transport for Luxury, Exotic, and Classic Cars
High-value vehicles, such as luxury cars, exotic supercars, and classic collectibles, require extra care during transport. These vehicles often have delicate components, custom paint jobs, and unique frames that are more susceptible to damage.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
Flatbed towing is the safest and most reliable method for transporting vehicles, offering protection for your tires, suspension, drivetrain, and exterior. Whether you own a luxury car, a classic collectible, or a standard sedan, flatbed towing ensures your vehicle reaches its destination in perfect condition. For flatbed towing services and more, contact Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance today.
