Most of us see tow trucks on a daily basis. Sometimes they are a welcomed sight as they are coming to rescue our broken down vehicle on the side of the highway. At other times, they make us cringe as we witness them tow our car away to an impound lot.
When you need a tow truck to move your vehicle from one location to the next and your car is immobile, the obvious solution is to hire a tow truck. But what surprises many is that there are different kinds of tow trucks, each bringing with them their own set of pros and cons. We will explore the three most common tow trucking options that your local towing company will likely have available for hire below.
The Flat Bed Tow Truck
PROS: Safest and most efficient way to move a vehicle.
CONS: Costs more than other types of towing and may not be available if your car is immobile and a winch is unavailable.
Moving a vehicle with a flatbed tow truck (or a “rollback” truck) is ideal. These tow trucks have a long flat back which can be tilted so that it transforms into a ramp. Your vehicle can then drive up the ramp, and the hydraulic system will then tilt the ramp back so that it lays flat. Car owners tend to prefer this method as the vehicle is not then being dragged behind the tow truck, meaning it is far less susceptible to damage.
The Wheel-Lift Tow Truck
PROS: Often the most economical option and the hydraulic systems make them relatively safe for vehicles.
CONS: Not as safe as flatbed trucks.
Your local towing company in El Paso TX will likely have a fleet of wheel lift tow trucks available for rent. Unlike the traditional hook and chain tow trucks, these trucks use a metal yoke which then hooks under either the front wheels or rear wheels of your vehicle. A hydraulic lift is then used to suspect the front or the rear side of your vehicle so that it is raised off the ground. This reduces the risk of your vehicle becoming damaged during transport.
The Hook and Chain Tow Truck
PROS: Economical and ideal for hauling away junked vehicles.
CONS: Can cause considerable damage to a vehicle in comparison to your other towing options.
Hook and chain tow trucks, once seen everywhere, are now a rare sight. This type of tow truck works by having the chains which are affixed to the back of the tow truck wrapped around the axles and the frame of the vehicle. This often results in scratches and damage to the vehicle, which is why they are seldom used. These tow trucks are typically used only to transport wrecked cars to the junkyard.
