📄 Towing Guide
Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Is Safer?
Flatbed and wheel-lift are the two main ways to tow a car. They're both safe — for the right vehicle. Here's how to know which one your car needs.
What is flatbed towing?
A flatbed tow truck has a deck that hydraulically tilts to ground level. The disabled vehicle is winched onto the deck and secured with four-corner soft straps. All four wheels are off the road during transport.
What is wheel-lift towing?
A wheel-lift truck has a yoke that lifts the front (or rear) wheels off the ground. The other two wheels stay on the road and rotate during transport.
When you NEED a flatbed
- AWD or 4WD vehicles (Subaru, Audi quattro, BMW xDrive, AMG 4MATIC) — wheel-lift damages the transmission or transfer case
- EVs and hybrids (Tesla, Lucid, Bolt, Prius) — drive wheels turning while disconnected can damage the powertrain
- Low-clearance sports cars (Corvette, M-cars, lowered cars)
- Luxury vehicles where cosmetic damage is expensive
- Classic cars with delicate paint or bumpers
- Vehicles with a locked or seized transmission
- Long-distance transport (over 30 miles)
When wheel-lift is fine
- Older RWD or FWD sedans in good mechanical condition
- Short-distance moves (under 5 miles)
- Junk car pickup (going to scrap anyway)
- Standard 2WD pickup trucks
Cost difference
At Tow Bros, flatbed and wheel-lift base rates are the same — we don't penalize you for needing the safer option. The only price difference comes from distance, not truck type.