As drivers, we hope that we won’t ever need to call a towing service, but that’s not always the case. There are a number of reasons why our cars break down, and sometimes the only thing we can do is have them towed to a repair shop.
Fortunately, most towing services are reliable and trustworthy. They’ll come to your location, help you get back on the road, and help with any other related needs.
Towing is the process of moving one vehicle to another, usually on the back of a flatbed tow truck. It’s usually reserved for situations like a car breaking down or an accident, but it can also be used for other things, such as after someone has been arrested or when someone’s vehicle isn’t running properly.
The first step is to determine what kind of towing you need. There are a number of different types, including flatbed, wheel lift, and integrated tow trucks.
Flatbed tow trucks are the most common type of towing trucks, and they’re easy to use and very effective. They have an empty bed on which you can place your towed vehicle, and then they’ll lift it onto the flatbed to move it to the next location.
Other tow truck types include hydraulic flatbed, wheel lift, and slide tow trucks. These are new entrants to the industry and have many advantages over older systems, such as belt lifts.
Hydraulic flatbed tow trucks have a ramp operated by hydraulics that loads the towed vehicle on to the flatbed. They’re mainly for vehicles that are too heavy for hook and chain tows.
Wheel lift tow trucks have metal yokes that attach under the wheels of the recovery vehicle and are pulled from underneath with a winch. They’re particularly helpful for heavier-duty vehicles, such as those hauling tanks or farm equipment.
Some towing companies offer a variety of other services, such as fuel delivery and lockout assistance. These are a great addition to your roadside assistance plan and can make your life easier when you have an unexpected car breakdown or have locked your keys inside the vehicle.
For a small fee, a tow truck company can pick you up at your home and take you to your destination. This is especially useful if you have no way to reach your vehicle, or you’re stuck in a remote area.
If you’re a long-distance driver, consider investing in a roadside assistance plan from your car insurance provider. These plans typically provide excellent service at an affordable price, and they may even reimburse you for trip interruptions if you get stuck somewhere.
A basic plan will usually cover towing and lockout service for up to three miles, but you can upgrade your coverage for an additional fee. A plus plan will cover up to 100 miles of towing, as well as lockout and winching services.
Getting your car towed is something you probably don’t think about very often, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your vehicle and driving safely. So, if you ever need to hire a towing company for any reason, it’s important to choose one that’s trusted and has the right equipment to get your car to the repair shop safely.