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Car breakdowns can occur out of the blue and that’s why you need to be prepared.
There is nothing more frustrating than when you find yourself stranded right in the middle of the road. You might accidentally lock your keys in the vehicle or it might overheat or simply break down for no apparent reason. What’s worse is when the vehicle refuses to respond to your efforts and you are left alone to deal with your resentment.
Once you cannot drive your car and there seems to be no quick fix, the first thing you wonder is how can I find a tow truck near me? However, before you hire a tow truck service in your area, it is important to learn about a multitude of towing methods and the key differences between them. Let’s delve into details.
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Different Types of Tow Trucks
1. Hook & Chain Tow Trucks
In this approach, the tow truck needs a claw or a hook that is linked to the end of a chain that connects the front or back of the vehicle. The front or rear of the car is raised off the road using this technique, which is why it is also known as “hook and chain tow service.”
A boom lifts the vehicle off the ground while the rear wheels remain firmly in place. Despite the fact that the hook and chain tow truck design was the first of its kind, it is no longer widely employed due to the damage it does to vehicles.
As this method to transport a vehicle may result in the bumper and other types of damage, it has become rather obsolete. Having said that, totaled cars, vehicles that have been in accidents, or stranded in ditches can be towed using this method.
2. Wheel Lift Tow Trucks
Similar to the hook and chain tow trucks, wheel-lift tow trucks use a similar technique. They don’t use chains, but rather a metal axle called a yoke, which means there is less potential of causing any damage to the car. The metal yoke is attached to the wheels at the back or the front using hooks.
Using a hydraulic lift or pneumatic hoist, a car may be lifted off the road and dragged away. The front wheels of a front-wheel-drive vehicle are responsible for traction. Compared to flatbed tow trucks, wheel-lift towed vehicles are less protected and less safe, but they are also less costly.
In this method, there is no chain involved so the front bumper is significantly less likely to be damaged. Tow trucks with wheel lifts are among the most user- friendly, fast, and straightforward to use. You should take this type of tow truck into consideration if you need to move your vehicle off the highway swiftly. Professional tow truck drivers can quickly hook up and remove one of these vehicles.
3. Flatbed Tow Trucks
Tow trucks with flatbeds are among the most frequent and broadly utilized for towing and transporting vehicles. A vacant flatbed truck features a flat top that has the ability to extend. The flatbed is moved up and down using hydraulics. Flatbed trucks are straightforward to operate since you can either drive your car up the ramp or have it towed up.
They may also be used to transfer automobiles that have been involved in an accident or have encountered roadside difficulties. Flatbed tow trucks can haul a broad range of automobiles.
Zero Degree Towing is also a variation of flatbed towing. It differs from a flatbed tow truck in that it has a platform for loading a motorbike or automobile. Using a hydraulic mechanism, the platform is removed from the tow vehicle and lowered to the ground.
As soon as the automobile is placed atop the tow truck using a winch, its ramp goes back to its original position. Hydraulics propel the flatbed truck’s rear, and there are weight restrictions you must adhere to. The advantage of using a flatbed tow truck is that it lifts vehicles off the ground completely. This reduces the chance of harm to the automobile compared to a vehicle that is stationary on the road.
How to Choose the Right Tow Truck Service?
When your car has broken down and all of your efforts to start the vehicle have resulted in failure, it is time to start considering alternatives. The best solution you have on the table is to call a towing service that can transport your vehicle to your preferred location in a safe and secure manner. Before you agree to the terms, consider the following factors:
- Inquire About Pricing – Apart from the towing charges, there might also be other types of expenses such as storage fees if you are sending your vehicle to a tow lot. Make sure there aren’t any hidden charges or penalties that might spring up on you later on and add to your financial burden.
- Discuss the Destination Location – Ideally, you should choose a tow truck service that is willing to transport your vehicle to your preferred location such as an auto repair shop or your home. If there isn’t any other option available, you can always send the car to the tow lot which may incur additional expenses but it’s also safer.
- Review the Trustworthiness – While this may be the last thing on your mind when you are stranded on a road, it is important to hire a tow company that will take care of your vehicle. You can check online reviews and see customer feedback before hiring a particular service.
One of the best ways to circumvent all of the aforementioned steps and hire a tow service quickly is to rely on Dealgrace. It gives you the option to choose your origin and destination and get a quote from different tow service companies operating in the region. All of the towing services have been evaluated by Dealgrace so you don’t have to worry about reliability and other issues.
Final Word
If your vehicle is new, it is suggested that you go for a flatbed tow truck as it is the safest and most damage-free way of transporting your vehicle. Although it might cost you a few extra bucks, it will also ensure that you don’t have to pay for any further damage caused by towing. However, if your vehicle has been in an accident or has been totaled, you can go for hook and chain tow truck service.
