Introduction
Compare flatbed towing vs. hook and chain towing to find out which method is safer and better for your car’s condition and value. Suppose you are traveling on the highway and your car breaks down in the middle of it, and you find out that there’s no mechanic nearby. Instead of standing there in despair, you would call a towing contractor to get your car towed to the nearest workshop so that it can be fixed promptly. You won’t have time there to decide on which type of towing you need. That’s why decide it priory to avoid any wrong decision in haste. In this blog, we’ll break down for you the types of towing methods and what to consider while opting for a towing method.
Understanding Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing is the method in which a tow truck carries the vehicle on its hydraulic flatbed, where the car is adequately secured and transported from one place to another without causing any damage or scratches to its body. This method of towing provides secure and safe transportation of vehicles over longer distances, resulting in minimal wear and tear on the car.
| Pro Tip: Your go-to towing method if you have luxury cars and wish to transport them over longer distances. |
- Advantages of Flatbed Towing
When it comes to flatbed towing, it offers certain advantages that are discussed below;
| Safe and Secure Transportation: Flatbed towing safely tows and transports your vehicles. |
| Minimal Wear and Tear: Less or no damage occurs in this towing type. |
| Suitable for Long distances: Flatbed towing is ideal for transporting cars over long distances. |
| Peace of Mind: Flatbed towing ensures your peace of mind by keeping your towing experience safe and secure. |
- Disadvantages of Flatbed Towing
The disadvantages of flatbed towing are as follows;
| Availability Challenge: Flatbed tow trucks may not be as readily available as hook-and-chain tow trucks. |
| Increased Cost: Flatbed towing is generally more expensive than the other towing types. |
Hook and Chain Towing: All You Need to Know!
The traditional method for towing is the hook and chain method, where the hook or chain secures a car’s wheels, allowing it to be towed with their assistance. This method is generally less expensive, but there is a higher chance of damage in the form of dents and scratches.
- Advantages of Hook and Chain Towing
The advantages of hook and chain towing are discussed as follows;
| Affordability: Hook and chain towing is the most affordable option as it is generally feasible for shorter-distance transportation. |
| Wide Availability: Hook and chain towing, being the traditional towing method, is widely available for towing. |
- Disadvantages of Hook and Chain Towing
Hook and chain towing isn’t the one-size-fits-all type of towing solution, although it’s an affordable choice, but it entails some disadvantages, as follows.
- Limited Suitability: Hook and chain towing isn’t suitable for the transportation of all types of vehicles.
- Wear and Tear: Hook and chain towing tends to cause wear and tear in the form of scratches and dents on vehicles.
- Potential for Damage: If the vehicle isn’t secured properly, there is a chance of damage to the vehicle.
Choosing the Best Towing Type for Your Car
Selecting the best towing type for your emergency needs depends on several factors. The general tips to choose the towing type for your vehicle are discussed below;
- Type of Vehicle: All-wheel-drive vehicles and those with low ground clearances must be towed using flatbed towing methods.
- Condition of Vehicle: If your vehicle is inoperable, flatbed towing would be the best option for your needs.
- Your Budget: The Hook and chain towing is a more affordable option.
- The Distance: For small distances, hook and chain towing is an ideal option.
Considering the above conditions, you can better understand which type of towing approach best suits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Now that you have had a thorough look at both types of towing, i.e., flatbed towing and hook and chain towing, you will be better able to know which one would suit your towing needs the best. If you’re unsure which method would be right for you, you can consult a professional towing expert to have guidance beforehand.
FAQs
When is towing a car needed?
There’s a need for towing the car when the car breaks down in the middle of the road, and there’s a need to take it to the mechanic’s shop.
Which towing method is safe?
The safest towing method for vehicles is flatbed towing, that’s because it tows the car on the flatbed and transports it from one place to another.
Which is the most common type of damage as a result of towing?
The most common type of damage resulting from towing is dents and scratches, which occur when a towing truck tows the car from one place to another.
