If you find yourself needing a tow truck because of an accident or mechanical problem, you may not give much thought to what type of truck the service uses to tow your vehicle. However, having your car towed with the wrong truck could be unsafe and even cause more damage. The following guide explores flatbed towing and why you might consider it if your vehicle breaks down.  

What Is a Flatbed Tow Truck?

A flatbed tow truck has a moveable platform in the back that can be lowered to ground level. The broken-down vehicle is pulled onto the platform using a wench and secured with chains and straps connecting to the vehicle's tires and axles. The platform is then raised back onto the truck for transportation to the destination. 

A flatbed tow truck differs from a wheel-lift type, which lifts a disabled car's front or back wheels off the road and pulls it along.

What Are the Benefits of a Flatbed Tow?

On a flatbed tow truck, the vehicle in transport is entirely off the road, making it less likely to be damaged in the process. This is because its wheels will not hit potholes or other obstacles, and it is clear of the tow truck's moving parts. On a wheel lift tow truck, the towed vehicle's bumpers can be damaged if the hook is improperly attached or if the tow truck strikes the car in the process of hooking it up. 

Wheel lift tow trucks can also damage an automatic transmission. If the drive wheels on a towed vehicle are turning, but the engine is not on, the hydraulic system will not lubricate the transmission, and it could be permanently damaged. None of the towed vehicle's wheels will turn during transport on a flatbed tow truck, saving the transmission from damage. 

Flatbed tow trucks can be loaded much more efficiently than wheel lift trucks, which have a more complex attachment system. The open sides of a flatbed truck allow the towed vehicle to be secured faster, getting your car to its destination promptly.

When you need a towing service, you want professionals who know which equipment to use for any vehicle size and type. Ron's Service & Towing, in Fairbanks, AK, has 10 well-maintained tow trucks fully equipped to handle any roadside emergency. Their team has provided statewide towing service since 1963. They know Alaskan roads and offer towing, jump starts, tire changes, and fuel delivery to safely get you and your vehicle back on the road. Call (907) 456-4224 to request assistance, or visit them online to learn more.