A vehicle can break down anywhere and anytime unexpectedly, as it’s a machine. It might stop working or get stuck because of a mechanical failure, accident or slippery roadway. At this point, you need a tow truck to tow your vehicle safely to the auto shop. Wondering what tow truck you need to opt for? Well, it depends. There are various types of tow trucks, but you need to choose the one that best suits your circumstances. One of the most common towing methods is wheel lift towing, where a wheel lift tow truck is used to tow lightweight vehicles.
Read on to learn:
- What is a wheel lift tow truck?
- What is wheel lift towing?
- When do you need to use a wheel lift tow truck?
- Why do you need to use a wheel lift tow truck?
- Quick wrap up
What is a Wheel Lift Tow Truck?
It is a specially designed tow truck with a hydraulic boom/ power, with a couple of crossbars at both hands. With the help of crossbars, the vehicle is lifted, leaving the two wheels on the ground.
Depending on the vehicle’s transmission, the car’s rear or front wheels are lifted. Normally, two-wheel drive cars are towed with this truck, especially for a short distance tow. Buying and using this tow truck is comparatively cheaper for many towing service businesses.
What is Wheel Lift Towing?
It is the process of towing a car by lifting its front or rear wheels. Whether it’s a hidden wheel-lift or slide in wheel lift, both use the safety principles of car towing. The wheel lift towing method employs an electrical or hydraulic device to hoist the front or rear end of the vehicle. The truck’s operator controls a wheel-lift system. This method is best for cars that are stuck in tighter spaces.
Find out wheel lift towing services of the Tow Service USA!
When and Why You Need to Use Wheel Lift Tow Truck?
Wheel lift towing is a more reliable and efficient way of towing than chain and hook towing. In the traditional towing method, using chain and hook tow, the chain is wrapped around the car’s axels, and it damages the vehicle that is being towed. This older method causes damage to the bumper, causes strains on parts of the car, leaves scratches, and an AWD or 4WD drivetrain is more likely to be damaged.
Compared to the traditional hook and chain method, the wheel lift towing is safer as the car is completely lifted through the tires. This causes less damage to the car’s frame and bumper. When a car is stuck in a tight space, the wheel lifting towing works the best by efficiently towing the vehicle from the front or back wheels. Even if a car is parallel parked, the wheel lift truck can get it towed conveniently, without any hassle.
Along with the wheel lift tow, the flatbed tow trucks are also a better option for towing your car. However, with a flatbed truck, a vehicle can’t be towed from a tight space.
Learn: How Flatbed Towing is a Better Option?
When do You Need to Use Wheel Lift Tow Truck?
When You Need To Tow Small Vehicles
One of the best ways to tow small vehicles is through wheel lift towing. A hydraulic or electrical wheel lift with a crossbar at both ends is attached to the rear of a tow truck that slides under the wheel to lift the front or rear wheels of the vehicle. After lifting the wheels, the tow truck drags the vehicle to its destination. Small vehicles are easy to control and grip when towing with wheel lift trucks.
To Tow Vehicles Stuck in Tighter Spots
Since wheel lift trucks are smaller and don’t lift vehicles too high, they can easily tow small vehicles stuck in a tighter spot. In this way, this method of towing is reliable for lightweight vehicles.
To Tow Wrecked Cars
In case of an accident where your car is damaged or wrecked, you need to go for wheel lift towing. It is a reliable method to tow the damaged car with ease and safety without causing any further damage. For this reason, if you have encountered an accident, opt for a wheel lift towing service.
To Prevent Further Damage
For a safe, reliable and hassle-free tow, you need to rely on wheel lift towing. Here the wheel lift goes under the car’s wheel to lift it from the rear or front, ensuring the safety of the car. In this way, it doesn’t cause any harm to the car’s frame and bumpers. So it’s completely safer than older methods of towing.
For Short Distance Tow
Wheel lift towing is best for small distance tow for lightweight vehicles. If you want to go for a large distance tow, you need to choose another towing method.
You may be interested in Steps to Jump Start a Car
Why do You Need to Use Wheel Lift Tow Truck?
Let’s have a look at the causes, knowing why you need a wheel lift truck:
For Vehicle’s Safety
If you are concerned about your vehicle’s safety, you need to consider using a wheel lift tow truck. With the hydraulic booms having crossbars at both ends, the crossbars lift the front or rear wheels depending on the vehicle’s transmission. So the drive tires provide support to the vehicle, savings its bumper and frame from any damage. This method is safe for towing small or lightweight vehicles.
Compatible and Efficient for Small Vehicles
With better control and grip system to tow a car, the wheel lift tow trucks provide efficient and compatible tow to small and lightweight vehicles, especially for those stuck in a low clearance area. Its hydraulic-powered system allows better grip and control of the car.
Cheaper Towing Method
This method is cheaper than flatbed or heavy-duty towing compared to other towing methods. Since a small truck is used to tow light vehicles, it consumes less fuel. So this tow truck is more cost-saving than others.
Fast Towing Method
The best advantage of wheel lift towing is it is less time-consuming than other towing methods like flatbed or others. It takes half the time than flatbed with an operator that knows its jobs. So whenever you are stuck on a congested road, you can get the help of a wheel lift tow truck for quick help.
Quick Wrap Up
To sum up, whenever you are stuck on a road with a lightweight vehicle, get a wheel lift tow truck for short distance tow. It is a safe, efficient, fast, and cheap towing method for small vehicles. One of the best features of the wheel lift truck is that it is smaller in size, which helps it tow vehicles stuck in tighter or congested spots. Tow Service USA is known for the best wheel lift tow service in Dallas/ Fort Worth, Greater Houston, and San Antonio. Experience the best roadside and towing solution with the Tow Service USA.