Flatbed Towing
Safe, damage-free towing for luxury cars, low-clearance vehicles, and cars that need extra protection during transport.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing is the safest way to transport a vehicle. Instead of lifting your car by its wheels like a traditional tow truck, a flatbed tow truck has a large, flat platform that tilts down to the ground. Your car is driven or winched onto the platform, secured with straps, and then transported with all four wheels off the ground.
This method protects your vehicle from wear and tear during the tow. Because your car sits completely on the flatbed, there is no risk of damaging the transmission, suspension, or tires. This makes flatbed towing the preferred choice for luxury vehicles, sports cars, classic cars, and any vehicle with low ground clearance.
At HyperFix Des Moines Towing, we use modern flatbed trucks to ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition it left. Whether you need a tow after an accident or you are moving a special car that deserves extra care, flatbed towing is the smart choice.
When to Use Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing is not just for expensive cars. There are many situations where flatbed towing is the right choice, even for everyday vehicles. Here are the most common reasons drivers choose flatbed towing:
- ✓All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles: These cars can suffer transmission damage if towed with two wheels on the ground.
- ✓Low-clearance vehicles: Sports cars and sedans with low bumpers need flatbed towing to avoid scraping or dragging.
- ✓Luxury and classic cars: High-value vehicles deserve the extra protection that flatbed towing provides.
- ✓Accident or collision damage: If your car cannot roll or steer properly, flatbed towing is the only safe option.
- ✓Vehicles with damaged wheels or tires: Flatbed towing eliminates the need to drive on damaged wheels.
- ✓Long-distance towing: For trips over 50 miles, flatbed towing reduces wear on your vehicle.
If you are not sure whether you need flatbed towing or standard wheel-lift towing, just ask us when you call. We can assess your situation and recommend the best option for your vehicle. Our team has experience with all types of cars, trucks, and SUVs, and we always prioritize the safety of your vehicle.
We also offer flatbed towing for motorcycles and other specialty vehicles. If you need long-distance towing, flatbed service is often the best way to ensure your vehicle arrives without any extra miles on the odometer or unnecessary strain on the drivetrain.
Flatbed vs Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Is Right for You?
When you call for a tow, you might wonder whether you need a flatbed truck or a traditional wheel-lift tow truck. Both types of towing have their advantages, but the right choice depends on your vehicle and the situation.
Wheel-Lift Towing
Wheel-lift towing uses a metal yoke that slides under the front or rear wheels of your car. The wheels are lifted off the ground, and the other two wheels remain on the road as the truck tows your vehicle. This method is fast and works well for short distances and for vehicles that are in good working condition. However, it can put stress on the transmission and suspension, especially if your car has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing, on the other hand, lifts your entire car off the ground. All four wheels are secured on the flatbed platform, which means there is zero contact with the road during transport. This eliminates any risk of transmission damage, tire wear, or suspension strain. Flatbed towing takes a few extra minutes to load, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Which Should You Choose?
If your car is new, valuable, or has all-wheel drive, flatbed towing is the clear winner. If you have an older vehicle that needs a quick tow across town, wheel-lift towing might be fine. When in doubt, ask our team. We will help you make the right decision based on your vehicle and your budget. For emergency situations, we also provide emergency towing with both flatbed and wheel-lift options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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