Frequently Asked Questions About Tow Trucks

22 February 2019
 Categories: , Blog

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Tow trucks are the go-to solution when your car breaks down out of nowhere, without a warning, in the middle of the highway. This is one of those situations when even the most strong-willed person gets frustrated, but do not worry, a tow truck will be there to help at any moment.

Why Do You Need To Call A Tow Truck?

First of all, the main reason you need to call a tow truck is that you literally have no other way to get out of the highway if your car is not working anymore. Even if you were travelling with somebody else in another car, you would consider the possibility of them towing you. But that is not actually a possibility. In most countries, towing another car in the highway might be illegal, so the only thing left to do is to call a tow truck service.

Do Tow Trucks Need To Follow An Exact Procedure?

Yes, they do. The procedure they apply to tow a car depends on the type of car that they have to tow. Every car manufacturing company establishes towing guidelines, and these guidelines are compiled in an annual publication that contains the towing procedures as well as the standard equipment a tow truck driver needs to have at his or her disposal at any time.

Which Are The Main Types Of Tow Trucks And What Are They Used For?

There are several types of tow trucks as follows:

  • Flatbed Tow Trucks

These are the most common tow trucks, and their name derives from the fact that they have a long, empty bed where your car will be standing once towed. They are mostly used for cars that have had a roadside problem or that have been involved in an accident. This is one of the safest ways to transport your car. Flatbed tow trucks are also used to transport a wide variety of vehicles and boats.

  • Integrated Tow Trucks

Integrated tow trucks are much more specialised tow trucks, and as such, they are used for heavy-duty vehicles such as buses or other rigs. In comparison to a flatbed tow truck, an integrated tow truck has extra axles for added stability and strength.

  • Hook And Chain Tow Trucks

These are that kind of tow trucks that are used to tow all types of cargo. They are not as common as they used to be because wrapped chain can damage or scratch the vehicle, and that is why it is recommended that this method is used for vehicles that are destined for the junkyard.

  • Wheel Lift Tow Truck

These tow trucks have a mechanism similar to hook and chain tow trucks, but they do not cause as much damage because they use a metal yoke instead of chains. They pull the car by the front wheels.