Five Different Types of Car Towing: Understanding Your Options
Car troubles can happen anytime, anywhere. You could be driving down the road, minding your own business, and the next thing you know, your car breaks down. If you are lucky, your car might just need a jumpstart or maybe a quick fix from a mechanic. But if the issues are more serious and require towing, it can be a hassle and stressful experience. Towing your car is not something you might think about every day, but being aware of the five different types of car towing before you need them could help you save time, money, and frustration. Here are the different types of car towing and what they entail.
Light Towing
Light towing is the most common type of towing as it is suitable for most cars. Light towing is used for cars that break down or need to be moved a short distance. It could be a short distance to a repair shop or back home. A light-duty tow truck will most likely be used in these instances.
Medium Towing
Medium-duty towing is used for larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs. It is more suitable for towing vehicles over a long distance or those with a more technical issue. Medium towing is an excellent option for drivers whose vehicles are beyond the capabilities of a light tow truck.
Heavy Towing
Heavy-duty towing is reserved for the largest of vehicles, such as buses, RVs, and even boats. A heavy-duty tow truck has a weight limit of about 80,000 pounds and can tow anything from commercial trucks to oversized vehicles. Heavy towing is a very specialized service, and only a few towing companies offer this type of service.
Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing is another common type of car towing. Flatbed tow trucks come equipped with a platform that hydraulically moves up and down, which allows the vehicle to be loaded onto the flatbed. This method of towing is popular with high-end cars that require extra care in towing or whose wheels are unable to move.
Impound Towing
Impound towing refers to a car being towed at the request of law enforcement. This type of towing is used when a driver is illegally parked, driving without a license or insurance, or driving under the influence. When a car is impounded, the driver will generally have to pay a fee to retrieve it from an impound lot.
Car troubles can happen to anyone, and it is essential that you know your options when it comes to car towing. Understanding the different types of car towing can save you time, money, and frustration when you need your car towed. If you find yourself in a situation where your car breaks down, consider reaching out to your local towing company for help.