Decoding Towing Assistance Services: Common Types You Should Know
Posted on: 22 August 2023
When you're stuck on the side of the road with a malfunctioning vehicle, the last thing you want is added stress. Understanding the types of towing assistance services available can prepare you for such scenarios, ensuring you make the right call when you need help. Here's an overview of the most common types of towing assistance services.
1. Light-Duty Towing
Light-duty towing is the prevailing tow service, tailored for compact vehicles such as cars and small trailers. It remains a popular choice among motorists in need of assistance. These tow trucks typically use a hook-and-chain system or a flatbed where the vehicle can be driven or winched onto the truck bed.
2. Medium-Duty Towing
Medium-duty towing is suitable for larger vehicles that are too heavy for light-duty tow trucks but don't require a heavy-duty truck. This service covers vehicles like small buses, delivery trucks, or RVs. Medium-duty tow trucks often use a wheel lift method, lifting the vehicle's front or rear wheels off the ground to tow it.
3. Heavy-Duty Towing
Heavy-duty towing is used for large vehicles like semi-trucks, buses, or construction equipment. Given the size and weight of these vehicles, heavy-duty tow trucks use under-reach and wheel lift technology, coupled with powerful hydraulics, to lift and tow the vehicle.
4. Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing involves a truck with a flatbed at the back where the vehicle can be loaded and transported. This type of towing is ideal for luxury or vintage cars or cars with severe damage that cannot be safely towed using traditional methods.
5. Motorcycle Towing
Motorcycles require special towing services due to their unique build and weight distribution. Tow trucks equipped with specialized motorcycle towing equipment ensure safe and secure transportation.
6. Winch-Out Services
Winch-out services come into play when a vehicle gets stuck in mud, snow, water, or off-road terrain. A tow truck with a powerful winch pulls the vehicle out of its predicament.
7. Roadside Assistance
Apart from towing, many companies also offer roadside assistance services. These include jump-starting a dead battery, delivering fuel if you've run out, changing a flat tire, or unlocking your car if you've locked yourself out.
8. Accident Recovery
In the unfortunate event of an accident, towing services are often required to remove damaged vehicles from the scene. Accident recovery services handle this task, ensuring vehicles are safely removed without causing further damage.
Contact a towing company to learn more.
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