Emergency Towing Services: Type of Trucks Available
Posted on: 14 May 2015
In the event that you get stuck on the roadside and are in need of emergency services to tow your car away, it helps to understand the different options available. By taking the time to learn more about the type of tow trucks that are available to choose from, you can ask for one that will match your specific requirements. Familiarize yourself with the common emergency tow trucks that can be sent out to you.
Flat Bed Emergency Tow Trucks
These types of tow trucks are a popular option because they have a flatbed on the back of the truck where the car can be safely stored during transportation. With other towing methods, the car will be towed by its back two wheels. This is more risky because there are a variety of ways the car can get damaged. Furthermore, the speed of flat bed emergency tow truck is relatively fast, because there is no car to drag.
On the flatbed, the car will be secured so that vibrations are at a minimum, which in turn will prevent the car from receiving damage during transportation.
Wheel Lift Emergency Tow Trucks
This type of truck has a metal yoke that will be placed under the front or back two wheels. Then the car is lifted into the air via a powerful hydraulic mechanism. Due to the strength of the hydraulics for some of these emergency trucks, heavy cars can be towed in this fashion.
To prevent damage to the drive wheels of your car, the yoke will pick up the side of the car where they are located, and therefore dragged by the non-drive wheels. The advantage of this method of towing is that only the tires are in contact with the tow truck. This means there will be no damage to the bumpers.
Hook-and-Chain Emergency Tow Trucks
These types of tow trucks are used to tow cars that have been in an accident, and need major repairs to be roadworthy. That's because this towing method loops a chain around the axle and bodywork of the car. Then as the car is lifted into the air by the hook, the chain will scratch and damage the bodywork. They are ideal if the car is stuck in a difficult to reach position such as down a ditch, because the hook and chain can be used to salvage the car.
For more information, talk to a professional like Larry Menz Towing Services Inc.
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