There are three common ways to move a disabled car. A wheel-lift truck raises one end and tows the vehicle on its other two wheels. Dollies can be added under those wheels so nothing rolls on the road. A flatbed, also called a rollback or carrier, tilts its deck to the ground, winches the vehicle aboard and carries it entirely off the pavement. Wheel-lift towing is quick and fine for many short tows. A flatbed removes the risk to the drivetrain and bodywork, and for certain vehicles it is the only correct choice.

  • All four wheels carried off the ground
  • Low-angle loading for lowered and sports cars
  • Winching for vehicles that will not start or roll
  • Accident-damaged vehicles with broken suspension or wheels
  • Classic, exotic and high-value vehicles

Vehicles that need a flatbed

All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, because towing with one axle on the ground can damage the transfer case and differentials. Electric vehicles and many hybrids, whose drive motors can be damaged if the driven wheels turn while being towed — manufacturers generally specify flatbed transport. Lowered cars and vehicles with low front bumpers, which a wheel-lift can scrape. And any vehicle with accident damage to a wheel, axle or steering, which cannot roll safely. Your owner's manual has a towing section that states what the manufacturer requires.

Is a flatbed more expensive?

Often somewhat, because the truck costs more to run and loading takes a little longer. Many companies now send flatbeds as standard for passenger cars. Ask for the price when you call, and say plainly if your vehicle requires one — a damaged transmission or motor from the wrong kind of tow costs far more than any difference in the towing fee.

Before the vehicle is loaded

Take photos of all four sides. Remove valuables, toll transponders and anything loose. Tell the operator about low clearance, aftermarket parts or damage underneath. If the vehicle has an electronic parking brake or will not shift to neutral without power, say so; there is usually a manual release, and the operator may need the owner's manual to find it.

Common flatbed towing situations in Chula Vista

  • An all-wheel-drive SUV or crossover that will not start
  • An electric vehicle with a depleted or faulted battery
  • A lowered or sports car with little ground clearance
  • Accident damage that stops a wheel from turning
  • A classic or collector car going to a shop or a show

Flatbed Towing FAQs

What are the three types of towing?

Flatbed towing, where the whole vehicle rides on the truck's deck; wheel-lift towing, where a yoke lifts one pair of wheels and the other pair rolls; and integrated or heavy-duty towing, which uses large wreckers with a boom and underlift for trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles.

Does an electric vehicle have to go on a flatbed?

In most cases, yes. Manufacturers generally require electric vehicles to be transported with all four wheels off the ground, and many give instructions for a transport mode that releases the parking brake. Check the owner's manual and tell the dispatcher it is an electric vehicle.

This content is reviewed by the Chula Vista CA Towing editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Towing. Read our editorial standards.