Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing – What’s Right for Your Vehicle?

Kyle Rieofs • June 19, 2025

Understanding the Differences to Make the Right Call in Pontiac When your vehicle breaks down in Pontiac or needs to be transported, choosing the right towing method can make a big difference in safety, cost, and convenience. The two most common options are flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing—but which one is right for your vehicle?

Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

🚚 What is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing involves loading your entire vehicle onto the back of a flat platform truck. All four wheels are off the ground during transport, making it one of the safest towing methods.

Best for:

  • Luxury vehicles
  • Classic or collector cars
  • All-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles
  • Vehicles with suspension damage
  • Long-distance towing

Benefits:

  • Zero wear and tear on tires or drivetrain
  • Ideal for low-clearance or heavily damaged vehicles
  • Safer for long-distance or highway towing

🚗 What is Wheel-Lift Towing?
Wheel-lift towing lifts either the front or rear wheels of the vehicle using a metal yoke, allowing the other set of wheels to remain on the ground during transport.

Best for:

  • Standard front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles
  • Short-distance tows
  • Quick roadside pickups
  • Vehicles parked in tight spaces

Benefits:

  • More affordable than flatbed towing
  • Faster setup time for emergency response
  • Ideal for quick tows within city limits

🛠️ Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick breakdown based on your situation in Pontiac:

   Scenario Recommended Towing     Luxury or exotic vehicle Flatbed   AWD or 4WD vehicle Flatbed   Vehicle with transmission issues Flatbed   Budget-conscious local tow Wheel-lift   Car parked in a narrow driveway Wheel-lift   Long-distance towing needed Flatbed   Still not sure? No problem—just call Pontiac Towing Company. Our experienced team will assess your needs and dispatch the safest, most appropriate towing option.

🧰 Why Trust Pontiac Towing Company?
We proudly serve Pontiac and surrounding areas with:

  • 24/7 towing and roadside assistance
  • Clean, modern flatbed and wheel-lift trucks
  • Friendly, licensed, and insured drivers
  • Affordable, transparent pricing
  • Fast dispatch and safe service every time

Need a Tow? We’ll Bring the Right Truck.

📞 947-207-3173
Flatbed or wheel-lift—we’ve got you covered in Pontiac.

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