What is Towing Service?

Towing is the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another. It is typically done using a flatbed or wheel lift tow truck. A flatbed is used when the vehicle has become immobilized or unusable.

Vehicles may be towed in other circumstances, even if they are operational. The use of towing services occurs when a driver is incapable of pulling a vehicle by themselves.

In addition to towing services, most car insurance companies provide roadside assistance packages. These packages may or may not include towing.

If a person only chooses towing services, they will not get the additional assistance that comes with full roadside packages. For some people, this is sufficient.

Many prefer to be able to get additional assistance if needed. This means not having to search for someone else to assist after the vehicle has been towed.

When Should I Get Towing

Getting a car towed is due for several reasons. The most common is when the car is not working due to a breakdown. Other reasons include overheated engine, transmission failure, car accident, empty gas tank, or flat tire.

What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a service package designed to assist drivers with minor repairs. It is a service that will assist you if your vehicle breaks down or leaves you stranded. For example, if you’re driving and your car battery goes flat unexpectedly, you’d need roadside assistance.

Roadside assistance is provided for safety reasons. For example, if your car breaks down late at night on a busy highway, it is not safe for you to get out and assess the situation. While working on your vehicle, roadside assistance can use property safety measures such as setting up flares or cones.

Are Towing and Roadside Services the Same?

Towing and roadside assistance are 2 different services. While some towing packages include roadside services, the two are not the same. When your car won’t start, you’ll need to call a tow truck. It assists in transporting your vehicle to a safe location, such as your home or an auto mechanic shop. Roadside assistance is used to get your vehicle moving again. These packages assist with minor issues that are easily resolved.

Different Types of Tow Trucks

Using the proper tow truck allows a tow truck driver to safely tow any type of vehicle without causing damage to the vehicle being towed.

The most common types of tow trucks:

Flatbeds – To load a vehicle onto the flatbed, a hydraulic ramp is used.

Integrated tow trucks – This has additional axles and is intended primarily for heavy-duty vehicles.
Wheel Lifts – Special equipment is used to secure the vehicle by the front or rear drive wheels.

Hook and chain tow trucks – These tow trucks are among the earliest types. It can tow a vehicle with a hook and chain. Since this method of towing has a high chance of damaging the frame of the vehicle, therefore nowadays it is mostly used for wrecked vehicles only.

A wrecker or tow truck driver will always use the proper type of tow truck.

What is Included in Roadside Assistance?

The following standard services are covered by roadside assistance:

Flat-tire service: For punctured tires that could leave you stranded. Check to see if your policy covers both cars and motorcycles.

Battery jump-starting: For vehicles with dead batteries.

Lockout/locksmith service: If you leave your key in your car and lock yourself out. Lockout service providers can use tools such as a pump wedge or a long-reach tool to unlock the door.

Winching service: For situations in which your car tires become stuck in mud or a similar situation.

Fuel delivery service: Even if you’ve been diligent in keeping a spare gas can on hand, you can still forget to fill it and run out of gas. Fuel delivery will bring you enough gas to get you there.