A flatbed is the safest choice when a car cannot roll freely, sits low, has damage, or is all-wheel drive. For an ordinary car with working wheels, other equipment can be fine. A flatbed carries the whole vehicle on the bed, so its wheels do not turn on the road. If you are not sure, say so when you call and ask for a flatbed. O’Hara & Sons Towing offers flatbed towing at (267) 377-3246, 24/7.

What is the difference between a flatbed and a wheel-lift tow?

  • Flatbed: the vehicle is winched or driven onto a bed and carried with all four wheels off the road.
  • Wheel-lift: the truck lifts two wheels and the other two roll on the road.

Many manufacturers tell owners what to ask for. The Mazda CX-70 manual, for example, covers how the vehicle should be towed, and other makers publish similar instructions. Some vehicles cannot be towed with the drive wheels on the ground without risking drivetrain damage. Check your own owner’s manual under towing or emergency towing.

When should I ask for a flatbed?

  • All-wheel or four-wheel drive, or any vehicle your manual says should not be towed with wheels on the ground
  • A car that will not shift out of park or cannot roll
  • Crash or suspension damage that makes a wheel turn badly or not at all
  • Low ground clearance or a front end that could scrape a wheel-lift
  • Electric and hybrid vehicles, where the manual often calls for a flatbed. Follow your manual
  • A vehicle that has to come out of a tight spot after a winch-out
  • A car you want to protect such as a high-end vehicle

For two-wheelers, see motorcycle towing and our guide to getting a motorcycle towed safely.

What should I tell dispatch?

Give the make, model and year, whether it is all-wheel drive, whether it starts, whether it shifts and rolls, any damage, and where it is parked, such as a garage, a tight street or a lot. Tell us if the car is low or modified. More in what to tell a tow truck dispatcher.

Does a flatbed cost more?

It can, because of the equipment. We do not post prices. Ask for the total on the call. See how much towing costs in Philadelphia.

Sources and notes

A little clarity goes a long way

GOOD QUESTIONS.STRAIGHT ANSWERS.

Is a flatbed always better?

For most vehicles it is the safer default. It is especially important for all-wheel-drive vehicles, damaged cars and cars that cannot roll. Some older or simple vehicles can be towed other ways without harm.

Where do I find out how my car should be towed?

In the owner’s manual, usually under “towing” or “emergency towing.” Many manufacturers also publish it on their owner websites.

Does O’Hara & Sons Towing offer flatbed towing?

Yes. See flatbed towing. Ask for a flatbed when you call (267) 377-3246.

Can you flatbed a car that will not start?

Often, yes. Tell us it does not start, whether it shifts into neutral, and where it is parked, so we can plan for winching.

Can I ride along?

Ask when you call. Seating depends on the truck and the job.

Call for a flatbed

O’Hara & Sons Towing, (267) 377-3246, open 24/7. Flatbed towing · Contact