Owning a car is exciting and fulfilling. However, with it comes responsibilities such as adhering to repairs and maintenance schedules. Examples of issues you might encounter include a flat tire, dead battery, overheating engine, or worn-out brake pads. All these problems could render your vehicle immobile, and when that happens, you need an emergency tow truck to haul your vehicle to the nearest auto shop.

However, there are several factors you must consider when hiring a tow truck. For example, do 24/7 emergency tow trucks differ, and is each used for a different application? Therefore, you should be careful when hiring towing services.

1. Hook and Chain Towing Truck

These towing trucks have been in existence longer than any other tow trucks you see around. They are more of a traditional option but still in use. Hook and chain trucks can tow just about any vehicle. However, they might cause more damage during towing. For instance, they can scrape some paint off and leave other parts such as the bumper, damaged. Therefore, they are not ideal for wrecked vehicles. Even though some prefer hook and chain tow trucks due to their affordability, their popularity has drastically decreased.

2. Flatbed Towing Truck

As their name suggests, flatbed tow trucks have a flat rear end, which is hydraulically lowered first when loading your vehicle. Then, your vehicle will be safely secured for transportation. As such, there is minimal damage to your vehicle, making it effective when towing totaled vehicles. If you have a heavy vehicle, it can be hauled using another flatbed option called a rollback, which features an extended back. So when looking for 24/7 emergency towing services, ask about the truck that will be sent to your aid.

3. Wheel Lift Towing Truck

The wheel lift truck mechanism is almost the same as traditional tow trucks. However, they do not use hooks or chains. Instead, these trucks feature a yoke that hoists the front part of your car. As such, this method is much safer and does not cause damage to your vehicle. Also, the loading process is easy compared to its counterpart, and it is thus best suited for situations where a car is stuck on a highway.

If you are a car owner, it is paramount to understand the different tow trucks available. You will have an idea about the emergency towing service options you can consider when your car breaks down. However, if you are unsure about the emergency tow truck to choose, consult the towing company for guidance.