Wheel-lift towing uses a hydraulic lift that cradles a vehicle's front or rear wheels and raises them off the ground, towing the vehicle on its remaining wheels. This is the standard method for most everyday towing situations – faster to hook up than a flatbed and well-suited for shorter tows where the vehicle isn't dealing with major drivetrain damage or all-wheel drive limitations.
You need this when your vehicle won't start, has a dead battery, needs to move from a breakdown location to a shop, or is otherwise mechanically sound enough to roll on its wheels but can't be driven under its own power. Wheel-lift towing handles the large majority of standard tow calls efficiently, though vehicles with transmission damage, all-wheel drive systems, or low ground clearance sometimes need flatbed instead, which we'll assess on arrival if there's any question.
We position the tow truck and lower the wheel-lift unit under the appropriate end of the vehicle, typically the front wheels for a standard rear-wheel-drive vehicle. We secure the wheels in the lift cradle, raise them off the ground, and confirm the vehicle is properly secured before heading out. For all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, we check whether the drivetrain can safely handle wheel-lift towing or whether it needs the full-vehicle-off-the-ground approach instead. We drive at appropriate speeds for the tow and lower the vehicle carefully once we reach the destination.
Cost depends on distance and time of day, with a base hookup fee plus mileage being the standard structure. Vehicles in San Francisco, CA needing a tow to a specific shop or location can have that destination arranged directly with dispatch.
Need a fast, affordable tow? Call (253) 319-3174 for wheel-lift dispatch.
