Modern cars are light weight, energy efficient, and stylish. They are designed to absorb energy in crashes, with bumpers that crumple instead of delivering a huge jolt to car passengers. The trade-off is a vehicle that is in some ways more delicate, making them more difficult to tow. Car carrier tow trucks, sometimes called flatbeds or rollbacks, are the best way to safely transport these vehicles, with minimal risk of tow damage. These rigs have a flatbed platform that tilts back. The entire car fits on the flatbed, meaning that the car is "carried" rather than towed. Three important reasons to request that car carrier for your next tow are listed below.

Fibreglass Bumpers – Lightweight But Prone to Bending

While few cars are made entirely of fibreglass, modern cars typically have parts made of this substance. The idea is to decrease weight to increase gas mileage. While fibreglass does this admirably, the material is not nearly as dent-proof as steel and can be damaged easily when towed. Front and rear bumpers are notorious for being made of fibreglass or plastic. They also tend to be filled with high-density foam, or other energy absorbing materials. Unfortunately, these bumpers tend to bend and sometimes break off if the car is towed using your typical tow truck with a sling. If your car has a fairly high ground clearance, a wheel-lift rig, which picks up and tows the car by the tires, is another option.

Low Slung Front and Rear Ends – Not Enough Clearance

Some cars are built extremely low to the ground. Additionally, some owners tend to add air dams and spoilers to the front and back, further reducing ground clearance. These accessories are usually made of plastic and/or fibreglass. They look great and can make your car more aerodynamic, but when it comes to towing, air dams and spoilers are a disaster. Sometimes there's not enough clearance for even the wheel-lift trucks to get the wheel-lift tow mechanism under the car. When the car is picked up, you also have the issue of the front or back end dragging on the pavement. The car carrier is by far the best option.

Transmission Issues -- Eliminates Damage

The basic rule is that front wheel drive cars get towed from the front, rear wheel drive cars are towed from the rear. Make a mistake and you run the risk of damaging the transmission. Sometimes a tow driver will determine that because of a car's low-slung back or front, following that rule isn't possible. Out come the dollies, a set of wheels that are set under the tires on the end of the car that stays on the ground. The other option is for the tow driver to disconnect the driveshaft, which must be reconnected by your mechanic. Both the dollies and the driveshaft drop are extra expenses you could have avoided by requesting a car carrier.

For more information, contact companies like USA Towing Services LLC.

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