When your car breaks down, you don’t think about towing methods right away. You just want your vehicle off the road and to a safe place. But the type of tow truck matters. It makes a big difference for your car’s condition and your peace of mind. The two most common options are flatbed towing in NJ and hook and chain towing. Both have been around for years. Both can get your car from one place to another. But they work in very different ways. So, if you are searching for a towing service near me, this blog is for you. Let’s discuss which towing method is best for your situation, and by the end, we will be revealing the best towing company in NJ.
What Is Hook and Chain Towing?
Hook and chain towing is the old-school method. A metal hook attaches to the front or rear of the car. Then, chains wrap around the frame or axle. Once secured, the truck pulls the vehicle with two wheels off the ground while the other two roll on the road.
This method was the standard decades ago. It’s still used today, but far less often. Why? Because it can be rough on vehicles. Chains and hooks put stress on the frame. Tires and suspension take a beating as the car drags behind the truck.
Hook and chain towing works best for vehicles that are already badly damaged. For example, if your car is going to the junkyard, this method gets the job done. But for a car you still plan to drive, it may not be the best idea.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing uses a truck with a long, flat platform in the back. The bed tilts downward to create a ramp. The car is either driven up or pulled up with a winch. Once the vehicle is on the platform, the bed tilts back into place. The entire car rests on the flat surface, secured with straps.
With this method, none of the tires touch the ground. That means no extra wear and no road damage during the tow. Flatbed towing is now the preferred method for most modern vehicles. It’s safe, secure, and easy on the car.
Searching for a towing service near me? Read this: How to Find the Best Towing Service Near Me?
Differences Between Flatbed and Hook and Chain Towing
Contact with the Road
- Hook and chain: Two wheels stay on the ground.
- Flatbed: All four wheels are lifted off the road.
Risk of Damage
- Hook and chain: Can harm bumpers, frames, and tires. Paint may get scratched by chains.
- Flatbed: Car sits fully on the platform. Almost no risk of road wear or chain damage.
Vehicle Type
- Hook and chain: Often used for junk cars or vehicles already wrecked.
- Flatbed: Works well for luxury cars, low-clearance cars, motorcycles, and even SUVs or trucks.
Cost
- Hook and chain: Usually cheaper because the equipment is simpler.
- Flatbed: Tends to cost more, but the safety and care balance out the price.
When to Choose Hook and Chain
There are times when hook and chain make sense. If your car is totaled and heading to a scrap yard, you don’t need to worry about scratches or tire damage. This method is quick and usually less expensive.
Some tow operators still use hook and chain trucks for off-road rescues. If your vehicle is stuck in mud or a ditch, the chains can pull it out. But even then, once the car is back on level ground, a flatbed may still be used for transport.
When to Choose Flatbed
Flatbed towing is the safer choice for most cars. If you drive a new car, a sports car, or any vehicle with low clearance, a flatbed is best. It keeps your investment protected.
Flatbeds are also ideal for all-wheel drive vehicles. With a hook and chain, two wheels roll while the other two are locked. That can destroy the drivetrain. A flatbed avoids this problem by lifting the entire car.
If you’re going a long distance, flatbed towing makes the ride smoother. The car doesn’t rack up mileage, the tires don’t spin, and there’s no risk of roadside debris hitting the undercarriage.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your car is in decent shape and you plan to keep driving it, go with flatbed towing. The peace of mind is worth the extra dollars. If the car is already wrecked and headed to the scrapyard, a hook and chain is fine.
Think about the value of your car. Think about the distance you need to travel. And think about future repair bills. In most cases, the safer choice is flatbed.
Quality 1st Towing – #1 Towing Company in NJ
If you are searching for a towing service near me, contact Quality 1st Towing. Our team is well-trained and experienced. They carefully tow your vehicle and safely transport it. We provide all types of towing services according to your needs.
Feel free to call us anytime. Our services are available 24/7.
