A flatbed tow in Centennial, CO puts your whole vehicle on a tilting deck with all four wheels off the pavement. It is the right call for all-wheel-drive cars, low-clearance cars, and anything with a damaged wheel or no working transmission. Centennial Towing serves Centennial and 20 surrounding service areas.
A flatbed has a bed that tilts back and slides down to the ground. A winch pulls your car up the slope, and it then rides level with every tire off the road. Nothing drags and nothing turns. For many modern cars that is the only tow that does not cause a second problem.
Tell the dispatcher what the car is, not just where it is. Make, model, and whether it is all-wheel drive decide whether a flatbed is optional or required.
Which cars should never be towed on their wheels?
All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles are the main ones. Their wheels are linked, so rolling just the front or rear pair while the others spin can strain the drivetrain. Many automatics also cannot be towed with the drive wheels down, because the transmission is not lubricated when the engine is off.
Cars that sit very low are the other group. A conventional hook-and-chain truck needs room to get under the bumper, and a lowered car or one with a deep front splitter may not offer it.
- All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles
- Automatics when you cannot shift into neutral
- Cars with a bent axle, a flat tire, or a wheel that will not turn
- Anything low enough that a sling would scrape it
What can go wrong while a car is being loaded?
A car that will not roll is the hard part, since the winch has to do all the pulling. If the wheel is locked or the steering is jammed, say so on the phone so the driver brings the right gear.
Keep valuables out of the trunk and note any existing scratches before the car goes up the deck. Take a few photos of each side. The deck is also where a dispute over damage is easiest to settle, because you have a before picture.
Where does the car go after pickup?
Decide that before the truck arrives. You can name a repair shop, your home, or a dealership, and the driver needs the address and whether someone will be there to receive the car. Ask for the total quote before the hookup starts, including any extra charge for a long haul.
Is a flatbed better than a regular tow truck?
For most cars made in the last twenty years, yes. A flatbed carries the whole car, so there is no drivetrain wear and no bumper contact. A hook-and-chain truck is fine for a short move of a basic rear-drive car with a free-rolling transmission.
Can a flatbed take a car that will not start?
Yes. The car is winched onto the deck, so it does not need to run, steer, or roll. Tell the dispatcher if the wheels are locked or the battery is dead, because that changes how the driver loads it.
What should I tell the dispatcher when I call?
Give your exact location, the make and model, whether it is all-wheel drive, and what is wrong with it. Mention anything unusual, such as a lowered suspension or a flat. Then ask for a price before the truck is sent.