Flatbed towing services are the safest way to move luxury, AWD, electric and damaged vehicles, because the whole car rides on the truck instead of rolling on the road. That matters more as cars get more complex. Canadians registered 1,866,714 new vehicles in 2025, and many of them are all-wheel-drive SUVs or electric models that shouldn’t be towed with wheels on the ground.
This guide explains how flatbeds work, which vehicles need one and what to check before you book.
Key Takeaways
- A flatbed tow truck carries your entire vehicle on a flat platform, so no wheels touch the road during the tow.
- Luxury, sports, classic and low-clearance cars benefit most, because a flatbed avoids scraped bumpers and drivetrain wear.
- Damaged vehicles belong on a flatbed when wheels, axles, steering or suspension are broken.
- Most AWD vehicles and EVs should be moved on a flatbed to avoid expensive drivetrain damage.
- A good provider explains the price before the tow and secures your car properly for transport.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Flatbed Tow Truck?
- Why Are Flatbed Towing Services Better for Luxury Cars?
- How Do Flatbed Tow Trucks Handle Damaged Vehicles?
- Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Is Safer?
- Which Vehicles Should Always Go on a Flatbed?
- What Should You Look for When Searching “Flatbed Towing Near Me”?
- How Much Does Flatbed Towing Cost?
- FAQs
What Is a Flatbed Tow Truck?
A flatbed tow truck has a long, flat platform that tilts down to ground level. Your vehicle is pulled or driven onto it, secured, and carried to its destination with all four wheels off the road.
Flatbed tow trucks are sometimes called rollbacks or slide-bed trucks. They differ from wheel-lift trucks, which raise one end of the car and let the other two wheels roll behind.
How a Flatbed Tow Works
- The bed tilts and slides down to form a ramp.
- The car is winched or driven slowly onto the bed.
- The driver secures the vehicle so it can’t shift.
- The bed returns to a level position for the trip.
- At the destination, the process reverses.
Why Are Flatbed Towing Services Better for Luxury Cars?
Flatbed towing services protect luxury cars from the scrapes, strain and road wear that can happen when a car is towed on two wheels. For expensive vehicles, small damage can mean a big repair bill.
What Luxury Car Owners Worry About
- Low front bumpers and spoilers that can scrape during a wheel-lift tow
- Air suspension systems that react badly to being lifted at one end
- AWD drivetrains that can wear when two wheels spin and two don’t
- Custom or large wheels that are easy to scuff
- Road salt and debris during a Kitchener winter
Luxury car towing on a flatbed removes most of those risks. The car sits level, the wheels don’t turn and the underbody stays clear of the road.
Our tip: Tell the dispatcher if your car has air suspension, a low front end or a transport or tow mode. Many luxury models have a setting that should be switched on before loading. Your owner’s manual will say how.
How Do Flatbed Tow Trucks Handle Damaged Vehicles?
Flatbed tow trucks can carry a damaged car even when it can’t roll, steer or brake properly. That makes them the standard choice after collisions and serious mechanical failures.
When Damaged Vehicle Towing Needs a Flatbed
Damaged vehicle towing on a flatbed is the safe option if your car has:
- Broken wheels, axles or suspension parts
- Steering damage after a collision
- Two or more flat or destroyed tires
- A locked transmission or seized engine
- Fluid leaks that could get worse if the car is dragged
A wheel-lift tow puts stress on parts that may already be broken. A flatbed carries the car without asking the damaged parts to do any work.
Damaged Electric Vehicles Need Extra Care
A damaged EV battery can be a safety risk. Ontario’s towing rate rules even list damaged electric vehicle storage as its own category, separate from regular storage. If your EV has been in a crash, tell the dispatcher so the driver can plan the safest way to move it.
Example: After a tire blowout on Highway 8, a driver’s front wheel and suspension were damaged. A wheel-lift tow would have dragged the broken corner. A flatbed carried the car to the body shop without making the damage worse. For more on blowouts, read how professional flat tire services handle tire blowouts safely.
Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Is Safer?
A flatbed is safer for most vehicles because none of the wheels touch the road. Wheel-lift towing is quicker for short moves of some undamaged front-wheel-drive cars.
| Factor | Flatbed towing | Wheel-lift towing |
| Wheels on the road | None | Two |
| Drivetrain wear | None | Possible, especially for AWD |
| Best for luxury and low cars | Yes | Risk of scraping |
| Best for damaged vehicles | Yes | Not suitable for many |
| Long-distance moves | Ideal | Less suitable |
| Quick short tows | Good | Good |
Our view: If you’re unsure, ask for a flatbed. The small difference in cost is far less than a damaged transmission or bumper.
Which Vehicles Should Always Go on a Flatbed?
AWD vehicles, EVs, luxury and sports cars, classics, low-clearance cars and damaged vehicles should almost always be towed on a flatbed. Check your owner’s manual for your car’s towing guidance.
- All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, including many SUVs and crossovers
- Electric and hybrid vehicles, whose motors and drive systems can be damaged by wheel-lift towing
- Luxury and exotic cars
- Classic and collector cars
- Low-clearance and lowered cars
- Cars that won’t start, steer or roll
- Vehicles going a long distance
At Grand River Towing, we use flatbeds for sedans, SUVs, minivans, small pickups and all the vehicles above.
What Should You Look for When Searching “Flatbed Towing Near Me”?
When you search for flatbed towing near me, look for a local company that’s available 24/7, uses well-maintained flatbeds, secures vehicles properly and explains the price before starting.
Your Checklist
- 24/7 availability, since breakdowns don’t wait for business hours
- Local trucks that can reach you quickly
- A clear quote with no hidden fees
- Careful loading and securing, especially for luxury and damaged cars
- Ontario tow operator certification, shown on the truck and invoice
- Good local reviews
Prepare Your Car Before Pickup
- Take photos of all sides of the car
- Remove valuables and loose items
- Tell the driver about low clearance, air suspension or tow mode
- Have the keys ready, including for a shop drop-off
How Much Does Flatbed Towing Cost?
Flatbed towing usually costs a little more than wheel-lift towing. The price depends on your vehicle, the distance, your location and the destination.
What Affects the Price
- Distance to the destination
- Vehicle size and weight
- Extra work, such as winching a car that can’t roll
- Time of day, as some calls come late at night or on holidays
In Ontario, a certified tow operator must give you its rates and get your consent before towing, unless police direct the tow. Grand River Towing explains every cost before we start, with no confusion and no hidden fees.
Need a Flatbed Tow Today?
Protect your vehicle with safe, careful flatbed towing services from Grand River Towing. Call (519) 729-0982 for help across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and nearby towns, 24/7. Learn more about our flatbed towing service or request a free quote.
FAQs
Is flatbed towing better than regular towing?
For most vehicles, yes. A flatbed keeps all four wheels off the road, so there’s no wear on your tires, drivetrain or suspension during the tow.
Do AWD cars need a flatbed tow?
Usually, yes. Towing an AWD car with two wheels on the ground can damage the drivetrain. Check your owner’s manual, but a flatbed is the safe choice.
Can a flatbed tow a car that won’t roll?
Yes. The driver uses a winch to pull the car onto the bed, even if its wheels are locked or damaged.
How do I tow an electric car?
Most manufacturers recommend a flatbed. Tell the dispatcher it’s an EV, and mention any collision damage so the driver can plan safely.
Does a flatbed cost more than a wheel-lift tow?
Usually a little more. The extra protection is worth it for luxury, AWD, electric and damaged vehicles.
Give Your Car the Ride It Deserves
Your car is too valuable to risk on the wrong truck. Flatbed towing services keep luxury, electric and damaged vehicles safe from pickup to drop-off.
Save our number now. Call Grand River Towing at (519) 729-0982 for careful flatbed towing whenever you need it.
