Towing a car is a fairly stressful experience most of us would rather avoid than ever even have to consider. But, the truth is, sometimes it’s just something we have to go through if we want to get our vehicles back up and running at the shop, somewhere. And, when that day comes, knowing the difference between light and heavy-duty towing can be a lifesaver.
So join us, today, as we break down these two towing services, the types of tow trucks responsible for each, and where they are best put to use.
Light Duty Towing
When it comes to light towing services, it’s not uncommon to find standard tow truck routines. These duties should typically include:
- removal of abandoned vehicles
- towing vehicles away from private property
- recovering from accidents
Light duty work typically involves towing smaller sedans and “city driving” cars. These cars are considered “light duty” tows, and the truck and driver sent out on the job need to be appropriate to their size. There are different types of trucks that work best for this, but most should be lighter and more efficient to drive. Throw too much truck at the job, and the tow actually ends up taking more time and resources than it ever possibly could have otherwise.
This is why lightweight towing duty work towing is a specialty and so in demand.
Heavy Duty Towing
For heavy-weight vehicles, a much larger truck will be necessary to perform the tow. It all comes down to a combination of both torque and horsepower, which gives you the ability to pull and move while pulling. The smaller the car, the less you’ll need it. But, at these levels, more is better.
Tow trucks operating in this capacity need specific features for pulling these cars. These include:
- a 25-ton boom lift
- a winch
- a 6-ton wheel lift
Of course, if you set your mind to it, you can accomplish more with less, but the truth is smaller truck types aren’t sustainable and could lead to damages. Heavy-duty trucks are pretty essential in this kind of work, being used to handle the biggest jobs and carry the biggest loads. You’ll find them at play for their sheer towing capacity.
Choosing the Right Tow Truck Types for Your Needs
In the world of auto repairs and towing, no two makes, models, or even units are ever the same. Your vehicle and your neighbors might have been made the same year, but act like two different cars entirely. And that means, when breakdowns or issues do occur, your best bet is to know who to call and what kind of service you need.
Whether heavy or light duty towing, this never has been a “one-size-fits-all” kind of service. Tow operators will feature a range of truck sizes for this exact reason – so they have a fleet with which to manage different towing duties.
This is why it’s so important to do your research and find out which companies offer the work you need before reaching out. Businesses with extensive towing experience and a good reputation in their local area are still as important as ever and will be your best bet. Ask about their license and equipment, as well as all safety measures they’ll be taking so you don’t have to worry about liabilities.
Looking for more insights ahead of calling your next towing service? Check out our awesome blogs on the topic, or visit us today to find out more about our light and heavy-duty towing services.