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Flatbed or wheel-lift: which tow does your car need?

ZeroTow · Updated October 9, 2026

Both get your car where it's going. The right one depends on the car and its condition. You choose the tow type when you book.

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Flatbed: the whole car rides on the bed

  • Best for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive cars.
  • Best for lowered cars and sports cars that scrape on a ramp or a hook.
  • Electric and hybrid cars: many manufacturers say a flatbed only, so check your owner's manual.
  • Cars with serious damage, flat tires, a missing wheel or a stuck transmission.
  • Motorcycles, classic cars and anything you don't want rolling on its own wheels.

Wheel-lift: two wheels stay on the ground

A wheel-lift truck lifts the front or the rear wheels and tows the car on the other two. It's quick and works for short trips with an ordinary car that rolls freely. Its big advantage is getting into tight places like garages and low parking structures, where a flatbed can't fit.

Not sure which to pick?

If you're unsure, choose flatbed, or tell the driver about the car in the note when you book. A good note names the year, make and model, says whether it's all-wheel-drive, electric or hybrid, and mentions any damage, flat tires, no keys or a parking brake that's stuck.

What else to put in the note

  • Where the car is: a parking level, a gate or garage code, the height limit at the entrance.
  • Whether it's in a tight space, against a wall or on soft ground.
  • The best number to reach you.