What is Car Towing? Here are the Types and the Difference with Car Tow Truck

Friends may often see cars that have been damaged, such as those that have been in an accident, being transported using a truck by lifting the entire vehicle onto the truck bed. This truck is called a car towing truck, which is specifically tasked with transporting severely damaged vehicles. Car towing is an important solution for transporting vehicles that are damaged, immobile, or need to be sent to a specific location.

This process uses a special truck designed to transport vehicles without touching the road surface, ensuring the safety and condition of the car is maintained. In addition to cars, towing is also used to transport heavy equipment, making it an ideal choice for various transportation needs. This article will further discuss what car towing is, the types of towing trucks, and the differences between the towing process and car winching, which is often considered similar but has fundamental differences in the way it works and the tools used.

What is Car Towing?

Car towing is the process of transporting motor vehicles with the help of a truck or special vehicle. Generally, car towing is used to transport motor vehicles that are to be delivered to various locations. For example, the process of delivering cars by dealers to several areas in Jakarta at one time. Additionally, towing can also be used to transport broken down cars, cars that cannot be moved due to mechanical failure, or emergency situations such as being trapped in a flood. 

In addition to cars, towing is also used to transport motorcycles or heavy equipment. In the towing process, the vehicle being transported is fully lifted onto the truck so that all parts of the car do not touch the road surface. In the towing process, the truck used will be adjusted to the size and capacity of the vehicle.

Types of Car Towing Trucks

After you understand what towing is, you need to know the types of trucks used for the towing process. The complete types are as follows.

1. Standard Towing Truck

As the name suggests, this towing truck meets factory standards and has no modifications. This type usually has two inclined metal boards. These metal boards are usually connected to a bed located on top of the truck that is used during the vehicle lifting process. Next, the vehicle will be slowly lifted onto the bed. 

2. Hydraulic Towing Truck

As the name suggests, this type of towing truck uses a hydraulic system in its mechanism. The towing bed will be lowered until it touches the ground. Next, the vehicle will be lifted onto the towing bed, then slowly transported to the top of the truck. Given its hydraulic mechanism, this type of towing truck can easily transport cars with low ground clearance. To rent a hydraulic towing truck, you need to prepare a higher cost compared to renting a standard towing truck. 

Differences Between Car Towing and Winching

The towing mechanism is indeed quite similar to car winching, as both involve transporting vehicles using a truck. However, fundamentally, both have significant differences as follows.

1. Tools Used

As explained earlier, car towing utilizes metal boards to lift vehicles. Additionally, in hydraulic towing trucks, the vehicle transportation process is carried out using a hydraulic system. Meanwhile, in car winching, the tow truck uses a pulley system to transport the vehicle. The vehicle will be attached to the pulley for the lifting and pulling process.

2. Method of Transportation

The next difference can be seen from the method of transportation. For car towing, the vehicle is transported onto the bed located at the back of the towing truck. This way, the transported vehicle does not touch the road surface. In contrast, in car winching, only part of the vehicle is lifted, and there are still parts of the vehicle that touch the road surface.

3. Service Providers

The next difference can be seen from the service providers. Generally, car towing services are managed by private companies. Meanwhile, car winching is managed by government entities such as Jasa Marga or the Transportation Department. 

Read Also: Here are the Types and Costs of Car Winching Services, Must Know!

As explained above, mechanical failures in cars can cause the car to need towing. To prevent your car from such mechanical failures, make sure to regularly service your car at the official Daihatsu workshop.