The Ultimate Guide to Tow Truck Services: Everything You Need to Know

Car troubles can happen to anyone, anytime. Maybe your engine dies in the middle of the road, or you end up with a flat tyre on a deserted highway. In moments like these, a tow truck service is your best bet to get moving again. But not all towing services are the same, and choosing the right one can save you a lot of money and stress.
A local tow truck service can be a lifesaver when your vehicle refuses to cooperate. Some companies offer 24 hour tow truck services, meaning you’re never stuck for long. Others specialise in cheap towing for budget-conscious drivers. There are also options for heavy-duty towing, motorcycle tow truck services, and even tilt tray towing for delicate or high-end vehicles.
The cost of a tow truck service depends on several factors, such as distance, vehicle type, and the towing method used. Some people panic when they see tow truck prices, but knowing what to expect can help. A reliable car tow company won’t hit you with hidden fees, and a good local tow truck service will always be upfront about pricing.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from different types of tow trucks to tips on choosing the best tow company for your situation. Let’s start by breaking down the various types of tow trucks and their uses.

Not all tow trucks are built the same. The type of truck a tow company sends depends on the situation, the vehicle, and the location. Here are the most common types of tow trucks and how they work.

A flatbed tow truck is one of the safest and most common options for moving a vehicle. The truck has a long flat platform that tilts down, allowing the vehicle to be driven or winched onto it. Once secured, the bed levels out, making it easy to transport the vehicle without dragging or causing damage.

Best for: Luxury cars, motorcycles, and vehicles that can’t be driven
Why it’s popular: Reduces the risk of damage, easy to load
Cost: Usually more expensive than hook and chain towing, but worth it for safety

If you're searching for a tilt tray near me, you’re likely looking for a flatbed tow truck service. A tilt tray towing truck is another name for this type of tow truck.

This old-school towing method uses a hook and chain to lift one end of the vehicle off the ground while the other end drags behind. It was widely used in the past but is now mostly reserved for wrecked cars or scrap vehicles since the chains can damage the body.

Best for: Damaged or junk vehicles
Why it’s less common: Can scratch and dent the car
Cost: Usually one of the cheaper options for short distances

If you're looking for a cheap tow truck, this method might seem appealing. However, it’s not ideal for modern cars due to the potential for damage.

A wheel-lift tow truck is an upgrade from the hook and chain method. Instead of using chains, it has a metal yoke that lifts either the front or rear wheels of the vehicle while the other wheels remain on the road. This is a common affordable tow truck option for city towing.

Best for: Quick tows, front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Why it’s popular: Less risk of damage than hook and chain towing
Cost: More affordable than flatbed towing but varies based on distance

This is a great option for cheap towing, especially for short distances. Many local tow truck services use this method for everyday breakdowns.

An integrated tow truck is built for heavy-duty jobs, often seen towing buses, trucks, and large commercial vehicles. These trucks have extra axles and a reinforced arm to handle massive loads.

Best for: Truck recovery, buses, and heavy machinery
Why it’s essential: Can handle large vehicles safely
Cost: More expensive due to the complexity of the job

If you need heavy duty towing, an integrated tow truck is your best bet. It’s commonly used by big tow companies that specialise in truck recovery and large-scale vehicle transportation.

A motorcycle tow truck is a specialised service for bike owners. These trucks either use a flatbed or a cradle system to keep the motorcycle stable during transport.

Best for: Motorcycles, scooters, and smaller two-wheeled vehicles
Why it’s important: Prevents tipping or damage to the bike
Cost: Varies based on distance and type of transport used

Many car tow companies also offer motorcycle tow services, so it’s worth checking if your local tow truck service can handle bikes.

A tow truck service isn’t just for accidents. There are plenty of reasons you might need help getting your car off the road. Knowing when to call a car tow truck can save you from making things worse or causing damage to your vehicle.

One of the most common reasons for calling a tow truck company is a breakdown. This can happen for many reasons:

Engine failure – Your car won’t start, or it dies while driving.
Overheating – If your temperature gauge is in the red, driving further can destroy your engine.

If your car won’t move and you’re stranded, an affordable tow truck can get you to a mechanic without breaking the bank. Many local tow truck services offer cheap towing for short distances.

If you’ve been in a crash, your car might not be safe to drive. Even if the damage looks minor, there could be hidden problems that make the vehicle dangerous.

Bent frame or alignment issues – Driving a damaged car could lead to a bigger accident.
Leaking fluids – Oil, coolant, or fuel leaks can cause fires or further damage.
Broken lights or airbags deployed – If your car isn’t road-legal, it needs a tow.

In these cases, an emergency towing service is the safest option. A 24 hour tow truck can be called anytime to get your vehicle to safety.

It happens to the best of us—misjudging how far we can go on an empty tank. Some tow truck companies provide fuel delivery, but if you're too far from a petrol station, a tow might be the only option.

If you’re stuck somewhere remote, a 24 hour tow truck is your best bet. Some local tow truck services charge a small fee to bring fuel instead of towing you all the way to a station.

Many people don’t realise that some tow truck companies offer lockout services. Instead of breaking a window, call a cheap towing service that can unlock your car safely.

If you’ve lost your keys, a car tow company can take your car to a dealer or locksmith. Always check the price before agreeing, as lockout services vary in cost.

The cost of a tow truck service depends on several factors, and prices can range widely depending on where you are, the type of tow you need, and the company you call. Here’s what you need to know about tow truck cost and how to avoid overpaying. If you’re looking for a cheap tow truck, check for local tow truck services with fair pricing. Some tow companies offer flat rates for short distances.

Several things can impact the final tow truck price:

Distance – The further your car needs to go, the more it will cost.
Type of tow truck – A flatbed tow truck costs more than a wheel-lift tow truck.
Time of day – Late-night or 24 hour tow truck services can be pricier.
Location – If you’re in a remote area, expect higher fees.
Vehicle size – Large vehicles require heavy duty towing, which costs more.

If you want an affordable tow truck, ask for a price estimate before agreeing to a service.

Some tow truck companies advertise cheap towing but add extra fees later. Watch out for:

Hook-up fees – Some companies charge a base fee just to attach the car.
Per-mile charges – Always check the per-mile rate before agreeing.
Storage fees – If your car gets towed to a yard, you may be charged daily fees.

A reliable local tow truck service will be upfront about tow truck prices. If a car tow company refuses to give a price estimate, look elsewhere.

If you want cheap towing without sacrificing quality, follow these tips:

Compare prices – Check online reviews and call multiple tow companies.
Look for local services – A local tow truck service is often cheaper than a big national company.
Ask about roadside assistance – Some companies offer minor repairs instead of towing.

If you need a tilt tray near me, search for tilt tray towing services instead of standard tow trucks. Flatbed towing is more expensive but safer for luxury or damaged cars.

Finding a good tow truck service isn’t just about price—it’s about trust. When your car breaks down, you don’t want to be stuck waiting hours for help or dealing with hidden fees. A reliable car tow company will be honest about pricing, quick to respond, and careful with your vehicle. Here’s how to choose the right one.

Not all tow companies are the same. Some have excellent service, while others take advantage of desperate drivers. Before calling a local tow truck service, check online reviews. Look for:

Google reviews – A company with good ratings and recent positive feedback is a safe bet.
Social media pages – See if they interact with customers and handle complaints professionally.
Word of mouth – Ask friends or family if they have a trusted car tow truck service.

If a tow company has lots of complaints about high prices, late arrivals, or damaged vehicles, look elsewhere.

When you're stranded, you don’t want to wait forever. A good local tow truck service should have a fast response time, especially for emergency towing.

City areas – A tow truck should arrive in 30–60 minutes.
Highways – Depending on traffic, it may take 45 minutes to an hour.
Remote locations – This can take longer, but a good tow company will give you an ETA.

If a company claims to be a 24 hour tow truck service but can’t provide a clear time estimate, they may not be as reliable as they claim.

A proper tow truck service will be upfront about costs. Before you agree, ask:

What’s the total price? (Including hook-up and per-mile charges)
Are there extra fees? (For late-night or long-distance towing)
Do you offer cheap towing? (Some companies have discounts for short-distance tows)

Some affordable tow truck services, like Fateh Tow Services, are known for fair pricing and reliable help. Always ask for a final price before they start towing.

A professional tow truck company should be licensed and insured. This protects your car if something goes wrong.

Insurance – Covers damage if your car is mishandled.
Certification – Shows that the company meets industry standards.

If a car tow company isn’t licensed, avoid them. Unlicensed operators may offer cheap tow trucks, but they’re risky.

How a tow company treats you on the phone says a lot. If they’re rude, dismissive, or refuse to give clear pricing, move on. A good local tow truck service will be polite, clear, and helpful.

Sometimes, people try to tow their own car to avoid tow truck costs, but is that really a smart move? DIY towing might seem like a cheap towing option, but it comes with risks. Unless you have the right equipment and experience, you could end up damaging your vehicle, breaking the law, or even causing an accident. Here’s what you need to know before attempting to tow your own car.

DIY towing isn’t as simple as tying a rope between two cars and driving off. There are serious dangers involved, including:

Car damage – If the car isn’t properly secured, it could swing out of control and hit another vehicle.
Brake failure – If the towed car’s brakes fail, it could slam into the towing vehicle.
Legal issues – Many places have laws against DIY towing unless you have proper equipment.
Loss of control – A towed car without a proper tow bar can swerve unpredictably.

Professional tow truck services, like Fateh Tow Services, use the right tools and techniques to ensure a safe tow. If you’re inexperienced, it’s always better to call a local tow truck service than risk a DIY disaster.

If you’re determined to tow a car yourself, you’ll need the right gear. Here’s what’s required:

Tow bar or tow dolly – A tow rope or chain isn’t safe for most cars. A tow bar connects both vehicles securely.
Working brakes on the towed car – If the car’s brakes don’t work, it’s not safe to tow.
Proper lighting – Many places require towed vehicles to have brake lights and turn signals.
A strong towing vehicle – A small car can’t tow a larger one. You’ll need a vehicle with the right towing capacity.

If you don’t have all of these, it’s best to call a professional tow company instead of risking damage to both vehicles.

Laws about DIY towing vary by location, but many places have strict regulations. Common legal requirements include:

Weight limits – Your towing vehicle must be able to handle the weight of the towed car.
Distance limits – Some areas only allow short-distance towing without professional help.
Proper equipment – Using a simple rope or chain is illegal in many places.

If you’re unsure about the laws in your area, it’s safer to hire a car tow company like Fateh Tow Services. They handle all the legal requirements for you.

The best way to avoid scams is to only use reputable tow truck services. Fateh Tow Services is known for fair pricing, quick response times, and professional service. Instead of risking a shady cheap tow truck, go with a company you can trust.