You may have seen a tow truck loading an immobilized vehicle. Or you might have experienced towing first hand. A tow truck is a type of wrecker that is an essential vehicle in the transit field. It assists drivers in distress when their car breaks down or when they experience an accident. Tow trucks are indispensable because they not only carry your vehicle but also because they have many duties to perform.
As there are various types of these specialized trucks, each type has a totally different function to perform. These trucks ensure that the traffic flows seamlessly and help to remove any sort of blockages from the road. If you are curious about the role of tow trucks in the realm of transport, keep reading this blog. This blog covers the operations of the tow trucks and their fundamental role in assisting drivers in need.
Types of Tow Trucks
These trucks are available in various types. Each type has its own combination of equipment to suit different towing needs.
Flatbed Truck: This type offers a platform that accommodates an entire car. It can be hydraulically inclined and can be angled down to the ground. This function makes it convenient for the car to drive directly onto the flat platform. Vehicles are secure after they are loaded on the bed, which mitigates the risk of any further damage.
Hook and Chain Truck: This truck consists of a hook at the back. It is extended to the front bumper of the vehicle, and the chain is wrapped around it. This truck lifts one end of the automobile with strength while the other end remains placed on the ground. It is not commonly used due to its potential to damage the car. However, it is perfect for totaled vehicles.
Wheel Lift Truck: This truck has a metal yoke at its back. This yoke fits under the wheels of the automobile and lifts it. These trucks are generally less harsh on the damaged vehicle and are used to clear off roads immediately by lifting the car. They are also super helpful in transporting passengers and vehicles.
Boom Truck: The boom in this truck refers to a hydraulic arm that lifts the broken down vehicle. It causes less damage whilst hauling the automobile as it uses a belt or sling. This truck can do a lot. Drivers hire them when their cars are stuck in a ditch. It effectively pulls them out while keeping them safe from more damage.
Integrated Tow Truck: This type of truck is considered one of the most robust towing trucks. It uses powerful towing and hauling supplies. These trucks use a combination of wheel lift and flatbed capabilities. It can tow other trucks, motorhomes, buses, and RVs.
Technology and Tow Truck
Like any industry, towing has seen tech integration at an exponential rate. According to The Business Research Company, the tow truck market is projected to witness growth up to 1.69 billion dollars by 2025 at a significant CAGR of 4.5%. It shows that the need for equipping tow trucks with technology has become a necessity. These technological features are enabling the tow truck drivers to provide a secure towing experience to clients. Below are the features that are revolutionizing this industry.
- Wireless lighting monitors
- Enhanced weight distribution systems
- Cargo door locks
- Adjustable ball mounts
- GPS tracking
- HD cameras for digital documentation
- Digital payment systems
Emergency Roadside Assistance
When your car forsakes you in the middle of a high traffic highway, quick towing services make all the difference. These services serve as the lifeline for motorists, especially when they experience jolting accidents. These powerful vehicles reach the scene first and facilitate immediate car recovery.
The truck operators have extensive training to respond to your emergency. From jump starting the battery to instant tire changes, tow truck drivers know how to tackle any issue with specialized equipment. This roadside assistance clears obstructions from the roads, resumes traffic flow, and enhances overall road safety.
Preventing Further Damage
Improper handling of an already wrecked car can cause further issues. If a car owner is inexperienced and tries to tackle a sudden breakdown, it worsens the damage. This is where the performance of a reliable tow truck comes in. Tow trucks maintain the performance by:
- Employing specialized tools and technology to ensure smooth transit.
- Lifting the immobile car off the ground that decreases the risk of tire and transmission damage.
- Keeping delicate parts, like the undercarriage and suspension, unscathed.
Transporting High Performance Vehicles
High performance vehicles like sports cars are a substantial investment. Like other machines, they are also susceptible to damage and breaking down. However, these priceless automobiles should only be handled by tow trucks. There is a high chance that your exotic car will get damaged during transportation if you are inexperienced. Sturdy tow trucks seamlessly transport your luxury vehicles and race cars by:
- Utilizing flatbed trucks that keep the entire vehicle off the ground.
- Ensuring controlled transport to racing events and other shows.
- Employing soft straps and secure hauling techniques to avoid scratches and dents.
Off Road Recovery and Performance Management
Many situations arise when a vehicle is turned over and needs immediate assistance. Tow trucks play an essential part when it comes to recovery towing. Heavy duty vehicles, like buses and RVs, need off road recovery occasionally. Tow trucks leverage professional tools to take these robust automobiles out of the ditch when they swerve far off the road.
Some primary equipment necessary for heavy duty recovery towing is:
- Duty wrecker
- Airbag recovery system
- Crane
- Rotator
- Forklift
Supporting Fleet and Commercial Vehicle Performance
Towing is an excellent support for fleet businesses. Accidents and mechanical failures occur in fleet vehicles, making it difficult to rely on fleet performance. Business owners may face significant loss and hindrance to growth without a towing plan in place. Tow trucks safely transport the vehicles and minimize downtime. You can get back on the road in no time if you have a towing service provider to help with your broken down fleet.
- Tow truck operators recover the broken down trucks quickly to keep operations running.
- They ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- They can transport fleet vehicles to repair shops for maintenance.
Accident Recovery and Safety Assurance
When a collision occurs, the vehicle and passengers need instant help. Oftentimes, the impact of the crash leaves the vehicle undrivable. Such situations mandate a reliable towing service. Consider expert towingPerth services when you face dire situations.
When you call a professional towing company, it helps through:
- Clearing the accident debris from the road to avoid any other unfortunate incidents.
- Handling sensitive situations with care and accuracy.
- Providing relief of mind to stranded drivers and passengers.
- Offering support in both minor and severe collisions.
- Quickly removing the damaged automobile to resume traffic.
When you encounter an accident, do not think twice before reaching out to a heavy duty towing truck operator to ensure your safety. A tow truck is a significant component of the transport industry with fundamental duties to perform. Each type of tow truck is responsible for catering to a different vehicle, making it easier for drivers to choose the suitable option.
Whether it is an emergency breakdown, accident, or off road assistance, the competent features of a towing truck ensure seamless operation. Moreover, as the world is making its way toward technological advancement, it is paving the way for tow truck equipment to become more sophisticated and easy to use.