Most roadside breakdowns don’t happen in ideal conditions on a sunny summer afternoon. More often it’s in the middle of the night, in freezing rain, or at rush hour. Talk about a nightmare! In these situations, we need a service that we often take for granted – car towing! Just like firefighters or EMTs, professional tow operators serve a critically important role for drivers. In this article, we’ll explain the common types of towing services and when you’d need them the most. We’ll also give a breakdown of the charges involved if you ever need to get your car towed.
What are the common types of towing services?
Here’s a quick rundown of some common types of car towing services:
Jumpstarts – Pretty self-explanatory. Your battery dies and the tow truck comes to give you a jump so you can be on your way. Handy when you leave the lights on overnight or something.
Lockouts – We’ve all been there, locked your keys in your car like a bonehead. Towing companies can usually pop locks pretty quick with those long grabby tools. Just try not to make a habit of calling them for this.
Flatbed towing – This is when your vehicle can’t drive itself and needs to be hauled away on the back of a flatbed truck. It can be due to an engine failure or getting stuck in a ditch. It is ideal for SUVs and trucks.
Wheel lift towing – With this method, a small metal yoke is fitted under the front or rear wheels and lifts that end of the car so it can be towed. The other wheels stay on the ground and roll. It’s a smoother ride than being dragged by a chain.
Motorcycle towing – Some companies have equipment specifically for towing motorcycles. Usually an extendable ramp mounted on the back of a flatbed. Beats trying to muscle a 500 lb bike around.
And there’s specialty stuff like off-road recovery if you managed to get your 4×4 stuck out in the wilderness. But those cover most of the normal roadside headaches that tow trucks take care of. Just try to go easy on them, those poor guys get called out in the worst weather at all hours!
Which towing service should you choose when you’re stuck?
Choosing the right type of tow truck near me depends on the specific situation:
For Jumpstarts
Call for jumpstarts when you have a dead battery. Despite what the movies show, jumpstarting a flat tire or engine won’t help with either of those problems. A jump is only useful if the engine cranks but won’t turn over.
For Lockouts
You need a lockout service any time you slam the door a little too fast with the keys hanging in the ignition or sitting on the seat. Don’t let a silly mistake ruin your day.
For Flatbed towing
A flatbed is best for towing vehicles that cannot be driven at all like those with failed transmissions, a busted axle, or serious accident damage. Loading inoperable vehicles onto a flatbed is the safest, easiest form of towing.
For Wheel lift towing
If the drive wheels still function, wheel lift towing allows vehicles to be transported via the rolling wheels while partially elevated. Applicable for shorter tows or minor drivability issues. Less wear than being fully dragged.
Motorcycle towing
Special motorcycle flats and ramps enable safe towing while keeping bikes upright and balanced. Attempting to lift one with traditional equipment risks dropping or further damaging the bike.
Off-road recovery tows apply when you get ambitious off-road then find yourself mired in mud or sand beyond self-rescue. Don’t dig a deeper rut – call the pros with high-capacity rigs before going full viral video.
The right choice depends on carefully assessing the situation to utilise each type of towing at maximum safety and efficiency. Know your options.
How much would a towing service cost you?
Car towing costs in Australia generally follow a similar structure, albeit with differences in pricing compared to other regions. Here’s an overview:
Base towing fee – The standard hookup and loading fee runs $100-$150 AUD nationwide. More in remote areas.
Kilometre rates – Aussie tow rates are calculated per kilometre, usually $3-$5 AUD per km. Expect higher per km rates for long rural tows.
Storage fees – Car storage at tow yards typically ranges $20-$30 AUD per day stored. Storage costs can add up if repairs are delayed.
After hours surcharges – Additional fees of $50 AUD or more apply for after hours, weekends, and public holiday towing services.
Equipment surcharges – Specialty equipment like wheel lift bars, motorcycle gear, etc. incur added one-time fees, around $50-$150 AUD depending on complexity.
Administrative fees – Some Australian providers try tacking on vague administrative or documentation fees around $50 or so. Buyer beware.
Insurance copays – Those using RACQ or other coverage may have out-of-pocket per km fees. Verify tow specific coverage.
GST – And on top, there’s a 10% Goods and Services Tax on all towing services as with most expenses in Australia.
While base costs may seem lower, various fees can pile up quickly. And remote towing can cost higher. It’s always better to confirm full pricing ahead of authorising a tow.
Key Takeaway
You never know when your vehicle gets stranded in the middle of the road. The difference between a seasoned and novice driver is that the former is aware of good towing services beforehand and calls them immediately when in need. The latter would frantically search for a ‘tow truck near me’ in a similar situation. So, knowing about good car towing services is essential to save money and energy.