A tow that is fine for a sedan can damage an electric car or an all-wheel-drive SUV. For vehicle towing in Arlington, MA, the right method depends on what you drive and whether it can run, roll, or steer. Here is how we tow every vehicle type, and what to tell us when you call.
Quick Answer: EVs, all-wheel-drive vehicles, and non-running vehicles are towed on a flatbed only, with every wheel off the ground. Motorcycles, classics, and exotics also travel on a flatbed. Standard cars and trucks can sometimes use a wheel-lift. Tell dispatch your vehicle type when you call.
In This Article
Vehicle Towing in Arlington: What Changes by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | How We Tow It | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, SUVs, vans, pickups | Flatbed or wheel-lift | Depends on drivetrain and condition |
| Motorcycles | Flatbed, strapped at firm points | Keeps the bike upright and secure |
| EVs and hybrids | Flatbed only | Rolling wheels can damage the drivetrain |
| AWD vehicles | Flatbed only | All four wheels stay off the ground |
| Classics, exotics, low cars | Flatbed | Protects bodywork and low clearance |
| Non-running vehicles | Flatbed only | Cannot be steered or safely rolled |
| Commercial vehicles | Heavy-duty equipment | Weight needs matched equipment |
Cars, SUVs, Vans, and Pickups
Most front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles that still roll and steer can go on either truck. A wheel-lift is quick for short moves and tight spots. We switch to a flatbed when the vehicle is lowered, damaged, or hard to move. Not sure which fits yours? Our guide to flatbed vs. wheel-lift towing explains both methods.
Not sure how your vehicle should be towed? We’ll tell you.
Motorcycles
A motorcycle can’t stand on its own, so it needs a flatbed and proper tie-downs. Straps attach to firm parts like the forks or frame, not the seat or bodywork. A wheel chock or rail holds the front wheel upright during the ride.
Tell us the bike’s make, model, and whether it has a sidecar or trailer hitch so we send the right setup.
Electric Vehicles and All-Wheel Drive
Electric vehicles should not be towed with their wheels on the ground, because the motors can be damaged when the wheels spin. Many EVs also have a transport or tow mode that must be switched on before loading, so check your owner’s manual and tell us the make and model.
All-wheel-drive vehicles follow the same rule. With power going to every wheel, a wheel-lift can force the drivetrain to turn against itself. A flatbed keeps all four wheels off the road. For more on luxury and EV calls, see our Weston vs. Wellesley towing comparison.
Classic, Exotic, and Low-Clearance Cars
Low front ends scrape on steep ramps, and older bodywork can’t take a hook in the wrong place. We use a flatbed at a shallow angle and attach to proper points, never to a bumper or trim piece.
Commercial Vehicles
Work vans, box trucks, and larger commercial vehicles weigh more and need matching equipment. Call us with the vehicle’s size and weight so we send the right truck the first time. As a local towing company in Arlington, we plan these jobs around where the vehicle is stopped.
Vehicles That Won’t Run or Roll
A vehicle that won’t start, steer, or shift into neutral can’t be pulled safely on its own wheels. It goes on a flatbed and gets winched on. This also applies after a crash, since damage can lock wheels or bend steering parts.
What to Tell Dispatch When You Call
A quick, accurate description helps us send the right truck. Have these ready:
- Year, make, and model, and whether it is electric, hybrid, or all-wheel drive.
- Whether it starts, rolls, and steers.
- Whether it is lowered, modified, or damaged.
- Your exact location, such as the cross street on Mass Ave.
- Where you want it taken.
Pricing depends on distance and vehicle, and we quote before dispatch. See our towing cost guide for typical ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tow an electric car with a regular tow truck?
Only a flatbed is safe. EVs should not be towed with wheels on the ground, so a wheel-lift is not the right choice. Tell us it’s electric when you call so we send a flatbed.
Can you tow an AWD car with a wheel-lift?
No. With power going to every wheel, towing with any wheels on the ground can damage the drivetrain. We use a flatbed so all four wheels are off the road.
How do you tow a motorcycle safely?
We load it onto a flatbed and strap it at firm points like the forks or frame, not the seat or bodywork. A wheel chock or rail keeps it upright.
Do you tow classic and exotic cars?
Yes. We use a flatbed at a shallow angle and attach only at proper points, so low clearance and delicate bodywork stay protected.
What if my vehicle won’t start or roll?
It goes on a flatbed and is winched on. A vehicle that can’t steer or shift into neutral shouldn’t be pulled on its own wheels.
Do you tow commercial vehicles?
We tow commercial vehicles with matched equipment. Call with the vehicle’s size and weight so we send the right truck.
Tell us what you drive. We’ll send the right truck.
About the Author: Arlington Tow Pro is an Arlington towing service at 30 Park Avenue, serving Arlington and the greater Boston area for years. Our licensed operators handle cars, trucks, and more. Learn who we are or see what to do if your car breaks down.