Wheel-lift
One axle of the car is lifted while the other rolls on the road. It is quick and suits short distances, but not every drivetrain: it can damage all-wheel-drive cars and many automatics.
Vehicles
Vehicles: what kind of help you can get on the road
When a driver calls a service, the dispatcher usually asks what car it is and what is wrong with it. The answer decides who is sent: a flatbed truck, a crane truck or a mechanic with tools. If you understand how these options differ, it is easier to explain the job and avoid paying for more than you need.
A well-described breakdown saves more time than the fastest tow truck.
This page describes the types of vehicle in general terms, without makes or models. We compare them by how the car is lifted on board, which cars the method suits and where it is awkward. Actual capabilities vary between operators, so confirm them when you book.
Types of tow trucks and help
The six options you will meet most often. Each has its own use.
Sliding flatbed
The bed slides back and tilts, and the car is pulled up with a winch. All wheels sit on the bed, so the gearbox and drivetrain carry no load. The most versatile option for passenger cars.
Tilt-bed with folding ramp
The rear of the bed folds down to form a gentle ramp. This angle suits cars with low ground clearance and long overhangs, which could catch a bumper on a steep ramp.
Crane truck
A crane lifts the car with straps or wheel grabs. It helps when you cannot get close to the car: in a courtyard between parked cars, in a ditch, on a narrow street. It needs a careful operator.
Roadside repair
A mechanic arrives with tools and tries to fix a simple fault: jump-start the engine, change a wheel, bring fuel. If that does not work, the car will still have to be taken away.
Towing by another car
The broken-down car is pulled by another one on a rope or a rigid bar. It is cheap and easy to arrange, but needs experience from both drivers and does not suit every car or every fault.
Read next
- Reviews
An overview of the ways to get help on the road (tow truck, roadside repair, towing, insurance cover) and a catalogue of articles.
- Car kit
What to keep in the boot in case you break down, and what to ask a towing service before your car is loaded.
- Breakdowns
Common roadside problems: the car won't start, a flat tyre, overheating, an empty tank, the oil warning light, keys locked inside.
Sources
- Russian Road Traffic Regulations (sections 20.3, 20.4)
- Vehicle owner's manuals (general provisions)
Traffic rules are quoted from the Russian Road Traffic Regulations as in force on the date of preparation. Rules are revised from time to time and every car has its own quirks, so check the current text of the rules and your vehicle's owner's manual. If you drive outside Russia, check your local rules and emergency number.