Updated November 2026 by the Miller’s Towing & Recovery dispatch team
Quick answer: A flatbed carries your whole car on a tilting bed, so no wheels touch the road. It is the right pick for AWD, 4×4, electric, low, luxury, damaged, and long distance tows. A wheel lift raises two wheels and rolls the car on the other two. It is quick and works well for short tows of drivable front or rear wheel drive cars and for tight spots.
When your car breaks down in Wichita, the first priority is getting it moved safely. But not every tow truck is the same, and the wrong one can damage a drivetrain, a low front bumper, or an electric car’s motors. We run both kinds of trucks from our yard on South Broadway and pick the right one for each call.
Here is how flatbed and wheel lift towing compare, and how to know which one your car needs.
What Is a Flatbed Tow Truck?
A flatbed, also called a rollback, has a long flat bed that tilts down to the ground. Your car is driven or winched up onto the bed, strapped down at all four corners, and carried with every wheel off the road.
- Full protection. No wear on tires, brakes, or suspension during the trip.
- Safe for AWD and 4×4. Many automakers warn that towing these with wheels down can damage the transmission or AWD system.
- Right for electric cars. EVs ride with all four wheels off the ground.
- Good for low cars. The tilt and winch load sports cars and lowered cars without scraping.
- Best for damaged cars. Bent wheels or a broken axle aren’t a problem on a bed.
- Safer for long trips. The car rides steady for miles.
What Is a Wheel Lift Tow Truck?
A wheel lift slides a metal yoke under the front or rear tires and lifts that end of the car. The other two wheels roll on the road. It is the modern version of the old hook and chain, without the chain touching the bumper.
- Quick hookup. Faster to load, which helps on a busy roadside.
- Often lower cost. Less loading time can mean a smaller bill on short tows.
- Fits tight spaces. Easier to use in small lots, parking garages, and narrow streets.
- Best for drivable two wheel drive cars. Front wheel drive cars are lifted by the front, rear wheel drive cars by the rear.
For an AWD car, a wheel lift needs dollies under the other wheels so all four are off the ground.
Flatbed vs. Wheel Lift: Which Is Right for You?
| Your situation | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| AWD or 4×4 | Flatbed | Prevents drivetrain damage |
| Electric car or hybrid | Flatbed | All four wheels must be off the road |
| Sports or lowered car | Flatbed | Avoids scraping the front end |
| Standard sedan, short tow | Wheel lift or flatbed | Depends on condition and distance |
| Car after a crash | Flatbed | Safer for damaged wheels and axles |
| Tight lot or garage | Wheel lift | Easier access and quicker hookup |
| Long distance tow | Flatbed | Steadier and more secure over many miles |
| Motorcycle | Flatbed | Soft straps protect paint and chrome |
Not sure what you drive? Tell dispatch the year, make, and model. We look up the drive type and send the right truck the first time.
How We Choose the Right Truck
Every call starts with a few questions: where you are, what you drive, whether it rolls, and where it’s going. Our dispatcher matches the truck to the job and gives you the price before the truck leaves. On scene, the driver checks the car again before loading.
Miller’s is on the City of Wichita emergency wrecker list, which requires licensed companies to carry liability and garage keeper’s insurance and keep a fenced storage yard inside city limits. Our services include:
- 24/7 car towing and flatbed towing
- Long distance towing across Kansas
- Accident and vehicle recovery
- Private property towing
- Mower and tractor transport
For more answers about special vehicles, see our FAQs on towing AWD, electric, and specialty vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flatbed towing more expensive than wheel lift towing?
Sometimes a little, because a flatbed takes more time to load. For most local tows the difference is small, and for AWD, electric, low or damaged cars, a flatbed is worth it. You get the price on the phone before we send a truck.
Can you tow an all wheel drive car with a wheel lift?
Only with dollies under the other wheels so all four are off the ground. Many automakers warn that towing an AWD car with wheels on the road can damage the transmission or AWD system. A flatbed is the safer choice.
How do you tow a Tesla or other electric car?
On a flatbed, with all four tires off the ground. Tesla tells tow operators to put the car in Tow Mode before winching it onto the bed. Tow Mode needs power, so tell us if your car shows a low battery warning.
Which tow truck do I need for a motorcycle?
A flatbed. Motorcycles ride on the bed and are held with soft straps so nothing touches the paint or chrome.
Not sure which truck you need?
Call dispatch with your year, make, and model. We send the right truck and give you the price first.