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100% Canadian - Owned and Operated.
You're broken down on Deerfoot Trail, or stuck in a parking lot in the southwest, or just had a fender bender on Crowchild. You need a tow. The dispatcher asks: "Do you need a flatbed or a wheel-lift?"
If you don't know the difference or you're not sure which your vehicle needs, you're not alone. Most drivers have never had to think about it until the moment they're standing on the side of the road in -15°C trying to figure it out.
Getting it wrong isn't just an inconvenience. Using the wrong type of tow truck for your vehicle can cause real mechanical damage to your transmission, drivetrain, or all-wheel drive system that ends up costing far more than the tow itself.
Here's what you need to know.
A flatbed tow truck has a long, flat platform on the back that tilts down to ground level using a hydraulic system. Your entire vehicle — all four wheels — is loaded onto the bed and secured with straps. Once loaded, nothing on your car is touching the road.
This is widely considered the safest towing method because it eliminates any mechanical stress on your vehicle's drivetrain during transport. There's no rotation of wheels, no transmission movement, no stress on the axles.
Flatbed towing is the go-to for:
A wheel-lift tow truck uses a metal yoke that slides under either the front or rear wheels and lifts one end of the vehicle off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the road and roll while the truck drives.
This is faster to set up and more maneuverable in tight spaces, making it a practical choice for many common towing situations. It's the type most people picture when they think of a tow truck.
Wheel-lift towing works well for:
Here's the piece most drivers don't know, and it's the most important part of this whole article.
When a wheel-lift tow truck lifts one end of your vehicle, the wheels on the ground are still rolling. If those rolling wheels are connected to your transmission or drivetrain, the drivetrain is spinning — even though the engine isn't running.
On most modern vehicles, the transmission relies on the engine running to circulate lubrication fluid through the system. When the transmission is being turned without the engine on, you get what's called dry running — metal components rotating without proper lubrication. On a long tow, this can cause serious, expensive transmission damage.
The safe rule for wheel-lift towing:
This isn't a preference — it's a mechanical necessity. Towing an AWD vehicle with a wheel-lift tow truck, even for a short distance, risks damaging the transfer case and drivetrain components that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
Beyond the AWD/4WD rule, there are several other situations where a flatbed is the right call regardless of your drivetrain type.
Your vehicle won't roll. If the wheels are locked, the brakes are seized, the axle is broken, or there's structural damage preventing the vehicle from rolling freely, a wheel-lift tow isn't possible. The vehicle needs to be loaded onto a flatbed.
Accident or collision damage. After a collision, there may be damage that isn't immediately visible — bent axles, damaged suspension, fluid leaks. Putting a damaged vehicle on a wheel-lift introduces unpredictable stress. Flatbed is the standard for accident recovery.
Low ground clearance. Calgary has its share of lowered vehicles and sports cars, and the wheel-lift yoke needs clearance to get under the vehicle. If your car sits very low, a flatbed is often the only option that doesn't risk scraping or damaging the undercarriage.
Long-distance transport. For anything beyond a short local tow — say, transporting a vehicle from Calgary to Airdrie, Okotoks, or further — a flatbed reduces mechanical risk over a longer distance.
Luxury or high-value vehicles. Flatbed towing eliminates any risk of wheel or drivetrain stress, and the vehicle rides completely secured with no contact with the road surface. For a newer BMW, Mercedes, or any vehicle where an unexpected repair bill would be a significant hit, flatbed is worth the premium.
Calgary winter conditions. Icy roads, compacted snow, and variable road surfaces in Calgary winters can make wheel-lift towing less stable. A flatbed keeps all four wheels off the ground entirely, which removes the risk of a rolling wheel losing traction on ice during transport.
Flatbed isn't always necessary, and in many situations a wheel-lift tow is the faster, more practical choice.
If you drive a front-wheel drive sedan or hatchback — which covers the majority of passenger vehicles on Calgary roads — and the vehicle is mechanically intact (just won't start, dead battery, flat tire, etc.), a wheel-lift tow with the front wheels lifted is completely safe and appropriate.
Wheel-lift trucks are also more maneuverable in tight spaces. If you're stuck in a parkade, a narrow alley, or a tight residential spot, getting a flatbed in may not even be possible. A wheel-lift can often get in, hook up, and get out where a flatbed can't fit.
For short tows to a nearby shop — a few kilometres in the same part of Calgary — the additional protection of a flatbed often isn't necessary for eligible vehicles, and the faster setup can actually get you moving sooner.
Not sure which category your vehicle falls into? Here's a quick reference:
You need a flatbed if your vehicle is:
A wheel-lift is typically fine if your vehicle is:
If you're not sure: Tell the dispatcher your vehicle's make, model, and year, and describe the situation. A reputable towing company will ask the right questions and send the appropriate truck. If a dispatcher sends a wheel-lift for an AWD vehicle without asking about the drivetrain, that's a red flag.
Flatbed towing typically costs more than wheel-lift towing due to the equipment involved and the loading time. In Calgary, you can generally expect:
Pricing varies between companies and can increase significantly for after-hours emergencies, highway towing, or vehicle recovery from difficult positions.
Happy Protection members get access to towing services with transparent flat-rate pricing — no surprise fees and no ambiguity about what you're being charged. Knowing the cost upfront, before the truck arrives, removes one of the most stressful parts of an already stressful situation.
Whether you need a flatbed or a wheel-lift, Happy Protection connects Calgary members with licensed, insured towing professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — with transparent pricing and fast dispatch.
When you call, our team will ask the right questions about your vehicle and situation to make sure the right type of truck is sent. No guesswork, no showing up with the wrong equipment, no risk of avoidable drivetrain damage.
Happy Protection's vehicle coverage also includes roadside assistance, battery boosts, tire changes, and fuel delivery — so whether you need a tow or just a boost to get moving again, one call handles it.
Do I need a flatbed for an AWD vehicle in Calgary?
Yes. AWD vehicles have all four wheels connected to the drivetrain. Using a wheel-lift tow truck — which leaves two wheels on the ground and rolling — can cause serious damage to the transfer case and drivetrain components. A flatbed, which lifts all four wheels off the road entirely, is the only safe option for AWD and 4WD vehicles.
Is flatbed towing better for all cars?
Flatbed towing is the safest option for all vehicles because it eliminates any mechanical stress on the drivetrain during transport. That said, it isn't always necessary. For FWD vehicles being towed correctly (front wheels lifted), a wheel-lift tow is safe and often faster. Flatbed becomes essential for AWD/4WD, damaged vehicles, and low-clearance cars.
Can a tow truck damage my car?
Yes, if the wrong type is used or it's set up incorrectly. The most common towing damage comes from using a wheel-lift on an AWD vehicle, which can damage the transmission and transfer case. Damage to the undercarriage can also occur if the vehicle is too low for a wheel-lift yoke. Always confirm the towing method before the truck is dispatched.
How long does towing take in Calgary?
Response times vary depending on location, time of day, and road conditions. In standard conditions, most towing companies in Calgary aim for a 30–60 minute response. During major weather events or peak hours, times can be longer. Happy Protection members receive priority dispatch, which reduces wait times.
What should I tell the tow truck dispatcher?
Give them your exact location, your vehicle's make, model, and year, a description of what happened (breakdown, accident, lockout, etc.), and whether the vehicle can roll freely. This information lets the dispatcher send the right truck the first time and reduces delays.
Does Happy Protection include towing coverage?
Yes. Happy Protection's vehicle coverage includes emergency towing, flatbed towing, roadside assistance, battery boosts, tire changes, and fuel delivery across Calgary — available 24/7 with transparent flat-rate pricing and priority dispatch for members.
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