Wheel-Lift Towing in the East Bay

How Wheel-Lift Towing Works

Wheel-lift towing is one of the quickest ways to move a car a short distance. Here is what happens when you call:

1. You tell us about the car. Our dispatcher asks where you are, the make and model, whether it is front-, rear- or all-wheel drive, and where it needs to go.
2. We position the truck. The driver backs up to the end of the car that will be lifted. A wheel-lift needs much less room than a flatbed, which helps in garages, alleys and busy streets.
3. We secure the wheels, not the bumper. The cradle holds the tires, and straps keep them in place, so the bumper and body are not used as lifting points.
4. We tow carefully to your chosen spot. The car rolls on its other two wheels to the shop, dealership or home you choose.

Is Wheel-Lift Towing Right for Your Car?

Wheel-lift towing works well for many everyday cars on short trips, especially front-wheel-drive sedans and hatchbacks lifted by the front wheels. It is not the best choice for every vehicle. All-wheel-drive and many four-wheel-drive vehicles, most electric cars, lowered or sports cars, and vehicles with heavy front or rear damage are usually safer on a flatbed tow truck, which carries the whole vehicle off the ground. For trips out of the area, see our long distance towing service. Tell us what you drive and we will send the truck that fits.

For a side-by-side comparison, read our guide: flatbed vs wheel-lift towing: which one does your car need?

Common Wheel-Lift Towing Jobs in the East Bay

• A car that will not start in an apartment complex or underground garage.
• A breakdown on a narrow street where a flatbed cannot easily park.
• Moving a non-running car a few miles to a local mechanic.
• Removing an unauthorized car from a business lot or a blocked driveway through our private property towing service.

Wheel-Lift Towing: Frequently Asked Questions

What is wheel-lift towing?

Wheel-lift towing uses a metal cradle, called a yoke, that fits under the front or rear tires of a vehicle. The truck lifts that end off the ground and tows the vehicle while the other two wheels roll on the road.

Is wheel-lift towing safe for my car?

For many front-wheel-drive cars on short trips, yes, because the cradle holds the tires and not the bumper. For all-wheel-drive vehicles, most electric cars, low cars or badly damaged vehicles, a flatbed is usually the safer choice. Tell us what you drive and we will advise you.

What is the difference between a wheel-lift and a flatbed?

A wheel-lift lifts one end of the vehicle and tows it on two wheels. A flatbed carries the whole vehicle on a bed with all four wheels off the ground. A wheel-lift needs less space and is quick to hook up, while a flatbed is gentler on vehicles that should not roll on any wheels.

Do you offer wheel-lift towing 24/7?

Yes. A9 Towing Company offers wheel-lift towing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the East Bay. Call (510) 200-9900 and tell us where you are.

How much does wheel-lift towing cost?

There is no single fixed price. The cost depends on your vehicle, the distance, the time of day and the situation at the pickup spot. Call us and we will explain your options before we start.

Need a quick local tow? Call A9 Towing Company at (510) 200-9900.