Professional wheel-lift towing from La Jolla Tow Truck, available 24/7.
Call (858) 252-1643Wheel-lift towing uses a hydraulic arm that slides under the vehicle's drive wheels to lift them off the ground while the non-drive wheels remain in contact with the road surface. The wheel-lift mechanism employs steel arms or cradles that secure around the tires, creating a rigid connection point for transport. This method works by raising either the front or rear axle approximately 12-18 inches, allowing the towed vehicle to roll on its remaining wheels during transport.
Most drivers encounter wheel-lift towing during roadside breakdowns, parking violations, or when their vehicle becomes immobilized but can still roll freely. The process begins with positioning the tow truck directly in front of or behind the disabled vehicle, depending on whether it's front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. The operator then extends the hydraulic wheel-lift assembly, slides the steel arms into position around the tires, and engages the lifting mechanism to secure the vehicle for transport.
Wheel-lift equipment consists of a hydraulic boom mounted to the truck's rear frame, adjustable steel arms or tire cradles, safety chains, and control systems operated from the truck's cab or via remote. The lifting assembly can typically handle vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds, making it suitable for most passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs. However, this method requires sufficient ground clearance and cannot accommodate vehicles with damaged wheels, locked brakes, or all-wheel-drive systems.
At La Jolla Tow Truck, we've moved beyond wheel-lift systems to an exclusively flatbed fleet because wheel-lift towing poses unnecessary risks to the high-value vehicles common throughout San Diego County. While wheel-lift towing remains industry-standard for many operators, our experience with exotic cars, lowered vehicles, and electric vehicles has shown that flatbed transport eliminates the potential for drivetrain damage, underbody scraping, and tire wear that wheel-lift methods can cause.
Property managers and businesses often request wheel-lift towing for quick removal of illegally parked vehicles from private lots.
Vehicles with engine problems that can't start but have functioning transmissions and brakes are candidates for wheel-lift transport.
Cars with electrical failures that prevent starting but have no mechanical damage can be moved via wheel-lift towing.
Accident-damaged vehicles with intact wheels and functional rolling capability may be transported using wheel-lift methods.
Financial institutions frequently utilize wheel-lift towing for vehicle repossessions due to speed and efficiency of the process.