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What Does Towing a Vehicle Mean?

Ryan Brennan • Jan 18, 2023

Transporting a vehicle from one location to the next is usually a piece of cake – after all, vehicles have four wheels, a motor, and a steering wheel. If you have somewhere to be and you own a vehicle, all you need to do is get inside, turn the ignition, step on the gas pedal, and steer. You’ll be there in no time!


Unfortunately, transporting a vehicle isn’t always that easy. For example, there’s the obvious – how do you transport a vehicle that’s totaled, undriveable, or not working properly? What if you don’t have the keys to the vehicle – or even worse, don’t have a driver to man the vehicle? This might complicate things.


The good news is there are a variety of ways to transport a vehicle from point A to point B without having to drive it. Of course, the most popular and effective method is by towing it – a method that only works if you have the necessary equipment. Don’t worry, towing a vehicle is a rather easy process to understand.


What Does Towing Mean?

According to Merriam-Webster, towing is a verb that means ‘to haul’ or ‘to draw or pull along behind.’ While it can be used in a number of different contexts, it’s most widely used in reference to a vehicle towing another vehicle – such as a tow truck or a tow company. It’s usually not a good or positive sign.


‘Towing a vehicle’ essentially means a vehicle is being pulled – or ‘towed’ – behind another vehicle, usually attached by high-duty chains or cables. It’s the easiest way to get a vehicle from point A to point B when it’s unable to be driven (for whatever reason). All you need is a vehicle that can handle the load.


Towing an automotive vehicle shouldn’t be confused with roadside assistance – though most roadside assistance companies offer towing services and most towing companies offer roadside assistance services. Towing is the physical act of transporting the vehicle, while roadside assistance can refer to a slew of services.

When is Towing a Vehicle Necessary?

Like we briefly mentioned above, there are a wide variety of reasons why towing a vehicle might be necessary. Some of those reasons might involve the law, some might be recreational, and some might be more tragic than others – either way, there’s an art to towing a vehicle and shouldn’t be done carelessly.


Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons towing a vehicle might be necessary:

  • The vehicle was in an accident and is unsafe to drive any further
  • The vehicle isn’t working properly (won’t start, stalled, etc.)
  • The towed vehicle ran out of gas and won’t move any further
  • The vehicle has a flat tire that can’t be repaired on-site
  • The towed vehicle is in violation of a law and/or regulation (sent to impound)
  • The vehicle is being towed by an RV, mobile home, or other tow vehicle for vacation purposes
  • The vehicle is stuck in the mud, snow, ditch, etc.


No matter what the reasoning is behind needing a tow vehicle, it’s important to proceed with extreme caution as it comes with a great deal of risk and danger. Don’t worry, a professional tow truck company will help ensure your vehicle gets to its desired location quickly, safely, and free of any damage.

What Are the Four Types of Towing?

Towing comes in many forms. There are a variety of ways to tow a vehicle, though it largely depends on the vehicle being towed (the dinghy), the motor vehicle doing the towing (the tow), and the various equipment being used. Using the wrong method in the wrong scenario can be extremely dangerous.

While there are a variety of different types of towing, the four most common and popular ones are:

  • Flatbed Tow Truck - this type of towing vehicle features a flat, empty bed that allows the vehicle to sit or mount directly on top of it (flat towing). It’s one of the safest methods since the vehicle is off the ground.
  • Hook-and-Chain Truck - when most people think of a tow truck, they think of a hook-and-chain truck (think Mater from the film Cars). The vehicle is dragged via the trusty hook and chain.
  • Integrated Tow Truck - these tow trucks serve a specific purpose and that’s with the transport of large, heavy-duty vehicles (such as buses, rigs, machinery, etc.) due to its large towing capacity.
  • Wheel Lift Tow Truck - this type of tow truck is somewhat of an improved version of the original hook-and-chain tow truck. The main difference is it raises the front or rear wheels of the vehicle.


You’re probably asking yourself – what is the best method of towing in las vegas? While it’s possible to do it yourself with the right equipment (tow bar, tow strap, safety chains, tow dolly, tow hitch, etc.), the best method of towing is often any method that involves a professional. Not only do they have the proper equipment, but they’ll help you determine which type of truck will work best.

Quality Traits of a Reputable Towing Company

Before you contact a towing service, you should know that you’re receiving best-in-class service at a reasonable and affordable price. While you don’t want to break the bank, you don’t want to be shorted out of quality – especially since most people who need a tow truck aren’t in the best situation to begin with.


Here are a few things you should look for in a quality tow truck company:

  • Experience working with drivers in your local area
  • A history of quality customer service
  • Positive and 5-star reviews online
  • A fast response time
  • Affordable and reasonable rates
  • A wide range of services and add-ons
  • All the necessary licenses, insurance, and certifications
  • State-of-the-art equipment and trucks
  • Adequate use of technology
  • Friendliness and welcoming staff
  • 24-hour coverage of a wide area
  • Instant quotes and accurate estimates


Are you in need of a professional tow truck company in the Las Vegas and surrounding area? Do you need immediate assistance from a company that provides fast response times? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of those questions, you’ve come to the right place – All In Towing is and always will be here for you!


Contact us today by calling (702-450-1222), e-mailing (admin@allintowinglv.com), or filling out our online form – we offer a response time of around 30 minutes (on average).

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