When your vehicle breaks down on a busy Calgary street or after an unexpected roadside emergency, choosing the right towing method can make all the difference. Most people assume that a tow is a tow, but not all towing services are equal in safety or suitability.
Two common methods stand out in the industry: flatbed towing and hook and chain towing. While both are used across Canada, their safety, compatibility, and risk to your vehicle vary widely.
This blog breaks down the difference between flatbed towing and hook and chain towing, helping Calgary drivers choose the safest towing method for their vehicle and situation.
What Is Hook And Chain Towing?
Hook and chain towing is one of the oldest towing methods still in occasional use today. A hook is attached to the vehicle’s axle or frame, lifting either the front or rear wheels off the ground.
The remaining wheels remain in contact with the road as the vehicle is pulled behind the tow truck.
This method was commonly used decades ago and is still applied in specific scenarios, such as hauling junk cars to salvage yards.
However, hook and chain towing comes with significant limitations that make it risky for modern vehicles.
Why Hook And Chain Towing Is Risky
- It places stress on the vehicle’s frame or suspension
- The dragging wheels can suffer from wear or alignment damage
- It is unsuitable for all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles
- The chains can scratch or dent the vehicle’s body or bumper
Most modern tow truck companies in Calgary have phased out this method for everyday vehicle recovery due to the risk of damage and liability concerns.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing involves loading the entire vehicle onto a flat, level surface at the back of the tow truck. The vehicle is secured using straps or wheel nets, and none of its tires touch the ground during transport.
This method is widely recognized as the safest and most secure way to tow a vehicle, especially in Calgary’s varied driving conditions.
Key Advantages Of Flatbed Towing
- Ideal for luxury cars, electric vehicles, and low-clearance models
- Prevents drivetrain damage in AWD or 4WD vehicles
- Keeps the vehicle fully off the ground, reducing risk of additional damage
- Better suited for long-distance towing or accident recovery
Flatbed Vs. Hook And Chain: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Flatbed Towing | Hook And Chain Towing |
| Vehicle Safety | High: full lift, no drag | Low: dragging risk involved |
| Damage Risk | Minimal | High, especially for modern cars |
| AWD Compatibility | Fully compatible | Not suitable |
| Distance Suitability | Ideal for all distances | Short distances only |
| Common Use Case | Luxury, electric, damaged cars | Junk or scrap vehicles |
| Body Contact | None | Possible damage from chains |
As you can see, flatbed towing is the preferred option in nearly all Calgary towing scenarios, particularly when vehicle safety, value, and recovery integrity are priorities.
When Should You Use Flatbed Towing In Calgary?
Flatbed towing isn’t just a safer option. It is often the only method suitable for certain vehicles and situations:
- After an Accident: When your vehicle is not drivable or has body damage, flatbed towing prevents further structural compromise during recovery.
- Towing AWD and 4WD Vehicles: Flatbed tow trucks eliminate drivetrain stress that other towing methods can cause.
- Transporting Electric Vehicles: Manufacturers like Tesla and Nissan recommend flatbed towing to avoid battery or undercarriage damage.
- Long-Distance Towing: Whether relocating or transporting a non-operational car, flatbed towing ensures consistent protection over long hauls.
- Winter Road Conditions: In icy or snow-covered roads common in Calgary, dragging a vehicle can be dangerous. Flatbed trucks reduce the risk of sliding or additional contact with the road.
If you drive a newer vehicle, or you’re simply not sure which method to use, flatbed towing offers peace of mind and vehicle protection that outdated methods cannot provide.
When Might Hook And Chain Towing Still Be Used?
While hook and chain towing is largely outdated, it may still have its place in limited scenarios:
- Towing cars to salvage yards
- Recovering vehicles that are already significantly damaged
- Budget tows for non-functional or scrap vehicles with no resale value
- Very short-distance hauls in controlled environments
Even in these cases, many towing companies in Calgary prefer to use wheel-lift or flatbed systems instead, prioritizing safety and modern equipment.
Why Calgary Drivers Are Choosing Flatbed Towing More Often
As vehicle technology has advanced, so have towing requirements. Calgary residents increasingly drive luxury vehicles, electric cars, and SUVs with sensitive drivetrains.
In addition, the region’s unpredictable weather means added precautions are necessary during towing and recovery.
Professional towing companies in Calgary, such as those offering flatbed towing services, have adapted to these needs by investing in newer fleets, trained operators, and damage-prevention systems.
This shift is also reflected in provincial standards and insurance preferences. Many insurers may require or prefer flatbed towing in damage claims or during roadside service coverage, particularly after accidents.
Final Verdict: Flatbed Towing Is The Safer, Smarter Choice
If you care about your vehicle’s condition, resale value, or mechanical integrity, flatbed towing is clearly the better option.
It eliminates road contact, supports long-distance and accident recovery, and is suitable for virtually every type of modern vehicle in Calgary.
Unless your car is being sent to the scrapyard, there is rarely a reason to risk using outdated hook and chain methods.
Need Reliable Flatbed Towing In Calgary?
When your vehicle breaks down or needs to be relocated safely, don’t settle for old-school towing methods. Choose a team that understands your vehicle’s value and recovery requirements.
Certified towing companies provide professional flatbed towing services in Calgary with 24/7 availability, modern equipment, and experienced operators ready to help.
Get professional flatbed towing in Calgary today and protect your investment from unnecessary damage.
About AAA Towing
AAA Towing is Calgary’s trusted name in commercial and heavy-duty towing. With a modern fleet, certified drivers, and over 30 years of experience, AAA Towing delivers reliable flatbed towing, big rig recovery, equipment transport, and roadside assistance across the Calgary region.
Whether you need emergency support or planned towing for high-value vehicles, AAA Towing is ready 24/7 to get you moving again.
Contact us now to book flatbed towing services from a company Calgary drivers trust.
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