Tow Truck Versus Wrecker Services

Sometimes, regardless of how carefully you drive or how much you invest in car maintenance, you may find yourself stuck on the side of the road, needing roadside assistance. You can count on a tow truck or a wrecker to help you out of your predicament, whether due to an accident or a breakdown.

But first, you must know precisely what services you need between the two commonly confused services. Discover some differences between a tow truck and a wrecker to help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Tow Truck?

A tow truck pulls or hauls another vehicle, which has broken down or been in an accident. The tow truck also comes in handy if a car is poorly packed and needs repositioning.

The tow truck is simple but may sometimes be equipped with a winch cable and other special equipment to lift the vehicle off the ground for easy pulling. In some cases, a tow truck is helpful if an individual needs to move their vehicle from one place to another; however, a regular car transporter would suffice in such instances.

What Is a Wrecker?

A wrecker is a tow truck that removes a vehicle from an accident scene or clears illegally parked cars. Wreckers come in handy in extreme scenarios where a tow truck may not be practical. For example, if your car rolls over after a severe accident or a vehicle is stuck in the mud, a wrecker would be required to clear the situation because it can lift and pull out vehicles from difficult positions.

A wrecker is also referred to as a recovery vehicle because it offers specialized services unavailable with a tow truck. The wrecker has extra features such as extended booms, heavy-duty winches, cable pulleys, and chains that help recover severely damaged vehicles.

The wrecker has enough power to lift the entire car off the ground and transport it away from the accident scene or where it was illegally parked. Unlike a tow truck, which can only pull a vehicle, most wreckers can load and unload flatbeds. This feature makes them ideal for recovering larger and heavier vehicles that would otherwise be difficult to remove without this equipment.

Tow Truck Vs. Wrecker Services - Know the Differences

Some traits that differentiate tow trucks and wreckers include the following.

Services

From the definitions above, all wreckers can be tow trucks, but not all tow trucks can be wreckers. A tow truck is typically used to move vehicles from one place to another, while a wrecker is used for recovery and removal.

Job Description

Your expectations from a tow trucker and a wrecker are another thing to note when calling for services. For example, a tow trucker can help move poorly parked or broken-down vehicles. On the other hand, a wrecker can offer additional services such as maintenance and repair.

Understanding the differences between the two services allows you to decide which service to use for your particular situation. Both services will help you get out of any tight spot and back on the road in no time, whether due to an accident or regular vehicle movement.

You can trust us at AA Wrecker Service to provide you with towing and wrecker services that you can rely on. Our experienced team will help you with roadside issues. We will listen to your needs and advise you on the best service for your particular situation, so you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands. Contact us today, and let's discuss how we can help you get your car to its destination.