A flatbed tow carries the entire vehicle on a level deck, so no wheel touches the road. Published local rates for a 5-mile car tow typically run $75–$150. Akron Towing Service dispatches flatbeds in Akron, OH, and business hours are 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Most cars can be towed on a hook, but a flatbed is the safer choice whenever drivetrain, ground clearance or damage makes dragging two wheels a bad idea. Call (234) 312-4777 and say which of those applies, and the right truck goes out the first time.
Think of the deck as a parking space on wheels. The vehicle is winched up a tilted bed, strapped at the frame or tire points, and travels level. That matters more than it sounds if the car cannot roll, steer or brake.
Which vehicles should never go on a hook?
All-wheel-drive cars are the usual case, because spinning only half the drivetrain can damage it. Lowered cars, cars with a torn bumper or hanging undertray, and anything with a locked or broken wheel belong on a deck for the same reason.
Motorcycles also ride a flatbed. Published local figures for motorcycle towing typically range from $75 to $225, so mention the bike when you call rather than at the curb.
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive
- Very low ground clearance
- Seized brakes, broken axle or missing wheel
- A car that cannot be put in neutral
What does a flatbed tow cost in Akron?
Most local operators publish roughly $75–$150 for a 5-mile tow and the same range for 10 miles. Those are market figures, not a quote from Akron Towing Service. Ask for the price before the truck leaves, including any extra for winching a car that will not roll.
Is a flatbed better than a regular tow truck?
For a car that rolls and steers normally, a hook tow is often fine. For all-wheel drive, low clearance or crash damage, a flatbed is the safer option. Tell the dispatcher the drivetrain when you call.
Can a flatbed pick up a car that is in park and won't shift?
Yes, that is a common reason to use one. A winch pulls the car onto the deck without its wheels turning. Mention the problem on the phone so the driver brings the right setup.
Do I need to be there when the flatbed arrives?
Being present helps, because the driver needs keys and a drop-off address. If you cannot be there, say so when you call and agree the details first.