AWD and Euro Car Towing: Why Flatbed Transport is Non-Negotiable for Modern Melbourne Vehicles

These sophisticated cars are capable of amazing performance, enhanced safety and unparalleled comfort, but their mechanical design is complex. However, when a breakdown, accident or transport requirement happens, this complexity is turned around. Standard towing techniques that are quite safe for older, typical front-wheel-drive vehicles can lead to thousands of dollars in mechanical damage for a modern Euro/AWD vehicle.

Whether you are looking to know how to safely and properly tow an AWD vehicle without damaging your investment or you are looking for an upscale option, flatbed transport is not just a luxury. It's not something that can be discussed.

To appreciate the need for flatbed tow truck hire, it's critical to have an understanding of how an All-Wheel Drive system works. An AWD vehicle distributes power to all four wheels constantly and/or dynamically depending upon road conditions rather than power being applied to only the front or rear axle in standard two-wheel-drive vehicles. This distribution is dependent on a series of complex components such as:

• Differentials: Mechanical devices which make it possible for wheels on one axle to rotate at different speeds.
• Transfer Cases: A complex gear system to help divide power between the front and rear axles.
• Viscous Couplings and Electronic Clutches: Easing power transmission.

A normal tow truck will raise two wheels of an AWD vehicle up off the ground and roll the other two wheels on the bitumen. This results in a substantial mechanical mismatch. The wheels on the ground spin at high speeds, when the engine is off. This forced rotation causes excess friction and heat in the stationary components of the drivetrain, which can cause damage to the front and rear axles. After only a few kilometers of driving, the hot juice can turn the transmission fluid viscous, fuse the internal gears and entirely ruin the center differential. A vehicle owner forced to come up with a solution for a simple roadside mechanical problem can have a total transmission failure.

The European automakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen are working with precision engineering in their products. The handling and appearance of this engineering are outstanding, but pose specific challenges in a vehicle recovery/transit scenario.

Huge numbers of European sedans and sports cars have factory lowered suspension, or aerodynamic body kits. Parts of the towing equipment must slide under the vehicle or pick it up at a very sharp angle in traditional hook-and-chain trucks or wheel-lift tow trucks. This angle will be responsible for the front bumper splitter or side skirts to rub against the road surface, causing damage to the bodywork which costs a lot.

Many premium and European SUVs and cars are fitted with sensitive Electronic Suspension Systems. These systems automatically adjust the height and damping of the vehicles, according to real-time driving data. Lifting up one end of the vehicle with the ignition switch off can disrupt the sensors which control the leveling mechanism, may overload the air bags, and lead to electronic calibration problems that must be corrected by a dealership maintenance and require a great deal of money.

Being prepared to maintain your car's manufacturer or extended warranty is a crucial priority for all vehicle owners. Over the counter repairs or replacement for a damaged European transmission or advanced AWD drivetrain easily can be $10,000 to $20,000 or more.

In most of the major European car manufacturers' vehicle owner manuals, they clearly specify that the car should only be transported on a flatbed trailer or flatbed tow truck. Any other method, such as a tow dolly, or a standard wheel-lift truck, is in direct violation of these operation guidelines.

If you have a drivetrain failure due to the improper towing method of the tow truck, the manufacturer will cancel the warranty on those parts. This places only the owner or towing company in a financial position to cover any damage resulting in prolonged, stressful damage and insurance claims. A car that is towed by a certified prestige car towing Melbourne service guarantees the strict adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines. Total-Surface Flatbed Transport with Soft-Tie Technology is the safest and most reliable method for moving a luxury, lowered or AWD vehicle. This approach eliminates the road altogether from the picture on the way.

On a flatbed tow truck, the full vehicle is winched or driven onto a totally flat, structural platform. After the car is placed on the bed, the car's wheels stop moving with respect to the truck. The differentials, transfer case and transmission experience no mechanical strain or wear since none of its wheels are in contact with the road. When a vehicle is being towed, it is frequently done by the use of heavy metal chains or crude steel hooks to attach the vehicle to a hook and hold it in place around the control arms, axles or wheels. This metal-on-metal contact results in severe gouges, scratches and structural deformation on high quality alloy wheels and sensitive aluminum suspension parts.

Professional prestige transport is using the soft-tie wheel straps. They are a special type of straps that consist of high strength, heavy-duty synthetic webbing. These wrap around the rubber tread and do not come in contact with the metal rim or suspension parts. The tires keep the vehicle secure, ensuring that any bumps or vibrations during travel are absorbed by the car's suspension system, preventing any cosmetic or mechanical damage.

When you need a Melbourne flatbed tow truck hire, choosing the right Melbourne Prestige Towing Company is critical as it's essential that they have the proper equipment, knowledge, and experience. Have them apply the following towing service benchmarks:

• Use a Dedicated Flatbed Fleet: Make sure the company is using a flatbed truck, and not a standard flatbed with a dolly attachment.
• Knowledge of European Imports: The operators should know immediately where the tie down points are located, if there is any electronic override of the handbrake and the neutral-safety switch procedure for the various makes of European imports.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Make sure the company has comprehensive hook insurance that includes coverage for high dollar prestige and luxury cars in transit.
• Low Angle Loading: If the customer is an extremely low sports car, the company should use tilt-trays with low angle loading ramps and/or wood blocks to avoid damage to the bumper during loading.

A Tesla or other electric AWD model has its own extra considerations too, so it's worth reading our flatbed vs wheel-lift towing comparison before the truck arrives.