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There are two common ways to move a car that can’t be driven. One, the flatbed, carries the whole car. The other lifts two wheels, so the other two roll on the road. For a lot of cars, the difference matters, because the wrong method can cause damage.
Flatbed
The truck has a flat bed that tilts and slides down to the road. We drive or winch the car onto it, then strap it down. All four wheels are off the ground for the journey, so nothing on the car turns or wears.
Wheel-lift
A frame lifts the front or the back wheels off the road, then the truck pulls the car along on the other two. It’s quick for short moves, but the wheels on the road are still turning.
Cars that should go on a flatbed
- Automatics. Towing with the driven wheels turning can damage the gearbox, so a flatbed is safer.
- Four-wheel-drive cars. All four wheels are linked, so none of them should turn on their own.
- Electric and hybrid cars. See can towing damage an electric car?
- Low cars, which can catch their bumpers on a lifting frame.
- Cars with accident damage, a locked wheel or a broken suspension.
Can you tow an automatic at all?
Check the handbook. However, some allow a very short tow at low speed. Many makers say a flatbed should carry the car. If you’re not sure, a flatbed is always safe.
What we use
We only use a flatbed. Every car, van and motorbike we move travels on the back of the truck. For low cars we use a shallow loading angle, and for cars that won’t roll we use a winch and wheel skates. See flatbed recovery.
Arranging a flatbed collection
- Tell us the make and model, and whether it’s an automatic, four-wheel drive or electric.
- Then tell us whether it starts, rolls and steers.
- Finally, tell us about the space around it: a drive, a garage, a car park or the roadside.
- Give us both addresses, so we can quote one price.
Call 07778 348703 or read more about car towing.
Customers rate us 5.0 on Google, and you can also read our Google reviews before you call.
Why drivers choose Ozzy’s
Ozzy’s Breakdown Recovery is a local, fully insured 24/7 emergency vehicle recovery and rescue company covering Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey. Call 07778 348703 for a free quote – we’re usually with you in 30–45 minutes.
Fully insured
Public liability and vehicle in transit insurance. You are covered.
Free quote first
You know the price before we set off. No membership and no monthly fee.
30–45 minute response
Usually with you in 30–45 minutes, day or night, every day of the year.
Local emergency recovery near you
Emergency recovery and vehicle rescue near you, across Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey, day and night. Wherever you’ve broken down, call – we can help.
Any car, van or bike
Cars, vans and light commercials up to 3.5 tonnes.
Pay your way
Card payment link, Klarna pay in 3 or Clearpay pay in 4.
Every recovery service we offer – one call covers them all
Broken down? Don’t get stranded. Call 07778 348703 now, get your free quote and get moving – we’re usually with you in 30–45 minutes, day or night. We can take your vehicle anywhere in the UK.
- Emergency recovery – broken down and need help now? We come out day and night.
- Emergency towing – a tow truck when you need one, 24/7.
- Vehicle rescue – stuck, stranded or can’t move safely.
- Roadside recovery – we load your vehicle where it has stopped.
- Towing service – cars, vans and motorbikes on our flatbed tow truck.
- Breakdown recovery near me – send your location and we’ll find you.
- Tow truck near me – local towing, day and night.
- Breakdown recovery – car stopped at home, at work or at the roadside? Call-out from £75.
- Car towing and tow truck service – we move your car to a garage, your home or any address in the UK.
- Roadside assistance – help where you’ve stopped, day or night.
- Jump starts and flat battery call-outs – from £60.
- Car won’t start? We come to you, and take it to a garage if it still won’t go.
- Accident recovery – damaged cars loaded carefully with a winch and wheel skates. From £150.
- Motorcycle and motorbike recovery – strapped down properly on our truck. Call-out from £85.
- Van and light commercial vehicle recovery – up to 3.5 tonnes GVW. Call-out from £110.
- Electric vehicle (EV) recovery – carried on our flatbed with all four wheels off the road.
- Flatbed recovery and vehicle transport – for low, classic, sports and non-running cars.
- Flat tyre recovery – no spare? We take the car to a tyre shop you choose.
- Stuck, non-runner and winch-out recovery – won’t roll, locked wheels or stuck in mud.
- Campervan and motorhome recovery – call us for a price.
- Motorway recovery – M4, M3 and M25. From £150.
- 24 hour breakdown recovery – nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Pay as you go breakdown cover – no membership. Pay only when you need us.
- Business and fleet recovery – for company cars and vans.
We cover Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey. Not sure what you need? Call 07778 348703 and tell us what’s happened – we can help. You can also see our starting prices.
