Wrecker Service vs. Towing: What’s the Difference?

If your vehicle breaks down or you’re involved in an accident, you might hear terms like towing service and wrecker service used interchangeably. While they’re closely related, they’re not exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help you know who to call—and when—so you get the right help as quickly as possible.

What Is a Towing Service?

A towing service is the most common type of roadside assistance. It involves transporting a vehicle from one location to another when it can’t be driven safely.

Common Reasons You’d Need a Tow

• Vehicle breakdowns
• Dead batteries
• Flat tires
• Running out of fuel
• Minor mechanical issues
• Transporting a vehicle to a repair shop or home

How Towing Works

Standard towing typically uses:

• Flatbed tow trucks (vehicle is fully lifted onto the truck)
• Wheel-lift tow trucks (front or rear wheels are lifted while the other wheels stay on the ground)

Towing services are ideal for non-emergency situations where the vehicle is intact and easily accessible.

What Is a Wrecker Service?

A wrecker service goes beyond basic towing. Wrecker services specialize in vehicle recovery, especially in complex or hazardous situations.

Situations That Require a Wrecker

• Car accidents
• Vehicles stuck in ditches, mud, or snow
• Rollovers
• Off-road recoveries
• Vehicles that are severely damaged or inoperable

Specialized Equipment and Experience

Wrecker services use heavy-duty equipment such as:

• Winches
• Cranes
• Rotators
• Heavy-duty recovery trucks

Operators are trained to safely recover vehicles while minimizing additional damage and ensuring scene safety.

Contact Our Local Auto Body Shop Today

Whether your vehicle needs a simple tow or a full recovery, our experienced team is ready to help. We have the right equipment and trained operators to handle everything from roadside breakdowns to accident recovery safely and efficiently.   Call now for fast, reliable towing and wrecker service when you need it most. We proudly serve the Winston-Salem and Clemmons, NC areas.