Introduction
When your car breaks down in the UAE, not all towing methods are created equal. Choosing the wrong type of tow truck can lead to scratched bumpers, broken axles, or drivetrain damage.
This article compares two common options wheel-lift towing and hook & chain towing to help you understand which method is safer for your car.
What Is Wheel-Lift Towing?
Wheel-lift towing uses a hydraulic metal yoke that lifts either the front or rear wheels of your vehicle off the ground. The remaining wheels roll freely while the vehicle is towed.
Pros:
- Quicker and easier for tight urban areas like Dubai Marina
- Less contact with the car’s body, minimizing potential damage
- Ideal for short-distance recovery
Cons:
- Not suitable for 4×4 or AWD vehicles (can damage the drivetrain)
- May cause tyre wear if towed for long distances
More on towing best practices from Car and Driver.
What Is Hook & Chain Towing?
Hook and chain towing is the oldest towing method, where a chain is attached to the axle or bumper, and the vehicle is pulled with two wheels on the ground.
Pros:
- Works for heavily damaged, totaled, or junk vehicles
- Useful for pulling vehicles out of tight spots or off-road
Cons:
- Chains may scratch or dent bumpers, frames, or undercarriage
- Incompatible with modern cars, especially low-clearance or luxury models
- Not recommended unless flatbed or wheel-lift is unavailable
Want to see this method in action? Visit UHaul’s towing history section.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Wheel-Lift Towing | Hook & Chain Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Safety for Modern Cars | ✅ Good | ❌ Risk of damage |
| Used For | Short city tows | Junked or totaled cars |
| Car Contact | Low (under wheels) | High (hook on frame/axle) |
| Compatible with 4WD/AWD | ❌ Not safe | ❌ Not recommended |
| Availability in UAE | Widely used | Rare & outdated |
| Common Damage Risks | Tyre wear | Bumper/frame scratches |
| Price Range (AED, UAE) | 150–300 | 100–250 (for junk vehicles) |
UAE-Specific Considerations
- In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, wheel-lift is most commonly used for city breakdowns.
- Hook & chain trucks are generally retired or used only for accident recovery or insurance repossessions.
- Most RTA-approved recovery services prefer wheel-lift or flatbed towing for safer results.
Check towing safety regulations with RTA Dubai.
Which Method Should You Avoid?
| Situation | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Luxury, low-clearance, or sports car | ❌ Never use hook & chain → Use flatbed |
| Front-wheel-drive sedan | ✅ Wheel-lift OK |
| 4WD or AWD vehicle | ❌ Avoid wheel-lift → Use flatbed |
| Damaged or non-drivable car | ✅ Hook & chain (if no other option) |
| Off-road sand recovery | ❌ Avoid both → Use winch-equipped 4×4 recovery truck |
See Kelley Blue Book for more car safety tips.
When in Doubt, Call a Trusted Service
Don’t risk damaging your car. Always request the right type of recovery truck when calling for help.
| Service | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Recovery Truck Near Me | Visit Site |
| AAA Roadside UAE | aaa.com |
| Pitstop Arabia (Towing Network) | pitstoparabia.com |
| RTA Roadside Emergency | 800-9090 |
| Dubai Police Assistance | Call 999 |
Final Thoughts
In today’s world of sensitive electronics and fragile drivetrains, hook & chain towing should almost never be your first choice. While it has its place for junked vehicles, wheel-lift towing is safer and more modern but even it isn’t suitable for all vehicles.
When in doubt, request a flatbed or ask for advice from your recovery provider. Save Recovery Truck Near Me to your phone so you’re always ready with the right option.
