What is Recovery Towing?

Kyle Schafer • June 26, 2022

Being involved in an accident is always unexpected and often leaves people feeling shaken up and confused. One of the first things you may have to do is figure out how to get your vehicle off the road. This is where recovery towing comes in.


Recovery towing is the process of removing a vehicle from the roadway after an accident or breakdown. It can also be used to remove vehicles that are illegally parked or abandoned. There are many types of recovery tow trucks, and the kind of truck used will depend on the vehicle being towed and the severity of the damage.


What is the difference between recovery towing and roadside assistance?

Recovery towing is a specialized service that requires trained and experienced operators. It is essential only to use a reputable and certified recovery towing company to ensure that your vehicle is handled safely and properly.


Roadside assistance is generally for less severe situations, such as a flat tire or dead battery, and can often be handled by the tow truck driver without having to hook up the vehicle.


A flatbed tow truck may be required to remove it safely if a vehicle has veered off to a ditch or down an embankment. If the car is still drivable but cannot be moved off the road, a wheel-lift tow truck can be used to move it to the shoulder. For more severely damaged vehicles, a heavy-duty wrecker may be needed to winch the car onto the flatbed.


These situations call for a recovery tow truck rather than a roadside assistance truck because the recovery process is much more complex and requires special equipment.



What are the benefits of Recovery Towing?

Recovery towing is a vital service that helps keep our roads safe for everyone. If you need recovery towing, be sure to call a reputable and experienced tow truck company. Some of the benefits of professional recovery towing are;

  • Your vehicle will be removed quickly and safely
  • You won't have to worry about the cost of damages
  • You can be sure that your vehicle is in good hands.


If you find yourself in need of recovery towing, don't hesitate to call the professionals at Azteca Towing. We are experienced and certified in all types of recovery towing in Phoenix, AZ, and can help get your vehicle off the road quickly and safely.


What are the different types of recovery towing?

There are many different types of recovery towing trucks, each designed for a specific type of vehicle or situation. Some of the most common types of recovery tow trucks include:

  • Flatbed Tow Truck: A flatbed tow truck has a long, flat bed that can be used to transport vehicles that have been in an accident or have significant damage. The bed can be lowered to ground level so the car can be driven onto it, or it can be raised to load the vehicle from the side.
  • Wheel-Lift Tow Truck: A wheel-lift tow truck has a metal yoke that can lift a vehicle's front or rear wheels off the ground. This type of truck is typically used to tow cars that have been in an accident or have flat tires.
  • Boom Truck: A boom truck has a hydraulic arm with a winch attached. The component can be used to lift the vehicle so it can be towed from the side or the rear.
  • Dolly Tow Truck: A dolly tow truck has a platform on which the vehicle is driven. The platform is then towed behind the truck. Dolly trucks are typically used to tow vehicles that have been in an accident or have significant damage.


While these are some of the typical recovery tow trucks, many others are designed for specific types of vehicles or situations. Hiring a professional towing company that has the right kind of truck for your needs is the best way to ensure that your vehicle is towed safely and efficiently.


A professional towing company for recovery towing in Phoenix, AZ.

At Azteca Towing, we offer recovery towing in Phoenix, AZ. We have a wide range of tow trucks for different types of vehicles. If you need to tow a car that has been in an accident, we have the right truck for the job. Call us today for recovery towing in Phoenix, AZ.

towing service
By Azteca Towing January 20, 2026
Driving in Phoenix, AZ comes with unique challenges—from extreme heat to long highway commutes and sudden vehicle breakdowns. Knowing when to call a professional towing service can protect your safety, prevent further vehicle damage, and save you time and money. Below are the most common situations where calling a trusted towing company is the smart move. 1. Your Vehicle Breaks Down in Extreme Heat Phoenix summers are notorious for triple-digit temperatures. Engine overheating, dead batteries, and cooling system failures are common. Staying stranded on the roadside in extreme heat can be dangerous. A professional towing service ensures fast, safe removal of your vehicle to a repair shop or safe location. 2. You’re Involved in an Accident Even minor accidents can leave your vehicle unsafe to drive. Towing professionals have the proper equipment to transport damaged vehicles without causing additional harm. They also know how to work safely at accident scenes, especially on busy Phoenix roadways. 3. Your Car Won’t Start or Has a Dead Battery If your car won’t start due to a dead battery, starter failure, or electrical issue, a towing service can provide jump-starts or tow your vehicle if needed. This is especially helpful if the problem occurs late at night or in an unsafe area. 4. Flat Tires or Blowouts Without a Spare Arizona roads and high temperatures can cause tire blowouts. If you don’t have a spare tire or the tools to change it safely, calling a towing or roadside assistance service is the safest option. 5. You’re Stuck or Off the Road Whether your vehicle is stuck in sand, gravel, a ditch, or a parking structure, professional towing companies have winches and recovery equipment designed to extract vehicles safely without damage. 6. Long-Distance or Vehicle Transport Needs If you need to transport a vehicle across Phoenix or to another city, professional towing ensures secure handling, proper tie-downs, and peace of mind—especially for luxury, classic, or non-operational vehicles. 7. You Need 24/7 Emergency Assistance Vehicle issues don’t follow a schedule. Reliable towing services in Phoenix offer 24/7 emergency towing and roadside assistance , ensuring help is always available when you need it most. Why Choose a Professional Towing Service in Phoenix? Fast response times Licensed and insured operators Proper equipment for all vehicle types Safety-focused roadside procedures Local knowledge of Phoenix roads and traffic conditions  📞 Stranded on the road in Phoenix, AZ? Don’t take chances with your safety or your vehicle. 📞 Call a trusted professional towing service today for fast, reliable, 24/7 assistance. Help is just one call away.
towing service Phoenix AZ
By Azteca Towing January 4, 2026
Choose the best towing service in Phoenix, AZ with our complete driver’s guide. Tips on reliability, pricing, services offered, and what to look for in an emergency
towing service
By Azteca Towing December 19, 2025
Phoenix extreme heat can cause breakdowns anytime. Learn why 24/7 emergency towing service in Phoenix, AZ is essential for safety, fast response, & peace of mind