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Towing a Luxury or Exotic Car in Los Angeles: What You Should Know

  • Los Angeles Towing Service
  • Oct 9, 2025
  • 5 min read

Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Owning a luxury or exotic car isn’t just about getting from one place to another — it’s about passion, performance, and pride. Whether you drive a Lamborghini, Tesla, or Porsche, you already know these cars deserve a higher level of care. But when something unexpected happens — a dead battery, a flat tire, or a breakdown — how your car gets towed can make all the difference between a safe recovery and costly damage.


At Los Angeles Towing Services, we’ve seen it all. We know that towing a luxury or exotic car takes more than just a tow truck. It requires the right equipment, knowledge, and touch. Here’s what every high-end vehicle owner should know before calling for help.


Why Luxury Cars Need Special Towing


Luxury and exotic vehicles come with unique challenges that most everyday cars don’t have to worry about. They sit lower, have complex drivetrains, and use sensitive materials that don’t respond well to rough handling.


For example:

  • Low Body Cars: Even a small angle mistake can scrape bumpers or splitters.

  • High-Performance Drivetrains: All-Wheel Drive (AWD), electric vehicles (EV), or hybrids can be damaged if the wrong towing method is used.

  • Delicate Finishes and Sensors: Metal chains or cheap straps can ruin these sensitive parts.

  • The Value of These Vehicles: Even a tiny scratch is unacceptable.


Towing these cars safely requires experience, specialized tools, and attention to detail — not just a truck and a hook. That’s why it’s important to choose a company that regularly handles luxury and exotic vehicle towing in Los Angeles.


Luxury cars towing
Towing a luxury car?

Real Story: Mercedes G-Wagon Rescue in a Downtown Parking Garage


Here’s a real story that illustrates what makes professional towing different. A client called us after their Mercedes G-Wagon got stuck on the 7th floor of a parking structure in Downtown Los Angeles. The issue? The garage had low clearance, meaning no flatbed tow truck in town could fit inside.


We sent a special low-clearance wheel-lift truck designed for tight indoor spaces like Santa Monica and DTLA parking garages. Our operator carefully attached soft straps around the tires and used dolly wheels on the front axle. This allowed us to safely move the G-Wagon without touching the drivetrain or suspension.


Once the SUV was out of the building, our flatbed tow truck was waiting at the exit. Within minutes, the vehicle was transferred securely and on its way to the service center — damage-free. This type of situation happens more often than you’d think in Los Angeles. From Santa Monica to Downtown, underground parking garages and steep ramps make towing tricky. Experience and the right equipment are what make these recoveries smooth instead of stressful.


Flatbed Towing: The Gold Standard for Exotic Cars


When it comes to high-end vehicles, flatbed towing is the safest way to move them. Instead of lifting one end of the car and dragging it on its wheels, the entire vehicle sits securely on a flat platform. This eliminates unnecessary wear and prevents damage to undercarriages, bumpers, and tires.


Here’s why flatbeds are the industry favorite:

  • No Drivetrain Strain: All wheels stay off the road.

  • Better Protection: This is especially important for cars with aerodynamic kits, carbon fiber parts, or low front ends.

  • Perfect for Long-Distance Towing: Your vehicle won’t move or vibrate during transport.

  • Safe for Electric and Hybrid Cars: EVs like Tesla, Porsche Taycan, BMW i-7, or the new electric 2026 Mercedes Benz G-Wagon must always be flatbed towed.


Los Angeles is full of steep driveways, tight alleys, and busy freeways — all of which make flatbed towing the smartest option for protecting your investment.


How to Choose the Right Company for Luxury Car Towing


Not every tow company is qualified to handle exotic vehicles. Before you hand over the keys, take a moment to ensure they meet the following standards:


  1. Experience with Luxury Models: Ask if they’ve worked with vehicles like Rolls-Royce, McLaren, or Ferrari before.

  2. Proper Equipment: They should use soft straps, wheel nets, and modern hydraulic flatbeds with adjustable angles.

  3. Clean, Professional Trucks and Operators: Well-maintained trucks and polite, uniformed drivers are signs of professionalism.

  4. Training and Precision: The best operators understand clearance angles, weight distribution, and electric system safety.


You can even ask a few quick questions on the phone:

  • “Do you use soft straps or chains?”

  • “Are your drivers trained for EVs and luxury vehicles?”


If the person on the other end sounds unsure, it’s probably best to move on.


Common Mistakes That Can Damage a Luxury Car During Towing


Luxury car owners often make one of these simple but costly mistakes:

  • Using the Wrong Truck Type: A wheel-lift truck can easily bend suspension or scrape bumpers.

  • Letting an Inexperienced Driver Handle the Car: Not everyone knows how to load a low-profile vehicle.

  • Skipping Documentation: Take photos before the tow — it only takes 30 seconds.

  • Forgetting to Disengage Electronic Systems: Many newer cars have parking brakes or gear locks that need to be disabled properly.


If you’re ever unsure, stay with your vehicle during loading. A professional driver will appreciate your attention to detail — not take offense.


How to Prepare Your Luxury Car for a Tow


If you ever find yourself needing a tow, a few quick steps can help protect your vehicle:

  1. Take Photos of the car before loading.

  2. Remove Personal Items and valuables from inside.

  3. Turn Off Alarms or Valet Mode.

  4. Follow the Operator’s Instructions on neutral or park.

  5. Fold Mirrors and note any pre-existing marks.

  6. Stay Nearby to oversee loading and unloading.


It only takes a few minutes and can prevent misunderstandings later.


Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Vehicle Towing


Can you tow a Tesla or electric luxury car?

Yes, absolutely — but only with a flatbed. Towing an EV on its wheels can damage the battery or motors.


Is flatbed towing the only option for luxury cars?

In most cases, yes. Wheel-lift methods should only be used for short repositioning jobs when a flatbed physically can’t reach the car.


Will insurance cover towing damage?

Most comprehensive insurance plans do, as long as you use a licensed and insured company. Always double-check before towing.


What’s the safest way to tow a sports car?

Soft straps, non-metal hooks, and a hydraulic flatbed are key. You should never see chains touching the body or undercarriage.


Conclusion: Trust the Experts for Your Luxury Car Towing Needs


When it comes to towing luxury or exotic vehicles, trust is essential. You want a company that understands the intricacies of your car and knows how to handle it with care. At Los Angeles Towing Services, we pride ourselves on our expertise and commitment to excellence. We’re here to ensure your vehicle is towed safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind in a stressful situation. Remember, the right towing service can make all the difference.

 
 
 

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