The tow truck in Used Cars Simulator serves as your primary tool for retrieving broken, engine-less wrecks and transporting flipped vehicles across the map. You receive the starter flatbed tow truck at no cost during the early "Business opportunity" quest. Operating it effectively requires using its flatbed ramp, electric winch, and remote controls to secure vehicles without causing body damage.
Tow Truck Controls and Winch Operation
Operating the tow truck involves two main components: deploying the flatbed ramp and operating the winch cables to load non-running vehicles.
Ramp Controls
- Extend or retract the flatbed ramp: Press X while sitting inside the tow truck cab.
Winch and Remote Controls
DreamWay Games introduced the winch system in Update #13 to allow players to haul engine-less chassis from scrapyards and side streets without needing to drive them onto the bed.
- Attach winch hook: Aim at the target car and click Left Mouse Button (LMB).
- Detach winch hook: Press G.
- Pull vehicle up the ramp: Press Z on the winch remote control.
- Push vehicle down or outward: Press X on the winch remote control.
Developer patches have refined this mechanic over time. Update #19 addressed issues where cars locked up while being pushed off the bed, and Update #26 resolved unintended body damage occurring during transit. If your truck gets wedged in the terrain or tipped over, use the tow truck reset button added in Update #14 to right the vehicle.
Tow Truck Models and Specifications
Used Cars Simulator features four distinct tow trucks. The starter vehicle is acquired through story progression, while heavy-duty models are sold at a specialized shop.
| Tow Truck Model | Acquisition Source | Key Characteristics & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rusty Starter Tow Truck | Free via "Business opportunity" quest | Based on the International MV Series; 4.5L engine, 350 HP, 1,500 weight rating; single-car flatbed with rear winch. |
| The Towminator | Tow Truck Shop | Heavy commercial chassis unlocked in Update #14; linked to the "Buy Towminator" Steam achievement. |
| Truck Norris | Tow Truck Shop | High-durability tow platform designed for heavier payloads; linked to the "Buy Truck Norris" Steam achievement. |
| Loadasaurus Rex | Tow Truck Shop | Multi-car carrier equipped with an upper deck to haul multiple vehicles at once; linked to the "Buy Loadasaurus Rex" Steam achievement. |
Tow Truck Shop Location
The Tow Truck Shop was added in Update #14. It is situated in the expanded section of the map, located near the abandoned ski jump and a local Time Attack course. Visiting this dealership lets you upgrade from the starter flatbed to multi-car carriers once your garage finances allow.
Tow Truck Updates and Physics Fixes
The developers implemented several targeted patches to improve tow truck handling and hauling stability throughout early access development:
- Physics and Cargo Retention (Update #4 & #26): Early versions had issues with vehicles sliding off the flatbed when players stepped away or suffering collision damage during transport. Patches stabilized vehicle attachment physics once cars are seated on the bed.
- Engine Power and Acceleration (Update #22): Tow truck engine torque and acceleration were buffed across all models to help players haul heavy chassis up steep mountain inclines.
- Quest Navigation (Update #16): Tow truck delivery objectives automatically direct navigation waypoints to whichever owned tow truck is closest to your character.
Community Tips for Hauling Vehicles
Player testing on the Steam Community forums highlights several handling nuances worth keeping in mind during retrieval runs:
- Managing Steep Ramp Inclines: Low-riding sports cars—such as the Camborghini Lountach or Feetari F420—can catch their front bumpers or undercarriages on the ramp edge if loaded at high speed. Winch them aboard slowly rather than driving up the ramp with momentum.
- Multi-Deck Weight Distribution: When using double-decker carriers like the Loadasaurus Rex, hauling two cars significantly raises the vehicle's center of gravity. Take wide turns on banked roads and avoid abrupt directional changes at speed to prevent rollover accidents.
- Retrieving Trapped Wrecks: If a target vehicle spawns in an inaccessible location or tight warehouse corridor, players can use the game's Escape menu to send the vehicle to the police station lot, then pick it up from there.
Tow Truck Achievements
Hauling cars, upgrading your fleet, and performing stunts with your haulers will unlock several Steam achievements:
- Load A Car Onto The Tow Truck: Complete your first vehicle loading sequence.
- Drift With A Tow Truck: Break traction and drift using any owned hauler.
- Perform A Stunt Jump With A Tow Truck: Launch a tow truck off a stunt ramp.
- Buy Towminator: Purchase The Towminator at the Tow Truck Shop.
- Buy Loadasaurus Rex: Purchase the Loadasaurus Rex multi-car hauler.
- Buy Truck Norris: Purchase the Truck Norris heavy-duty hauler.
