How to tow an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) car safely? A common question for many car owners when their vehicle needs to be transported. The answer is simple: using a flatbed or trailer. AWD is becoming popular day by day due to its added safety. But it also added challenges in towing. AWD cars cannot be towed with just two wheels lifted off the ground, as all four wheels are connected to the drivetrain. Dragging can cause significant harm to the transmission and other components.
One can find himself in a situation where towing is necessary, whether due to a breakdown or for transport purposes. So, understanding the proper techniques and precautions is very important. This includes knowing the type of towing equipment that is appropriate for AWD vehicles and the best practices to safely tow them.
At Elite Wheel Warehouse, we understand the importance of handling your AWD vehicle with care. Our expertise in automotive care ensures that your car is in safe hands, providing you with peace of mind and reliable solutions tailored to your needs.
So, let’s dive deeper into how you can tow your AWD car effectively, ensuring its safety every step of the way.
Which Cars are The All Wheels Drive Cars
| Segment | Common Model | Key Feature |
| Sedan | Audi Quattro (A3, A4, A6, A8, Q7) | Drivetrain allows all wheels to receive torque simultaneously |
| SUV | Subaru Outback (Impreza, Legacy, Forester, WRX, Crosstrek) | Drivetrain allows all wheels to receive torque simultaneously |
| SUV | Volvo XC60 (S60, V60, XC40, XC90, S90) | Drivetrain allows all wheels to receive torque simultaneously |
| SUV | BMW xDrive Series (1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5) | Drivetrain allows all wheels to receive torque simultaneously |
What’s the right way to safely tow an AWD vehicle?
When it comes to safely towing your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, the best method hands-down is using a flatbed tow truck. This technique ensures that all four wheels are off the ground, which is crucial for preventing any potential damage to your vehicle’s transmission or drivetrain. It’s essential to make sure the vehicle is securely fastened on the flatbed to avoid any movement during transport that could lead to accidental damage. Remember, always check your owner’s manual for specific towing instructions tailored to your vehicle to maintain its integrity.
5 Ways Of How To Tow An All Wheel Drive (AWD) Car
1. Flatbed Towing:
Required Time : 15-30 minutes
Cost : Between $75 and $150
Recommended Usage for AWD Vehicles: High (97% Proffessional Recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Initiate the process by calling a professional towing service that specializes in AWD vehicles and offers flatbed towing.
- Step 2: Once the service arrives, ensure the operator secures your AWD car on the flatbed using winch cables or chains, centers the vehicle, and engages the parking brake.
- Step 3: The next step involves securing the tires with straps to prevent any rolling or movement.
- Step 4: Before departing, double-check that all straps and hooks are tightly secured to prevent any shifting that might damage the vehicle during the tow.
2. Dolly Towing:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Verify by consulting your owner’s manual that your AWD system is compatible with dolly towing.
- Step 2: Place the dolly under the front wheels (if applicable for front-driven AWD systems) and securely fasten the tires onto the dolly.
- Step 3: Ensure the rear wheels are locked and secure.
- Step 4: Finally, attach the dolly to the towing vehicle and check that all lights and signals are synchronized and functional.
Required Time : 25-45 minutes
Cost : Between $50 and $125
Recommended Usage for AWD Vehicles: Very Low ( Typically not recommended)
3. Wheel Lift Towing:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Start by checking your vehicle’s manual to confirm if wheel lift towing is suitable for your AWD.
- Step 2: Use a wheel lift device to raise the non-drive axle wheels off the ground.
- Step 3: Secure the lifted wheels with safety chains and straps to ensure they do not detach.
- Step 4: Ensure that the tow truck’s lights are connected to your car’s systems to ensure proper signaling to other drivers.
Required Time: 15 to 25 minutes
Cost: Average starts at $75, varies with distance and service requirements
Recommended Usage for AWD Vehicles: Very Low (Generally not recommended for AWD due to risks to the drivetrain)
4. Neutral Mode:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to enable the neutral mode in the transfer case.
- Step 2: Shift the transmission into neutral (N).
- Step 3: Secure the steering wheel in a straight position to avoid any unintended turns.
- Step 4: Keep an eye on the vehicle during towing to ensure the neutral mode does not disengage accidentally.
Required Time: 10 to 20 minutes (to engage neutral mode and ensure security)
Cost: Starts at $75, varies based on service and distance
Recommended Usage for AWD Vehicles: Moderate (Only if supported by vehicle’s manufacturer and neutral mode can be securely engaged)
5. Conditions for Emergency Towing:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: This method should only be considered if absolutely necessary and for a short distance.
- Step 2: If neither a dolly nor flatbed is available, use tow straps with caution, attaching them correctly to the designated tow points on the vehicle.
- Step 3: Maintain a speed below 35 mph and limit the distance to under 50 miles.
- Step 4: Continuously monitor the vehicle and towing equipment for any signs of stress or failure.
Required Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cost: Starts around $100
Recommended Usage for AWD Vehicles: Very Low (Only in emergencies and for very short distances to avoid damage)
The Problem with Towing All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Unlike two-wheel drive vehicles, where you can simply lift the drive wheels off the ground to prevent damage, AWD systems require more care because every wheel is linked to the drive mechanism.
The primary issue with towing AWD vehicles using traditional methods—such as towing with two wheels on the ground—is the high risk of damaging the transmission. Additionally, towing an AWD incorrectly can lead to further complications, harming the couplings and other critical drive components. This is because AWD systems are designed to distribute power across all four wheels, which, while advantageous for driving on various terrains, poses significant risks when towed improperly.
Simply put, with AWD vehicles, you cannot choose just any wheels to remain on the ground without risking serious damage to the vehicle’s intricate drivetrain system. This makes towing AWD vehicles more complex and necessitates careful handling to avoid costly repairs.
Wrong Way to Tow an AWD Vehicle!
Towing an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle correctly is crucial to avoid damaging its intricate drivetrain. Although it’s technically possible to tow an AWD car with its wheels on the ground, this method requires disengaging the driveshaft—a complex and risky procedure that’s not advisable on the roadside.
| Aspect | Right Way | Wrong Way |
| Method | Use a flatbed tow truck or heavy-duty dollies. | Using a standard tow truck or tow bar. |
| Wheel Movement | All wheels are off the ground or secured; no spinning. | Two wheels or all four wheels are on the ground and spinning. |
| Risk to Drivetrain | Minimal to no risk of damage to the drivetrain. | High risk of severe damage to the transmission and other drivetrain components. |
| Compliance with Owner’s Manual | Fully compliant; follows specific manufacturer’s guidelines. | Often ignoring crucial guidelines, potentially voiding warranties. |
Legal and Insurance Considerations in AWD Towing
When towing an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, understanding the legal and insurance implications is crucial. Here’s a concise rundown based on personal experience:
Legal Considerations:
- Local Laws: Always check local towing laws to ensure compliance. Some areas require specific towing methods for AWD vehicles to prevent damage and ensure road safety.
- Liability: If incorrectly towed, you might be liable for any resulting damage. Always use approved methods and equipment.
Insurance Considerations:
- Towing Coverage: Verify if your insurance includes towing and roadside assistance. Not all policies cover towing by default, and there may be restrictions on approved methods.
- Damage During Towing: Ensure your policy covers damages incurred during towing. Standard policies might not cover damages from improper towing practices, like towing an AWD vehicle with two wheels on the ground.
- Notification: Inform your insurance provider before towing. This confirms coverage specifics and ensures any towing actions are within your policy’s scope
Final Thought
Towing an AWD car safely means using a flatbed tow truck so all four wheels are off the ground, and your car is well-protected. But it needs special care to avoid any harm to the drivetrain. It’s smart to check your owner’s manual for the right steps and get professional help if you’re unsure.
If you ever find yourself and your car in need of towing service, it’s always best to call the professional. Places like Elite Wheel Warehouse are experts at safely handling vehicles with their top-notch equipment and know-how. So, if you’re stuck and need a lift, don’t hesitate to call the pros who know what they’re doing.
FAQs:
Question : Is It Safe To Tow An All-Wheel-Drive?
Answer : It is generally not safe to tow an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle with any wheels on the ground due to the risk of damaging the drivetrain. The safest method is using a flatbed tow truck, where all four wheels are lifted off the ground.
Question :Can I use a tow dolly on an AWD car?
Answer : No, using a tow dolly on an AWD car is not recommended as it can cause significant damage to the vehicle’s drivetrain.
Question :Can you tow an AWD car in neutral?
Answer : No, towing an AWD car in neutral is not safe because it can still cause damage to the transmission and drivetrain, even if the car is in neutral.
Question :What is the Best Way To Tow An AWD?
Answer : The best way to tow an AWD is using a flatbed tow truck. This technique ensures that all four wheels are off the ground, which is crucial for preventing any potential damage to your vehicle’s transmission or drivetrain.
