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AWD and 4WD

Can you tow an all-wheel drive car?

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The short answer

All wheel drive and four wheel drive cars are generally best moved on a flatbed, so all four wheels are off the ground. Dragging them with two wheels on the road can harm the drivetrain in some models. Check your owner's manual and tell the tow company your drive type.

Why is towing an all wheel drive car different?

In an all wheel drive car, power can go to all four wheels through parts that are linked together. If two wheels turn on the road while the other two are lifted, those parts can be forced to turn against each other.

That can damage the drivetrain in some cars. That is why many car makers, and many tow drivers, say to move these cars with all four wheels off the ground.

What is the safest way to move an AWD or 4WD car?

The safest way is generally a flatbed, where the car rides on the bed and all four wheels are off the road. Nothing turns, so nothing gets stressed.

Always check your owner's manual. It is the best source for your exact car. Some cars have special rules, and some have a towing mode or a specific way to shift into neutral.

What if only a wheel-lift truck is available?

Tell the company your car is all wheel drive and ask what they suggest. Some companies use extra equipment so all four wheels stay off the ground. Others will send a flatbed a little later.

Do not just agree to whatever is fastest. A short wait for the right truck is often better than a repair bill for the wrong one. Check what your manual says and share it with the driver.

What should I tell the tow company about my car?

Tell them the year, make, model and drive type when you call. Also mention anything that is broken, such as a flat tire, a bad transmission or damaged suspension.

If your car is electric or a hybrid, say that too. These cars can have their own rules for how they are moved, and the manual is the place to check.

  • The year, make and model.
  • All wheel drive or four wheel drive.
  • Any damage or flat tire.
  • Whether it is electric or a hybrid.
  • What your owner's manual says about towing.

Step by step

  1. Get to a safe place

    Hazard lights on, away from traffic. Sort out the tow after you are safe.

  2. Confirm your car is all wheel drive or four wheel drive

    Look at your owner's manual, a badge on the car or the window sticker. If you are not sure, say so when you call.

  3. Read the towing section of your owner's manual

    Look for words like towing, recovery or roadside. Many manuals say how the car should and should not be moved.

  4. Ask the company for a flatbed

    Say your car is all wheel drive or four wheel drive and ask for a flatbed so all four wheels are off the ground.

  5. Ask what happens if a flatbed is not free

    Ask how long the wait is for a flatbed. Ask what other way they can move the car with all wheels off the ground, and check it against your manual.

  6. Watch the loading and take photos

    Stay safe while the driver loads it. Take photos before and after. Tell the driver if something looks wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Can any AWD car be towed with two wheels on the ground?

Do not assume so. Many all wheel drive cars should not be. The owner's manual is the best guide for your car, and a flatbed avoids the question by lifting all four wheels.

Is a four wheel drive truck different?

Some four wheel drive vehicles have a neutral setting in the transfer case that can allow flat towing, and some do not. Check the owner's manual before you agree to any tow method.

What if my car is a hybrid or electric?

These can have special rules, and many are moved on a flatbed. Look in the owner's manual under towing, and tell the company at the start of the call.

Will asking for a flatbed cost me more time?

It might. A flatbed may not be free right away. Ask for the wait. It is usually worth it for a car that should not have its wheels rolling.

Stuck right now?

If anyone is hurt, or you are stopped in traffic, call emergency services first. Then get to a safe spot away from moving traffic.

Once you are safe, call your local tow company or your roadside assistance plan. This page is general information and cannot send help.

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