AWD vehicles are gaining popularity because of their better traction and stability, attained by applying simultaneous power transfer to all wheels. Towing an all-wheel-drive car can be difficult as well as complex.
Unlike two-wheel drive cars, Towing an all Wheel Drive Car need special care due to the complexity of the drivetrain system. It is, therefore, very important to understand how to tow an AWD vehicle without destroying its driveshaft and lowering the risk of damages. The solution is simple; knowing the right way relieves you from many headaches.
If you don’t know how to tow an AWD vehicle, it is always recommended that you seek professional services to avoid damage, which could cause expensive repairs. This guide will take you through some of the major towing methods and how to ensure that you do it safely. Let’s get into the details!
Methods of Towing an AWD Vehicle
Flatbed Towing: Flatbed towing is the safest method for towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The process involves loading the entire vehicle onto a flatbed truck to lift all wheels off the ground for transport.
Dolly towing: When a flatbed truck is unavailable, towing by dollies can be used as an alternative. Dollies move the front or back wheels off the ground during towing for transportation purposes.
Tow Bar Towing: This process involves attaching the AWD car to the towing vehicle via a tow bar, but all four wheels remain on the ground. It is not advisable because any part of the drivetrain is neither lifted nor disengaged. It may cause severe damage to the vehicle.
Why Flatbed Towing is preferred?
Flatbed towing is typically considered the safest and most effective method of towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle. It does not pose any risks associated with dolly or tow bar towing methods as all the wheels are off the ground and disconnected from the drivetrain. It is also a faster and easier option, making it the most reliable solution.
How to do flatbed towing correctly?
With towing by a flatbed tow truck, the important thing to know is that all four wheels of your AWD should be completely off the ground to avoid damage to the drivetrain and transmission. This involves safely loading the vehicle onto the flatbed truck without the wheels touching the road.
This is how flatbed towing is done:
Vehicle Positioning: The flatbed tow truck driver will position the flatbed to align with your AWD vehicle for proper loading.
Securing the Vehicle: The car is slowly dragged onto a flatbed with winches. The operator ensures all four wheels are off the ground.
Strapping Down: The car is strapped onto the flatbed so your AWD vehicle does not move during transportation. Above all, this is an important process that ensures your vehicle’s safety on the road.
How to tow an AWD car stuck in park?
More importantly, if your AWD is stuck in the park, you must not force it to move since this will ensure extreme damage. Best option would be to immediately contact a professional towing service. However, you can manually disengage the vehicle’s transmission or shift lock by consulting its manual, which might make it easier to tow.
Why Towing an AWD Vehicle Requires Special Care
By understanding how to tow an AWD car, you can avoid unnecessary damage that might cost a lot of money to repair. In AWD vehicles, power is delivered to all four wheels. This makes them the best options for hard driving conditions, but they are not easy to tow.
As the drivetrain is interconnected, if one set of wheels spins while the others remain stationary, it is viewed as causing serious damage to the transmission and driveshaft. This is why special care must be taken so that no wheels rotate during towing.
Conclusion:
To conclude, how do you tow an AWD vehicle? It is all about keeping all four wheels off the ground, usually with a flatbed tow truck. This prevents damage to the drivetrain and keeps your car safe during the transport process.
Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consult professionals like Towing Blog Spot if in doubt. Under these conditions, correctly towing an all-wheel-drive car means saving your car from unnecessary wear and costly repairs. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially in case of your vehicles.
FAQs:
Can you tow an AWD vehicle in neutral?
It is also not recommended to tow the AWD car in neutral since it will damage several drivetrain components. Keep all four wheels lifted while towing. All wheels are mechanically linked, so moving an AWD car in neutral results in internal components rotating.
How to tow AWD without a flatbed?
If a flatbed is unavailable, the safest way to tow an AWD vehicle is to disconnect the driveshaft or use tow dollies under both the front and rear axles.
Disconnecting the driveshaft will enable you to tow without causing internal damage, but it requires some mechanical expertise. Using tow dollies is easier and prevents rotating the tires directly.
Is it safe to tow an all-wheel-drive car?
Yes, but it is only safe if you use the proper towing method, such as a flatbed truck that lifts all wheels off the ground or has a tow dolly on each axle. The traditional method of towing an AWD car where two wheels remain on the ground is not preferred.
Can you tow an automatic AWD?
Yes, you can tow an automatic AWD car, but the rule is to lift all the vehicles up to the ground. Automatic transmissions rely on the engine running to lubricate and cool internal components, so it is preferred that a flatbed truck be used to tow an automatic AWD vehicle.
Can you tow a manual AWD car?
Yes, manual AWD cars can be towed with all four wheels off the ground to prevent damage to the drivetrain and transmission.
How to tow an AWD car behind an RV?
The safest and most reliable way to tow an AWD vehicle behind an RV is with a flatbed trailer that lifts all four wheels completely off the ground. A flatbed ensures that your AWD system remains untouched, preventing possible transmission damage.
Can you tow an AWD car on 2 wheels?
No, towing an AWD car on two wheels is not recommended, as it may cause serious damage to the drivetrain, differential, and transmission. The rule should be that all four wheels must be off the ground.
How do you tow an AWD vehicle?