Your all wheel drive car just broke down, and the first tow truck that shows up wants to hook the front and drag the back wheels along the road. Stop right there. Towing AWD car models the same way you tow a front wheel drive sedan can wreck the center differential, burn up the transfer case, and turn a simple repair into a bill worth thousands of dollars.
The good news is that this damage is easy to avoid once you know what to ask for. This guide explains how to tow an AWD vehicle the right way, which methods are safe, which ones to refuse, and what to check before your car ever leaves the ground.
Why Towing an AWD Car Is Different From a Regular Tow
In an all wheel drive system, all four wheels are linked through the drivetrain at all times. A center differential or coupling sends power to the front and rear axles, and it expects both axles to turn at close to the same speed. When a two wheel drive car is towed with its drive wheels off the ground, the wheels on the road simply spin freely. An AWD car does not work that way.
If only one axle is lifted, the wheels still on the pavement keep turning while the other axle stays still. That speed difference forces the drivetrain to fight itself for the whole trip. This is the main reason all wheel drive towing needs more planning than a regular tow, and why the towing method matters far more than the distance.
What Happens When an AWD Car Is Towed the Wrong Way
With poor AWD car towing, the first parts to suffer are usually the center differential, the viscous coupling, or the transfer case. These parts build heat quickly when one axle spins and the other does not, and many of them get little or no lubrication while the engine is off. In some cars, a few miles is all it takes to cause lasting harm.
The damage is not always obvious right away. You may notice a grinding noise, a shudder when turning, or a warning light a few days later. By then the fix can mean a new transfer case or rear differential. When towing an all wheel drive car, a few extra minutes of care at pickup can save you from a very expensive repair.
Flatbed Towing Is the Safest Choice for Towing AWD Car Models
Flatbed towing for AWD vehicles is the method most carmakers recommend, and for good reason. The whole car rides on a flat steel deck, so none of the wheels touch the road and no part of the drivetrain turns. It does not matter whether the car has a mechanical center differential, an electronic coupling, or electric motors on each axle.
When you call for help, ask for a flatbed by name. A good tow truck for AWD cars will winch the vehicle onto the deck slowly, then secure it with wheel straps instead of chains wrapped around suspension parts. At Burm’s Towing, our drivers leave the car in park with the parking brake set, so it arrives at the shop in the same shape it was in when it broke down.
Other AWD Vehicle Towing Methods and When They Work
Flatbeds are not the only option. Among the common AWD vehicle towing methods, a wheel lift truck paired with tow dollies can also be safe. The operator lifts one axle with the wheel lift and places the other axle on a set of dollies, so all four tires are off the ground. This setup helps in tight parking garages where a flatbed cannot fit.
What you should never accept is a wheel lift alone with two tires rolling on the pavement. Some drivers claim it is fine for a short trip, but most owner’s manuals say otherwise. Before towing AWD car models any distance, read the towing section in your manual. If it says all four wheels must be off the ground, that rule applies even for a single mile.
Can You Flat Tow an AWD or 4WD Vehicle?
Flat towing means pulling a vehicle with all four wheels on the road, usually behind an RV. Very few AWD cars allow this, because their drivetrain cannot be fully disconnected. Doing it anyway can overheat the coupling or the transmission, even though every wheel is turning at the same speed.
Towing a 4 wheel drive vehicle can be a different story. Many part time 4WD trucks and SUVs have a transfer case with a neutral setting, and some models are built to be flat towed when the steps in the manual are followed. The key word is some. If your manual does not approve flat towing for your exact model, treat the vehicle like an AWD car and use a flatbed.
AWD Towing Safety Tips for Drivers on the Roadside
Good AWD towing safety tips start before the truck even arrives. When you call Burm’s Towing, our dispatchers ask for your make, model, and drivetrain type for this exact reason. Mention if the car is a hybrid or electric, since these vehicles have their own towing rules. Clear details mean the right truck shows up the first time, not a wheel lift that has to be sent away.
Once the operator is on scene, watch how the car is loaded. Ask them to confirm that all four wheels are off the ground and that soft straps are used on the tires. Take a few photos of the car before loading so you have a record of its condition. If anything looks wrong, speak up before the truck pulls away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow an AWD car with two wheels on the ground?
In most cases, no. Lifting one axle while the other rolls puts strain on the center differential and transfer case. Unless your owner’s manual clearly allows it, keep all four wheels off the road.
Is a flatbed required for towing AWD car models?
A flatbed is the safest choice, but a wheel lift with dollies under the other axle also keeps all four tires off the ground. Both methods protect the drivetrain when they are done correctly.
How far can an AWD car be towed with its wheels down?
For most AWD cars, the answer is zero miles. Even a short tow can build heat in the coupling. Check your manual, and if you are unsure, ask for a flatbed.
Do electric and hybrid AWD vehicles need special towing?
Yes. Many electric and hybrid AWD models have motors on both axles that can create current when the wheels turn. Most makers call for flatbed transport only, so mention the powertrain when you call.
What should I do if my AWD car breaks down on the highway?
Pull over safely, turn on your hazards, and stay in the car if traffic is heavy. Then call a company that offers emergency towing for AWD vehicles, like Burm’s Towing, and ask for a flatbed.
Need Safe AWD Towing in Columbus? Call Us Today
A breakdown is stressful enough without worrying about a damaged drivetrain. If you need safe AWD towing in Columbus OH, Burm’s Towing sends flatbed trucks and trained operators who know the right way of towing AWD car models, trucks, and SUVs. Call (614) 290-8512 any time, day or night, and we will get your vehicle where it needs to go with its drivetrain fully protected.