All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles have surged in popularity, celebrated for their enhanced traction and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions. The appeal of AWD is undeniable, offering drivers increased confidence and control. From SUVs to sedans, many modern vehicles now offer AWD as an option, making it a common choice for drivers seeking extra security on the road.
However, when it comes to vehicle recovery and towing, AWD systems present unique challenges compared to their two-wheel drive counterparts. While a front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) car can often be towed by lifting just one pair of wheels, towing an all-wheel drive car improperly can lead to significant damage to its complex drivetrain. Understanding the correct methods for towing an AWD vehicle is crucial for vehicle owners and towing professionals alike.
Attempting to tow an AWD vehicle with only two wheels on the ground can cause serious internal damage. This is because in an AWD system, all wheels are mechanically linked through the drivetrain components, including differentials, transfer case, and driveshafts. If the wheels are allowed to rotate while only two are on the ground, it can create a damaging mismatch in rotational speeds within the drivetrain, leading to stress, overheating, and potential breakage of expensive components. While disconnecting the driveshaft might seem like a solution, it’s a complicated procedure best left to expert mechanics and is not practical in emergency towing situations.
Safe Towing Methods for All-Wheel Drive Cars
The universally recommended method for towing an all-wheel drive car is to ensure all four wheels are off the ground. This eliminates any rotation of the wheels and prevents any stress on the drivetrain. There are two primary ways to achieve this: using a flatbed tow truck or employing wheel dollies.
Flatbed Tow Truck: The Ideal Solution
A flatbed tow truck is often considered the best and safest option for towing an AWD vehicle. This method involves using a truck equipped with a flat platform that can be hydraulically lowered to ground level. The AWD car is then driven or winched onto the flatbed, securing all four wheels above the road surface. Once the vehicle is securely positioned and strapped down, the flatbed is raised, and the entire car is transported without any wheel rotation.
Flatbed towing is advantageous because it completely removes any risk of drivetrain damage and is suitable for all types of AWD vehicles, regardless of their specific system. However, flatbed tow trucks can sometimes be less readily available than standard tow trucks, potentially leading to longer wait times, especially during peak hours or in remote locations.
Tow Dollies: A Practical Alternative
If a flatbed tow truck is not immediately accessible, using tow dollies is a viable and commonly used alternative for towing an all-wheel drive car. Dollies are essentially small, wheeled platforms that are placed under two of the vehicle’s wheels, lifting them off the ground. When towing an AWD car with dollies, all four wheels are ultimately lifted – two by the dollies and the other two by the tow truck’s lifting mechanism.
Typically, the dollies are positioned under the rear wheels of the AWD vehicle, and the front wheels are lifted by the tow truck’s yoke. This ensures that no wheels are in contact with the road and rotating during the towing process, thus protecting the AWD system from damage. Tow dollies are a standard piece of equipment for many tow trucks, making them a more readily available option than flatbeds in many situations. It’s essential to ensure the tow truck operator is experienced in using dollies and properly secures the AWD vehicle for safe transport.
Key Takeaways for Towing Your AWD Car
When faced with the need to tow your all-wheel drive car, remember these crucial points to ensure a safe and damage-free towing experience:
- Always insist on all four wheels being off the ground. Whether it’s a flatbed or dollies, confirm with the towing service that they will employ a method that lifts all wheels.
- Communicate clearly with the towing service. Inform them that your vehicle is all-wheel drive and explicitly request a flatbed tow truck or a tow truck equipped with dollies.
- Verify the tow operator’s experience. Ask if they have experience towing AWD vehicles to ensure they understand the specific requirements and procedures.
By understanding the proper methods for towing an all-wheel drive car and communicating effectively with your towing service, you can safeguard your vehicle’s drivetrain and ensure a smooth and worry-free towing process.
