A breakdown on I-5, Highway 9, or a wet Snohomish County back road is stressful enough without wondering whether the wrong tow could damage your vehicle. Can a tow truck tow all wheel drive vehicles? Yes, but it must be done with the right equipment and procedure. For most AWD vehicles, that means a flatbed tow truck is the safest choice.
All-wheel drive systems are designed to send power to more than one wheel. If some wheels are rolling on the road while others are lifted, the system can be forced to work in a way it was never meant to. That can lead to expensive drivetrain damage, even if the vehicle only needs to travel a short distance.
Why AWD Vehicles Need Special Towing Care
An AWD vehicle uses a transfer case, center differential, clutch pack, or electronic system to distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The exact setup varies by make and model, but the basic concern stays the same: all four wheels are connected through the drivetrain in some fashion.
When a two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed, the tow operator can often lift the non-driven wheels and allow the other pair to roll. With AWD, allowing either the front or rear wheels to roll can turn components inside the drivetrain without proper lubrication or with the wrong amount of resistance. This is especially risky if the vehicle is in Park, has an electronic parking brake engaged, or has a failed transmission.
Damage may not be obvious at the roadside. A vehicle might drive normally at first, then develop whining, vibration, warning lights, or trouble shifting later. Repairs involving a transmission, transfer case, differential, or electric drive unit can be far more costly than arranging the correct tow in the first place.
Can a Tow Truck Tow All Wheel Drive With a Flatbed?
Yes. A flatbed tow is generally the preferred method for an all-wheel-drive vehicle because all four tires ride off the pavement. The vehicle is winched onto the bed, secured at appropriate points, and transported without its wheels turning on the road.
Flatbed towing also protects a vehicle that has a damaged tire, steering problem, suspension issue, or accident damage. It is often the best option for newer vehicles with low ground clearance, performance models, luxury vehicles, and many electric or hybrid AWD models.
A careful operator will inspect the vehicle before loading it. They may need to use skates, ramps, soft straps, or other equipment to avoid dragging the vehicle if a wheel is locked, the parking brake will not release, or the vehicle cannot be shifted into Neutral. This is one reason an experienced tow company matters. The goal is not simply to move the vehicle. It is to move it without creating a second problem.
When a Wheel-Lift Tow May Be Possible
A wheel-lift truck can sometimes tow an AWD vehicle, but only when the remaining wheels are properly supported on tow dollies or when the vehicle manufacturer specifically allows a certain method. In that setup, the lifted wheels are off the ground and the wheels that would normally roll are also carried by dollies.
This can be useful in tight parking areas, garages, or locations where a flatbed cannot safely load the vehicle. Still, it requires the right equipment, enough room to set up safely, and an operator who understands AWD towing requirements.
A standard wheel-lift tow with only two wheels raised and two wheels rolling is usually not the right choice for an AWD vehicle. Do not assume that a short tow makes it safe. Manufacturer instructions, vehicle condition, and the type of AWD system all matter more than distance.
What to Tell the Tow Company Before They Arrive
When you call for help, saying “I have AWD” is a good start. A few extra details can help the dispatcher send the right truck and avoid delays at the scene. Let them know the make, model, year, and whether the vehicle is all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, electric, hybrid, or modified.
Also explain why the vehicle needs towing. Is it a dead battery, a flat tire, collision damage, overheating, a mechanical failure, or a vehicle that will not shift into Neutral? Mention whether the wheels turn freely, whether the parking brake is on, and whether the vehicle is in a garage, ditch, apartment complex, or busy roadway.
If you have the owner’s manual available, check its emergency towing instructions. Some vehicles have a dedicated tow mode or transport mode. Others have strict rules about where recovery straps may be attached. The manual is helpful, but you should not try to force a vehicle into Neutral, release an electronic brake, or crawl beneath it while stranded on the roadside.
AWD, 4WD, and Electric Vehicles Are Not All the Same
People often use AWD and 4WD interchangeably, but towing instructions can be different. A traditional four-wheel-drive truck may have a transfer case setting that changes its towing requirements. Some vehicles can be towed only after placing the transfer case in Neutral, while others still need all four wheels off the ground.
Electric vehicles add another layer of caution. Many EVs use electric motors connected directly to one or both axles. Turning the drive wheels during a tow can generate electricity and potentially damage the system. For that reason, many EV manufacturers require a flatbed unless a specific emergency procedure is followed.
This is why a tow operator should never rely on a guess based on the vehicle’s badge. The correct method depends on the manufacturer’s guidance and what has happened to the vehicle. A responsible company will assess the situation rather than rushing into a one-size-fits-all tow.
What to Do While You Wait for an AWD Tow
First, get yourself to a safe location if you can do so without crossing traffic. Turn on your hazard lights, keep passengers away from moving vehicles, and avoid standing between your car and the road. If your vehicle is on a narrow shoulder, around a blind curve, or in an active traffic lane, call emergency services when there is an immediate safety risk.
Do not let a helpful stranger attach a chain or strap to an unknown point under the vehicle. Modern AWD vehicles often have plastic underbody panels, sensors, battery components, and low-mounted cooling parts that can be damaged by an improper pull. Use the designated recovery point only when the vehicle manufacturer permits it and the recovery can be performed safely.
Take a few photos of the vehicle’s condition if it is safe to do so, especially after an accident. Then keep your keys, registration, insurance information, and destination ready for the tow operator. Clear information helps the loading process go faster once help arrives.
Common Questions About Towing AWD Vehicles
Can an AWD vehicle be towed in Neutral?
Neutral alone does not automatically make an AWD vehicle safe to tow with two wheels on the ground. In many vehicles, drivetrain parts can still rotate or suffer damage. Follow the owner’s manual and use a flatbed when the instructions are unclear.
Can you tow an AWD vehicle with two wheels on the ground?
Usually, no. Some specific models have approved procedures, but many AWD vehicles require all four wheels off the road. A flatbed is the most broadly safe option, while a wheel lift with dollies may work when properly set up.
Does a dead battery change how an AWD car is towed?
It can. A dead battery may prevent the vehicle from shifting into Neutral or releasing an electronic parking brake. The tow operator may need special loading equipment to move it without dragging or damaging the tires and drivetrain.
Is a flatbed always required?
Not always, but it is usually the best and simplest answer for AWD vehicles. A manufacturer-approved dolly setup may be appropriate in certain situations. When there is any doubt, keeping all four wheels off the pavement is the safer call.
If your AWD vehicle is stranded in Marysville or elsewhere in Snohomish County, do not risk an improvised tow to save a few minutes. Richard’s Towing Inc can assess the vehicle, send the appropriate equipment, and handle the transport with the care your drivetrain deserves.