Can a Tow Truck Tow an All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle?

Why Does AWD Change How a Vehicle Should Be Towed?

An all-wheel-drive system is designed to distribute power among the vehicle's wheels. Depending on the vehicle, the front and rear axles may be connected through components such as a transfer case, center differential, transmission, or electronically controlled coupling.

That interconnected drivetrain is why towing an AWD vehicle requires extra consideration.

If an AWD vehicle is moved using a method that its manufacturer does not permit, rotating wheels can cause drivetrain components to move without the normal operating conditions they were designed for. The result can potentially be unnecessary wear or expensive damage.

This is also why there isn't one towing rule that applies to every AWD vehicle. The owner's manual should be checked for the manufacturer's emergency towing requirements.

What Is the Safest Way to Tow an AWD Car?

For many AWD vehicles, flatbed towing is the preferred method because the entire vehicle is loaded onto the truck rather than traveling with two or four wheels rolling on the pavement.

With all four wheels secured off the ground, a flatbed can help prevent drivetrain components from being forced to rotate during transport.

Manufacturer requirements demonstrate why this matters. Subaru, for example, states in its owner guidance that improper towing can severely damage its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and recommends transporting the vehicle on a flatbed truck.

The correct method still depends on the specific vehicle. Before towing an AWD car, check its owner's manual or manufacturer instructions rather than assuming a particular towing configuration is safe.

Can You Tow an AWD Car With Two Wheels on the Ground?

You should not assume that an AWD vehicle can be safely towed with only two wheels lifted.

A traditional wheel-lift arrangement leaves one axle on the road. For an AWD vehicle, that may cause drivetrain components connected to the rolling wheels to turn while the other wheels remain stationary.

Whether this is permitted depends entirely on the vehicle.

Some vehicles have specific procedures or equipment that can make alternative towing methods possible. Others specifically require all four wheels to remain off the ground.

The safest approach is simple: follow the manufacturer's towing instructions for your exact year, make, and model.

AAA similarly advises drivers to consult manufacturer guidelines before flat towing because not every vehicle can be towed with its wheels on the ground without risking transmission or drivetrain damage.

Can Improper Towing Damage an AWD Vehicle?

Yes. Improper towing can potentially damage an AWD vehicle, particularly when the towing method conflicts with the manufacturer's instructions.

Depending on the vehicle, incorrect towing could affect components such as:

• The transmission
• Transfer case
• Differentials
• Driveshaft
• AWD coupling or related drivetrain components

Damage may not always be obvious immediately after a tow, which makes choosing the correct towing method from the beginning especially important.

Professional towing is about more than getting a disabled vehicle from one place to another. It also means selecting equipment and procedures appropriate for the vehicle being transported.

Do All AWD Vehicles Need a Flatbed Tow Truck?

Not necessarily.

While flatbed towing is commonly recommended for AWD vehicles, the correct procedure varies among manufacturers and models. Some vehicles may permit other methods when specific procedures or additional equipment are used.

That is why the owner's manual is the best starting point.

Look for a section labeled "Emergency Towing," "Towing Your Vehicle," or similar wording. It should explain whether the vehicle can be flat towed, whether any wheels may remain on the ground, and whether special precautions are required.

If you aren't sure what your vehicle requires, tell the towing company that your vehicle is AWD when you call. Providing the year, make, and model can help the operator determine the appropriate equipment and towing procedure.

What Should You Tell the Towing Company?

When requesting a tow for an AWD vehicle, provide as much information as possible.

Tell the dispatcher:

• Your vehicle's year, make, and model
• That the vehicle has all-wheel drive
• Your current location
• Why the vehicle needs to be towed
• Whether the vehicle can shift into neutral
• Whether any wheels appear damaged or locked
• Whether the vehicle was involved in a collision
• Where you need the vehicle transported

These details can help the towing company prepare for the situation before arriving.

If you're unsure whether your vehicle is AWD, your owner's manual, vehicle information screen, manufacturer specifications, or badges on the vehicle may help you confirm the drivetrain.

What If Your AWD Vehicle Breaks Down in the Pocono Mountains?

A breakdown can be stressful anywhere, but winding roads, changing weather, rural areas, and highway traffic can make vehicle trouble particularly challenging in the Pocono Mountains.

If your vehicle stops running, move it to a safe location away from active traffic when you can do so safely. Turn on your hazard lights and avoid attempting repairs in an unsafe roadside location.

Then contact a professional towing provider and explain that the vehicle is AWD.

Murray's Towing provides 24/7 towing assistance for drivers throughout the Pocono Mountains. Our team handles vehicles ranging from passenger cars and SUVs to larger commercial vehicles and can help determine an appropriate towing solution for the situation.

For vehicles that need to travel farther than a nearby repair facility, Murray's also offers local and long-distance towing and vehicle transport services.