All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Need Different Towing Methods Than Other Cars

You cannot tow an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle the way you tow a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive car. AWD systems distribute power to all four wheels, and when you tow with the wheels rolling on the ground, you force the transmission to work against itself. This causes transmission damage that can cost thousands to repair. The safe methods are flatbed towing, which lifts all four wheels off the ground, or dolly towing, which lifts the front or rear wheels while the other axle rolls.

The specific method depends on your vehicle's drivetrain layout, whether it has a manual or automatic transmission, and what your owner's manual says. Some AWD vehicles can be towed short distances under specific conditions, but most manufacturers recommend flatbed towing as the safest option.

Key Takeaways

  • Flatbed towing, which lifts all four wheels off the ground, is the safest method for most AWD vehicles and the one most manufacturers recommend.
  • Dolly towing (lifting either the front or rear axle) works for some AWD vehicles but requires checking your owner's manual first, because some models cannot be towed this way.
  • Two-wheel towing with the drive wheels rolling is not safe for AWD vehicles and will damage the transmission.
  • If you must tow short distances, some manufacturers allow it with the transmission in Neutral and the steering wheel unlocked, but this is a last resort and requires the vehicle to be in perfect mechanical condition.

Why Flatbed Towing Is the Standard for AWD

A flatbed truck has a long, flat bed that tilts or lowers to the ground. Your AWD vehicle is driven or winched onto the bed, and all four wheels are lifted completely off the pavement. Because no wheels are rolling, the transmission does not turn, and no internal damage occurs. This is the method tow operators use when they do not know the vehicle's specific requirements, and it is what most AWD manufacturers list in their owner's manuals as the preferred method.

Flatbed towing costs more than other methods—typically $75 to $150 per tow, depending on distance and location—but it eliminates the risk of transmission failure. If the vehicle is damaged, stuck, or in poor mechanical condition, flatbed is also the only safe option because it does not require the vehicle to steer or brake on its own.

When you call a tow company, ask specifically for flatbed service. Some operators offer multiple methods and will default to the cheaper dolly or wheel-lift option unless you request flatbed. Confirm that all four wheels will be off the ground before the truck arrives.

Dolly Towing: When It Works and When It Does Not

A dolly is a wheeled platform that lifts either the front axle or the rear axle, leaving the other axle's wheels on the ground. For some AWD vehicles, dolly towing is safe—but only if you lift the correct axle, and only if your owner's manual permits it. The rule is: lift the axle that does not receive power from the engine.

In most AWD vehicles, the engine sends power to all four wheels at all times, so neither axle is truly "non-powered." However, some manufacturers design their systems so that one axle can be lifted without damage. Check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer's customer service line with your vehicle's year, make, and model. Do not assume based on another vehicle or online forums—transmission design varies, and a wrong choice causes expensive damage.

If dolly towing is permitted, the tow operator will find the vehicle to the dolly with straps, lift one axle, and tow with the other axle's wheels rolling. The vehicle must be in Neutral, and the steering wheel must be unlocked so the front wheels can move freely if needed. The tow distance should be kept short—under 50 miles is standard—and the speed should not exceed 35 to 45 miles per hour.

Two-Wheel Towing and Why It Damages AWD Vehicles

Two-wheel towing, also called wheel-lift towing, lifts one axle completely and tows with the other axle's wheels rolling on the ground. This is common for front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles because those systems send power to only one axle. When you do this to an AWD vehicle, the rolling wheels try to turn the transmission, but the lifted wheels cannot turn, creating a bind in the drivetrain.

The transmission cannot resolve this conflict, so internal gears slip and grind. The damage may not show up when ready—the vehicle may seem fine for days or weeks—but the transmission is failing internally. Once the damage is done, repair costs range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Many transmission shops will not cover this damage under warranty because it results from improper towing.

If a tow operator offers two-wheel towing for your AWD vehicle, decline and request flatbed or dolly service instead. If you are in an emergency and two-wheel towing is the only option available, keep the distance under 10 miles, drive slowly, and have the transmission inspected by a specialist afterward.

Short-Distance Towing in an Emergency

Some AWD vehicle manufacturers allow short-distance towing under emergency conditions with the transmission in Neutral and the steering wheel unlocked. This is not a standard towing method and should only be used if no other option exists—for example, if you are stranded on a remote road with no tow service available for hours.

The conditions are strict: the vehicle must be in perfect mechanical condition, the transmission must shift smoothly into Neutral, the steering must work without power information, and the distance must be very short, usually under 10 miles. The towing vehicle should pull slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking. The driver of the AWD vehicle must be inside, steering and braking as needed.

After any emergency tow, have a transmission specialist inspect the vehicle before you drive it normally. Even a short tow can cause damage if the transmission was not perfectly healthy to begin with, or if the vehicle was towed faster or farther than recommended.

What to Tell the Tow Company

When you call for a tow, provide the year, make, model, and engine size of your vehicle. Tell the operator it is all-wheel drive and ask what towing methods they offer. If they only offer two-wheel towing, ask if they have a flatbed truck available or if they can refer you to another company that does.

Confirm the towing method before the truck arrives. Ask the operator to describe what they will do—for example, "I will drive the vehicle onto a flatbed truck and find all four wheels" or "I will use a dolly to lift the front axle." If the description does not match what your owner's manual permits, stop the tow and call another company.

If you are having the vehicle towed because it will not start or shift, tell the operator. Some vehicles cannot be towed safely if the engine is off or the transmission is stuck, and the operator needs to know this before attempting to load the vehicle.

Checking Your Owner's Manual Before You Need a Tow

Your vehicle's owner's manual contains the manufacturer's towing instructions specific to your model. Look for a section titled "Towing," "Emergency Towing," or "Roadside information." The manual will state whether flatbed towing is required, whether dolly towing is permitted, and if so, which axle to lift. It will also list distance and speed limits.

If you cannot find the manual, visit the manufacturer's website and search for your vehicle's year and model. Most manufacturers offer free PDF downloads. You can also call the manufacturer's customer service line with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they will tell you the towing requirements over the phone.

Write down the towing method and any distance or speed limits, and keep this information in your vehicle. If you are ever stranded and need to call a tow company, you can tell the operator exactly what method is safe for your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow my AWD vehicle with the engine running?

No. If the engine is running, the transmission is engaged and power is flowing to the wheels. This makes the bind worse and causes faster damage. Always turn off the engine before towing begins, and keep it off during the entire tow.

Is it safe to tow an AWD vehicle in Neutral for a short distance?

Only if your owner's manual explicitly permits it and only in a true emergency. Neutral disengages the transmission, which reduces (but does not eliminate) the risk of damage. However, the vehicle will have no engine braking and limited steering information, making it harder to control. Flatbed or dolly towing is always safer.

What if the tow company says two-wheel towing is fine for my AWD vehicle?

Do not accept that tow. Call your vehicle's manufacturer or check your owner's manual to confirm. If the manual says flatbed or dolly only, insist on one of those methods or find a different tow company. A cheaper tow now can cost thousands in transmission repairs later.

How much does flatbed towing usually cost?

Flatbed towing typically costs $75 to $150 per tow, depending on your location, the distance, and the tow company. Dolly towing is usually cheaper, but it is not safe for all AWD vehicles. Always choose the safe method over the cheap one.

Can I rent a dolly and tow my AWD vehicle myself?

Only if your owner's manual permits dolly towing and you understand which axle to lift. Renting equipment is cheaper than hiring a tow company, but if you lift the wrong axle or tow too far, you cause the same transmission damage. If you are unsure, hire a professional tow operator instead.