A breakdown is stressful enough without worrying that the tow itself could damage your vehicle. With all wheel drive towing, the method matters. Towing an AWD vehicle the wrong way can put unnecessary force on its drivetrain, transmission, transfer case, or differentials – turning a roadside problem into a much larger repair.
If your AWD vehicle is disabled in traffic, on a highway shoulder, or in a parking lot, the safest move is simple: get yourself to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and call for a tow truck equipped to transport AWD vehicles properly. Do not assume every towing method is suitable just because the vehicle can be moved a short distance.
Why AWD Vehicles Need Special Towing Care
An all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four wheels, either continuously or when the vehicle detects wheel slip. Depending on the make and model, those wheels are connected through a center differential, transfer case, viscous coupling, clutch pack, or electronically controlled system.
When only two wheels are lifted and the other two roll on the road, parts of the drivetrain may be forced to turn at different speeds. On some vehicles, that can create heat, internal wear, or damage in a surprisingly short distance. The vehicle may appear fine at first, but the issue can show up later as vibration, warning lights, unusual noises, or drivetrain failure.
This is why the owner’s manual matters. Some AWD vehicles have a specific emergency procedure, such as placing the transmission in neutral or using a designated tow mode. Others must be transported with all four wheels off the ground. The correct approach depends on the vehicle, not just the fact that it has AWD.
The Safest Method for All Wheel Drive Towing
For most AWD cars, SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks, a flatbed tow truck is the safest option. A flatbed carries the entire vehicle on its platform, so none of the tires roll on the road during transport. That protects the drivetrain and also reduces the chance of additional damage to a vehicle with a flat tire, collision damage, suspension trouble, or a locked wheel.
A trained operator will secure the vehicle using proper tie-down points and wheel restraints, then load it carefully at the appropriate angle. This is especially important for low-clearance vehicles, EVs, luxury models, and vehicles that have been in an accident.
There are exceptions. Some vehicles can be towed with a wheel-lift and dollies, which keep the remaining wheels off the pavement. In limited situations, a manufacturer may approve towing with certain wheels raised. But these are vehicle-specific instructions, not a shortcut to use when a flatbed is unavailable.
If you are unsure, ask for flatbed transport and tell the dispatcher that your vehicle is all-wheel drive. That one detail helps ensure the right truck and equipment are sent from the start.
What About a Short Tow?
A common mistake is thinking that a short distance makes the towing method safe. Unfortunately, drivetrain damage is not only about mileage. It can happen based on wheel rotation, speed, transmission position, and the design of the AWD system.
Even moving the vehicle from a busy intersection to a safer nearby location should be handled carefully. If the vehicle is creating an immediate hazard, emergency responders or a towing professional can determine the safest way to reposition it. Avoid allowing a well-meaning driver to pull it with a rope, chain, or strap unless there is a genuine emergency and there is no safer option.
Towing an AWD Vehicle With a Dead Battery
A dead battery can make an AWD tow more complicated because the vehicle may not shift into neutral, release the electronic parking brake, or unlock the steering wheel. Many newer vehicles use electronic shifters and parking brakes that require battery power to operate correctly.
Before loading the vehicle, the tow operator may need to provide temporary power or use approved equipment to safely move it. This is one reason to mention the dead battery when you call. It allows the towing company to prepare for a vehicle that may be difficult to roll, steer, or load.
If your vehicle is an EV with all-wheel drive, do not assume it can be handled like a gas-powered SUV. EVs have model-specific towing requirements, high-voltage components, and substantial battery weight. A flatbed is generally the right choice, but the operator should also understand the vehicle’s proper recovery and securement procedures.
What to Tell the Dispatcher
Clear information helps get the right tow truck to you faster. When calling for all wheel drive towing, share the vehicle’s make, model, year, and whether it is AWD, 4WD, or an EV. Explain what happened and whether the vehicle can roll, steer, shift into neutral, or release its parking brake.
Also mention if there is a flat tire, collision damage, a broken wheel, a locked steering wheel, or if the vehicle is parked underground. A low-clearance garage, narrow driveway, or heavily damaged vehicle may require a different approach than a standard roadside pickup.
You do not need to diagnose the mechanical problem. Simply describe what you see and what the vehicle will or will not do. A professional dispatcher can use that information to send appropriate equipment and help you understand what to expect.
What Not to Do While Waiting for a Tow
Do not try to drive an AWD vehicle with a severely damaged tire or wheel just to reach a repair shop. Different tire sizes, a flat tire, or a damaged wheel can affect how an AWD system distributes power. Continuing to drive may cause further damage or put you at risk of losing control.
Avoid putting the vehicle in park and walking away if it is in an unsafe position, unless doing so is necessary for your immediate safety. If you can safely remain nearby, keep the keys accessible and have your registration and insurance information ready. If you are on a busy road, stand well away from traffic, preferably behind a barrier, rather than waiting inside a vehicle that could be struck from behind.
Do not attach a chain or tow strap to a random point under the vehicle. Modern vehicles often have plastic bumper covers, underbody panels, sensors, and components that are easy to damage. If a recovery is needed, a trained operator can identify the proper tow hook or recovery point.
AWD, 4WD, and Two-Wheel Drive Are Not the Same
Drivers often use AWD and four-wheel drive interchangeably, but the towing instructions can be different. Traditional four-wheel-drive trucks may have a transfer case that can be placed in neutral, allowing certain towing methods. Some systems require the driveshaft to be disconnected, while others still need flatbed transport.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles are often easier to tow, but even then, the drive wheels generally need to be lifted off the ground. A front-wheel-drive car is usually towed with the front wheels raised, while a rear-wheel-drive vehicle is usually towed with the rear wheels raised. AWD removes that simple option in many cases because every wheel may be connected to the drivetrain.
The safest rule is not to guess based on the vehicle’s appearance. Check the owner’s manual if it is available, or let the towing professional confirm the proper method.
When a Flatbed Tow Is Especially Important
Flatbed transport is the preferred choice for most disabled AWD vehicles, and it becomes even more valuable when the vehicle cannot roll normally or has existing damage. It is particularly helpful after a collision, with a broken suspension component, when a wheel is bent or missing, or when the vehicle has low ground clearance.
It is also the practical choice when you want to avoid adding mileage or unnecessary wheel movement during transport. For commuters, families, rideshare drivers, and delivery drivers, that extra care can make a difficult day a little more manageable.
Alpha Towing provides 24/7 flatbed towing and roadside support for drivers in Toronto and nearby communities. When you call, let the dispatcher know your vehicle is AWD and describe its condition as clearly as you can. The right equipment and careful loading are not extras – they are how your vehicle gets from the roadside to its destination without creating another problem.
If your AWD vehicle is stranded, focus first on your safety, then choose a towing method designed to keep all four wheels protected.