Safe Towing for Your All-Wheeler
Towing an all-wheel drive (AWD) requires a bit more care and knowledge than your average tow job. AWD systems send power to all four wheels, giving you better traction and control on the road. However, when something goes wrong on the road, you might wonder if it’s really safe to have your AWD towed. The short answer is yes, but not every type of tow truck is a safe option. Using the wrong approach could lead to costly damage. Learn why we prefer our Morse flatbed towing service for all-wheelers.
How AWD Systems Affect Towing
AWD vehicles have a more complex setup compared to front-wheel or rear-wheel drive cars. With power distributed to all four wheels, each part of the drivetrain is connected in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. If just one or two wheels are turning during a tow while the others remain stationary, it can create tension within the drivetrain, leading to mechanical failure. This is why a simple mistake in towing can turn into an expensive repair.
So what’s the safest way to tow an AWD vehicle? The answer almost always lies in using a flatbed tow truck. By lifting the entire vehicle off the ground, you eliminate the risk of any wheels turning during the tow, which protects your drivetrain and transmission.
Why Flatbed Towing Works Best
Flatbed towing is the gold standard for AWD vehicles because it keeps everything level and prevents wheels from spinning. This simple step protects all the moving parts in your car’s drivetrain, which would otherwise be stressed by uneven rotation.
When towing an AWD on two wheels, the rear wheels are locked in place, and the front wheels are spinning freely. This difference in motion can send shockwaves through the transmission, creating friction and wear where there shouldn’t be any. Over time, this leads to costly repairs that could have been avoided with the right tow method.
The damage can be severe. Here are some of the main issues that can arise:
- Transmission damage: The transmission in an AWD vehicle isn’t designed to function when wheels are turning without the engine running. If any wheels are rolling while towing, the transmission may overheat or wear out due to a lack of lubrication.
- Drivetrain strain: AWD systems rely on all four wheels working in sync. If you tow with only two wheels off the ground, it can stress the differential, leading to long-term damage.
Tow Dollies and Flat Towing: Are They Safe?
You might wonder if there are other options besides a flatbed.
Tow dollies, which lift the front wheels off the ground, are sometimes used as a backup method since flatbeds are not an ideal option for every towing scenario. Think tight spaces or busy, crowded roads. However, wheel-lift towing still leaves the rear wheels in contact with the road, potentially stressing the differential or causing damage to the AWD system.
Flat towing, where all four wheels are left on the ground, is almost never a safe option for AWD vehicles unless your car has a specific setting to disengage the drivetrain. Even then, it’s a risky move that should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Morse flatbed towing remains the safest option.
Hollister Towing: Your Expert Morse Flatbed Towing Service
We’ve towed countless vehicles, and we know how important it is to use the right methods. That’s why we always recommend Morse flatbed towing for all-wheel drive cars. It’s the most reliable way to keep your vehicle safe.
Our team is experienced in using Morse flatbed towing to ensure your AWD is transported without unnecessary wear. We take the time to secure your vehicle properly on the flatbed so it arrives at its destination in the best condition possible.
You can count on us. With our Morse flatbed towing service, we’ve got the equipment and experience to handle your AWD with care. Whenever you need reliable service, trust our Morse flatbed towing team to get your vehicle where it needs to go.
