If your all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle breaks down, getting it off the road may seem simple: call a tow truck, hook it up, and take it to a repair shop. But AWD and 4WD vehicles require more consideration than many standard two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Using the wrong towing method can put unnecessary stress on the drivetrain and, in some cases, cause expensive damage.
That is why it is important to tell the towing company what type of vehicle you have when requesting service. At Arizona Towing & Recovery Services, we evaluate the vehicle, its condition, and the situation before determining the appropriate way to transport it.
Here is what Maricopa drivers should know about towing AWD and 4WD vehicles.
Why AWD and 4WD Vehicles Require Special Attention
In a traditional front-wheel-drive vehicle, the engine primarily sends power to the front wheels. In a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, it sends power to the rear. All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems can deliver power to all four wheels.
Depending on the vehicle, the drivetrain may include components such as:
- A transfer case
- Front and rear differentials
- Driveshafts
- Electronic or mechanical AWD systems
- Center differentials or couplings
Because these components connect the wheels to one another, allowing some wheels to roll freely while others remain stationary may create problems. The exact towing requirements vary by manufacturer and drivetrain design, which is one reason there is no single towing method that should automatically be used for every AWD or 4WD vehicle.
Can an AWD Vehicle Be Towed With Two Wheels on the Ground?
Sometimes, but it should never be assumed. Many AWD manufacturers specifically require all four wheels to remain off the ground while the vehicle is being transported.
If two wheels are raised while the other two continue spinning on the pavement, portions of the drivetrain may continue rotating even though the vehicle is not operating normally. That can place stress on components that were not designed to operate under those conditions. For many AWD vehicles, a flatbed tow is therefore the preferred method.
Why Flatbed Towing Is Commonly Used for AWD Vehicles
A flatbed tow truck allows the entire vehicle to be loaded onto the truck’s bed rather than traveling with part of the vehicle rolling along the roadway. Once properly secured, all four tires remain stationary during transportation.
This can be especially useful for:
- AWD cars and crossovers
- 4WD trucks and SUVs
- Vehicles with drivetrain problems
- Vehicles involved in collisions
- Cars with damaged wheels or suspension
- Vehicles that cannot safely roll
Flatbed towing also provides another advantage: the disabled vehicle is completely separated from the roadway during transportation.
Is 4WD the Same as AWD When It Comes to Towing?
Not necessarily. Although AWD and 4WD vehicles both have systems capable of powering all four wheels, the way those systems operate can be very different. Some traditional four-wheel-drive trucks and SUVs have a transfer case that can be placed into neutral. Certain manufacturers may allow specific towing configurations when the vehicle is prepared correctly. Other vehicles have strict limitations.
The safest approach is to follow the towing procedure specified by the vehicle manufacturer rather than assuming that one 4WD vehicle can be transported the same way as another.
If you have access to your owner’s manual, look for a section titled something similar to:
- Emergency towing
- Recreational towing
- Flat towing
- Transporting the vehicle
If you do not have the manual available when you’re stranded, give the towing company the year, make, model, and drivetrain information when you call.
What About Using Wheel Dollies?
Wheel dollies can sometimes be used to keep wheels from rotating when a vehicle cannot simply be towed with one axle on the pavement. The appropriate setup depends on the vehicle and the circumstances. This is another reason professional towing involves more than attaching a vehicle to the first available truck. The operator needs to consider how the vehicle is designed as well as its current mechanical condition.
What If the Vehicle Is Stuck Instead of Simply Broken Down?
The recovery process may need to happen before the towing process.
For example, a 4WD truck may become disabled:
- Off the shoulder of the road
- In loose desert soil
- In a ditch
- On an uneven surface
- Away from normal pavement
Trying to immediately load or tow a vehicle from an unstable position can cause additional damage or make the recovery more difficult. The vehicle may first need to be repositioned using recovery equipment before it can be safely loaded for transportation.
Arizona Towing & Recovery Services provides towing and vehicle recovery services for drivers throughout Maricopa and the surrounding area.
What If the Vehicle Has Transmission or Drivetrain Damage?
This is especially important to mention when requesting a tow. If you heard grinding, experienced a sudden loss of power, noticed that the vehicle would no longer shift, or believe something failed in the drivetrain, tell the dispatcher. A vehicle that normally could roll may no longer be safe to move in the usual manner. The towing operator can account for the vehicle’s condition when determining how to load it.
Can an AWD Electric Vehicle Be Towed?
Electric vehicles introduce additional considerations.
Many EVs are AWD, and their electric drive systems may have very specific towing requirements. Manufacturers commonly specify methods designed to prevent the drive wheels from rotating improperly during transportation. If an EV is disabled, make sure you identify it as an electric vehicle when requesting service.
Do not assume that placing the vehicle in neutral automatically means it can be safely towed with its wheels on the road.
The manufacturer’s towing instructions should always be followed.
Information to Give the Towing Company
A few details can help the towing company prepare before arriving.
When you call, be ready to provide:
- Vehicle year
- Make
- Model
- AWD, 4WD, FWD, or RWD if known
- Current location
- Whether the vehicle starts
- Whether the vehicle can shift into neutral
- Whether any tires or wheels are damaged
- Whether the vehicle was involved in an accident
- Whether it is on pavement or requires recovery
The more accurately you describe the situation, the easier it is to determine what equipment may be needed.
Don’t Risk Drivetrain Damage With the Wrong Towing Method
Your vehicle’s drivetrain can contain some of its most expensive mechanical components. Saving a few minutes during the towing process is not worth risking damage by moving a vehicle incorrectly.
If your AWD or 4WD car, truck, crossover, or SUV becomes disabled in Maricopa, the towing method should be selected based on the vehicle and the situation, not guesswork.
Arizona Towing & Recovery Services provides professional towing and recovery throughout Maricopa, AZ and nearby communities. Whether your vehicle has broken down, been involved in a collision, or needs help getting safely off the road, contact us for assistance.
