Learning how do you tow a car is a crucial skill for any driver. Towing a car safely requires the right equipment, whether you’re using a dolly, a trailer, or a simple tow strap. The process varies significantly based on your vehicle and the tools you have available. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations.
Getting it wrong can lead to expensive damage or even a dangerous accident. We will cover the main towing methods, the equipment you need, and the step-by-step procedures to follow. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to handle a towing situation properly.
How Do You Tow A Car
Before you connect any cables or straps, you must understand the fundamentals. Towing isn’t just about pulling a vehicle; it’s about doing so in a way that protects both vehicles and everyone on the road. The core decision lies in choosing the correct towing method for your specific scenario.
There are four primary ways to tow a car: flat towing, dolly towing, trailer towing, and emergency towing with a strap or rope. Your choice depends on whether the towed vehicle’s wheels will be on the ground and if all four wheels are lifted. Each method has strict requirements for equipment and vehicle compatibility.
Essential Pre-Towing Checks And Preparations
Never skip the preparation phase. A few minutes of checking can prevent a catastrophe on the road. Start by consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manuals—both for the tow vehicle and the car being towed.
The manuals provide critical information like maximum towing capacity, approved towing methods, and any necessary preparations for the specific model. Ignoring these guidelines is a surefire way to cause mechanical failures.
Review Both Vehicle Owner’s Manuals
Your car’s manual is the ultimate authority. It will tell you if your vehicle can be towed at all, and if so, under what conditions. Some modern cars with all-wheel drive or specific transmissions cannot be towed with wheels on the ground without causing severe damage.
Look for the towing section. It will specify the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combined weight rating (GCWR). These numbers dictate how much weight your tow vehicle can safely handle.
Determine Your Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your tow vehicle can pull. You must calculate the total weight of the car you’re towing plus anything inside it. Exceeding your vehicle’s capacity strains the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension, leading to a loss of control.
To find this, check the driver’s side door jamb for a placard or look in your manual. Remember, the weight of a tow dolly or trailer also counts against this capacity. It’s always safer to have a tow vehicle rated for more weight than you plan to pull.
Gather the Necessary Safety Equipment
Having the right gear is non-negotiable. Your basic safety kit should extend beyond standard towing equipment. Proper lighting and visibility are your biggest priorities for road safety.
- A proper tow bar, tow dolly, or car trailer.
- Safety chains that crisscross under the tow connection.
- A working brake system for the towed vehicle (either a separate brake controller or the towed car’s own brakes if applicable).
- Tall lights, brake lights, and turn signals that connect between both vehicles.
- Wheel straps or tie-downs for securing the vehicle on a dolly or trailer.
- Emergency triangles or flares to alert other drivers if you stop.
- A high-quality, rated tow strap or rope for emergency pulls (not for long-distance towing).
Choosing The Right Towing Method
Selecting the correct method is the most important decision you’ll make. The best choice depends on the distance, the towed car’s drivetrain, and the equipment you have access to. Here’s a breakdown of the four main techniques.
Flat Towing (All Four Wheels Down)
Flat towing, or dinghy towing, involves pulling a car with all four of its wheels on the road. This requires a tow bar that firmly connects the two vehicles frames. It’s popular for recreational vehicles towing small cars.
Not all cars can be flat towed. Many automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive, or hybrid vehicles cannot have their wheels turned while in park without damaging the drivetrain. Always, without exception, confirm your vehicle is approved for this method in the manual.
Using a Tow Dolly (Front Wheels Up)
A tow dolly lifts the towed car’s front wheels off the ground while the back wheels roll. This is a common and safer option for front-wheel-drive vehicles, as it disengages the driven wheels. It’s more affordable and easier to handle than a full trailer.
You must properly secure the car to the dolly using wheel straps or chains. The steering wheel of the towed car must be locked in a straight position using a steering wheel lock or a seatbelt. Remember to check the dolly’s tire pressure and lights before each use.
Full Car Trailer Towing (All Wheels Up)
This is the most secure method for any distance. The entire car is loaded onto a trailer, so none of its wheels touch the ground. This eliminates wear on the towed car’s tires, brakes, and drivetrain. It’s the only safe way to tow a car that is not in running condition.
Loading a car onto a trailer requires care. Use sturdy ramps and have a spotter guide you. Once on, the vehicle must be securely fastened at multiple points using heavy-duty ratchet straps attached to the frame or designated tie-down points, not just the wheels.
Emergency Towing With a Strap or Rope
This is for very short, low-speed moves only, such as pulling a car out of a ditch or to the side of the road. A tow strap or rope should never be used for highway towing. The connection is less secure and there are no safety chains or brake light connections.
Always use a strap with loops, not hooks, as metal hooks can break and become dangerous projectiles. The tow strap should be attached to solid frame points or dedicated tow hooks on both vehicles. Keep the distance between vehicles short and use a clear communication plan with the other driver.
Step-by-Step Towing Procedures
Once you’ve chosen your method and done your checks, it’s time for the practical steps. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a secure connection and a safe trip. Rushing through this process is a major cause of towing failures.
How To Flat Tow A Car
Flat towing requires a robust tow bar system. Ensure all components are in good condition and rated for the weight of your vehicle. The connection to the frame is critical for safety.
- Install the base plate or tow brackets onto the frame of the car to be towed. This is often a permanent or semi-permanent installation.
- Connect the tow bar arms from the base plate to the receiver hitch on the tow vehicle. Ensure all pins and locks are fully engaged.
- Attach the safety chains in a crisscross pattern underneath the tow bar. They should be slack enough to allow turning but not drag on the ground.
- Plug in the wiring harness so the towed car’s brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals function with the tow vehicle.
- Place the towed car’s transmission in neutral (or the position specified in the manual). For some vehicles, you may need to leave the key in the accessory position to unlock the steering.
- Release the parking brake on the towed car. Double-check that the steering wheel moves freely and then lock it in the straight-ahead position.
How To Tow A Car With A Dolly
Using a dolly is a straightfoward process, but securing the vehicle correctly is paramount. An improperly loaded car can shift or come loose during transit.
- Position the tow dolly so it is aligned straight with the car being loaded. Ensure the dolly’s ramps are securely attached and the surface is clear of debris.
- Carefully drive or winch the front wheels of the car onto the dolly until they are centered on the platforms. A spotter is highly recommended.
- Secure the car’s wheels to the dolly using the provided wheel straps or chains. Tighten them according to the dolly’s instructions.
- Lock the car’s steering wheel in place using a dedicated clamp or by threading a seatbelt through the wheel and buckling it.
- Connect the dolly’s coupler to the tow vehicle’s hitch ball and lock it. Attach the safety chains and the lighting cable.
- Check that the rear wheels of the towed car rotate freely and that the parking brake is disengaged.
Loading And Securing A Car On A Trailer
This method offers the most security but requires the most preparation. Take your time during loading to avoid damaging either vehicle.
- Ensure the trailer is hitched to the tow vehicle and the parking brake is set on the trailer. Chock the trailer wheels for extra stability.
- Use sturdy, wide ramps to drive the car onto the trailer. Drive slowly and in a low gear, following your spotter’s directions exactly.
- Once centered on the trailer, put the car in park, set its parking brake, and turn off the engine.
- Use at least four heavy-duty ratchet straps. Attach them to the vehicle’s frame or manufacturer-approved tow points—never to suspension parts, bumpers, or axles.
- Ratchet the straps down until the vehicle’s suspension compresses slightly, indicating it is firmly held. The straps should be tight and have no slack.
- Do a final check of all connections, trailer lights, and tire pressures on both the trailer and the towed car.
Critical Safety Tips and Driving Advice
Towing changes everything about how your vehicle handles. You cannot drive as you normally would. The added length and weight increase stopping distances, reduce acceleration, and affect stability.
Adjust Your Driving Habits
You are now responsible for a much larger and heavier unit. Smooth, predictable driving is the key to safety. Avoid sudden movements at all costs.
- Increase your following distance significantly. Allow for at least 4-6 seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead, compared to the standard 2-3 seconds.
- Brake much earlier and more gradually. The extra weight means it takes longer to stop.
- Take turns and curves wider and slower to prevent the trailer or towed car from cutting inside and hitting a curb.
- Accelerate slowly and patiently. Quick starts put immense strain on your transmission and can cause wheel spin.
- Be mindful of your increased length when changing lanes. Allow extra space and use your mirrors constantly.
Perform Regular Safety Checks
During your trip, you must stop periodically to inspect your setup. Heat and vibration can loosen connections over time.
Plan to stop every 50-100 miles or after the first hour of driving. Check that all straps, chains, and hitch connections are still tight. Feel the hubs of the trailer or dolly for excessive heat, which indicates bearing problems. Verify all lights are still functioning properly.
Understanding State Laws And Regulations
Towing laws vary by state. It is your responsibility to know the rules for any state you will be driving through. Common regulations involve maximum speed limits for vehicles towing trailers, requirements for supplemental braking systems, and specific lighting rules.
Many states require separate brake systems for trailers or towed vehicles over a certain weight. Some also mandate specific mirror extensions if your tow setup blocks the rear view. A quick online search for the state’s Department of Transportation website will provide the necessary details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can You Tow An Automatic Car?
Yes, but the method is critical. Many automatic cars cannot be flat-towed (all wheels down) unless specific procedures are followed, like putting the transfer case in neutral for 4WD vehicles. Towing an automatic with its drive wheels on the ground while in park can destroy the transmission in minutes. The safest methods are using a dolly (for front-wheel drive) or a full trailer. Always, always check the owner’s manual first.
What Is The Best Way To Tow A Rear-Wheel Drive Car?
For rear-wheel drive cars, a tow dolly is often not suitable because it lifts the non-driven wheels (the front), leaving the driven wheels (the rear) on the ground. The best ways are either flat towing (if the vehicle is approved for it) or using a full car trailer. Flat towing a rear-wheel drive car requires putting the transmission in neutral and often disconnecting the driveshaft, which is a complex procedure best left to professionals.
How Do You Tow A Car With A Rope?
Towing with a rope or strap should be reserved for emergency, off-road, or very short-distance moves at low speeds (under 25 mph). Attach the rope to solid frame points or tow hooks on both vehicles. The driver in the towed car must be able to brake and steer. Keep the rope taut but not tight, and use clear hand signals for communication. Never use a rope on public highways; it is illegal and extremely dangerous in most places due to the lack of safety chains and connected brakes.
Do You Need A Special License To Tow A Car?
In most cases, a standard driver’s license is sufficient for towing a car on a dolly or trailer. However, if the total combined weight rating (tow vehicle + trailer + towed car) exceeds 26,000 pounds, you may need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Some states have additional requirements or endorsements for heavier trailers. It’s crucial to check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations before undertaking a major towing job.
How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Car?
The cost varies widely. Renting a tow dolly typically costs between $50 to $70 per day, while a car trailer can range from $60 to $100 per day. Professional towing services can charge a flat fee plus a per-mile rate, often starting around $75 for a local tow and increasing with distance. For long-distance moves, hiring a professional auto transport company might be more economical than renting equipment and driving it yourself when you factor in fuel, time, and wear on your vehicle.