Learning how to tow a car is a crucial skill for any driver. The method you choose to tow a car depends largely on whether all four wheels will be off the ground. Getting it wrong can lead to expensive damage to your vehicle’s transmission, drivetrain, or brakes.
This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right equipment to safely securing the vehicle. We’ll cover the different towing methods and when to use each one.
Safety is the absolute priority. A loose vehicle is a dangerous projectile. Following proper procedure protects you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
How To Tow A Car
There are two primary categories of towing: dinghy towing and flat towing, where all four wheels remain on the ground, and dollies or trailers, which lift wheels off the pavement. Your vehicle’s drivetrain—whether it’s front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive—dictates the safe method.
Before connecting a single cable, you must consult your owner’s manual. It provides the manufacturer’s specific towing instructions and warnings. Ignoring these can void warranties and cause serious mechanical failure.
Essential Safety Gear And Pre-Tow Checklist
Never attempt to tow without the proper gear. Having the right equipment on hand makes the process smoother and much safer for everyone involved.
Here is a list of essential items you will need:
- Towing Equipment: A proper tow bar, tow dolly, or car trailer. Never use improvised ropes or chains for highway towing.
- Safety Chains: These are mandatory. They must be crossed under the tow bar to catch the vehicle if the primary hitch fails.
- Breakaway System: For trailers and dollies, a cable that activates the trailer’s brakes if it becomes separated from the tow vehicle.
- Lighting Kit: Functional brake lights, turn signals, and taillights on the towed vehicle are required by law. Magnetic or plug-in kits are common.
- Vehicle-Specific Towing Guides: These plastic guides help align the tow vehicle with the trailer or dolly.
- Wheel Straps or Tie-Downs: For securing a vehicle on a trailer or dolly.
- Personal Safety: Wheel chocks, heavy-duty gloves, and safety glasses.
Your pre-tow checklist is just as important as the gear. Always complete these steps:
- Check the tow vehicle’s rating. Ensure it can handle the combined weight of the trailer and the car being towed.
- Inspect all equipment for wear, cracks, or damage, especially the hitch, safety chains, and straps.
- Verify the towed vehicle’s registration and insurance are current, and that it has a visible license plate.
- Plan your route. Avoid steep grades, low-clearance bridges, and roads where towing is prohibited.
Method 1: Flat Towing (All Four Wheels Down)
Flat towing, or dinghy towing, involves connecting a tow bar directly from the tow vehicle to the front of the car being towed. All four of the towed car’s wheels roll on the road. This is common for recreational vehicles towing small cars.
Not all vehicles can be flat towed. Many modern cars with automatic transmissions, all-wheel drive, or complex electronics cannot have their wheels turned while the engine is off.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flat Towing
- Vehicle Preparation: Follow the manual exactly. This usually involves placing the transmission in neutral, unlocking the steering column, and sometimes disconnecting the driveshaft or using a specific lube pump.
- Install the Baseplate: A permanent metal frame is installed on the towed vehicle’s frame to accept the tow bar. This is not a DIY job for most; professional installation is recommended.
- Connect the Tow Bar: Attach the tow bar to the baseplate on the towed car and the hitch receiver on the tow vehicle. Secure with locking pins.
- Attach Safety Chains: Cross the chains under the tow bar and connect them to the tow vehicle’s frame. They should have enough slack to allow turning but not drag on the ground.
- Connect the Lighting Kit: Plug the wiring harness into the towed vehicle’s lights and test all signals—brake lights, turn signals, and running lights.
- Final Check: Double-check all connections, release the parking brake on the towed vehicle, and ensure its steering wheel moves freely.
Method 2: Using A Tow Dolly (Front Wheels Up)
A tow dolly lifts the front wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground while the rear wheels roll. This is often a good option for front-wheel-drive cars, as it prevents transmission damage by keeping the driven wheels off the road.
For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, a dolly is used under the rear wheels, towing the car backwards. Always check your manual for the correct orientation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Tow Dolly
- Load the Vehicle: Carefully drive or winch the car onto the dolly ramps. Ensure the tires are centered on the dolly tracks.
- Secure the Vehicle: Use robust wheel straps to tightly fasten the tires to the dolly. Apply the towed car’s parking brake and put the transmission in park (for automatic) or first gear (for manual).
- Connect the Dolly: Attach the dolly tongue to the tow vehicle’s hitch. Connect and cross the safety chains.
- Connect Lights and Breakaway Cable: Attach the dolly’s lighting plug to your tow vehicle. Connect the breakaway cable to a secure point on the tow vehicle’s frame.
- Final Inspection: Check tire straps for tightness, ensure all lights work, and verify the parked car’s steering wheel is locked straight.
Method 3: Using A Car Trailer (All Four Wheels Up)
This is the most universal and often safest method, especially for long distances or for vehicles that cannot be towed with wheels on the ground. The entire car is loaded onto a trailer, isolating it from road wear.
The key is ensuring your tow vehicle has the capacity for the trailer’s weight plus the car’s weight, known as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Step-by-Step Guide to Loading a Car Trailer
- Position the Trailer: Park the trailer on a level, firm surface. Use wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
- Drive or Winch On: Slowly drive the car onto the trailer, centering it perfectly. If using a winch, ensure the pulling point is on the vehicle’s frame, not a bumper.
- Secure the Vehicle: Use at least four heavy-duty ratchet straps. Attach them to the vehicle’s frame or dedicated tow points—never to suspension parts or plastic bumpers. Strap down both the front and rear, creating tension that compresses the suspension slightly.
- Trailer Hookup: Connect the trailer to the hitch, attach safety chains in a crossed manner, and plug in the lighting connector. Connect the breakaway cable.
- Pre-Travel Check: Check tire pressure on both the trailer and tow vehicle. Confirm the car is in park with the parking brake set, and all straps are tight.
Critical Towing Laws And Best Practices
Towing laws vary by state and country. It is your responsibility to know them. Common regulations involve speed limits (often lower for tow vehicles), required equipment like mirrors and brakes, and where you are allowed to drive.
Adopting smart driving habits is essential when towing. The added weight and length dramatically change your vehicle’s handling.
- Increase Following Distance: Leave at least 5-6 seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead. Stopping takes much longer.
- Wider Turns: Swing wider to avoid clipping curbs with the trailer or towed car. Remember, the trailer’s wheels track inside the path of your tow vehicle’s wheels.
- Allow More Space for Lane Changes: Signal early and check your mirrors carefully. It takes longer to pass and merge.
- Anticipate Braking: Start slowing down much earlier than you normally would for stops and turns.
- Check Your Setup Frequently: Stop after the first few miles to re-check strap, chain, and hitch tension. Make it a habit to check at every fuel or rest stop.
What Not To Do When Towing A Car
Certain mistakes can lead to catastrophic failures on the road. Avoid these common errors at all costs.
- Do not exceed your tow vehicle’s rated capacity. This strains the engine, transmission, and brakes, and can cause a loss of control.
- Never tow an automatic transmission car with the drive wheels on the ground without explicit manufacturer approval. The transmission will be destroyed due to a lack of lubrication.
- Avoid using inferior recovery straps or ropes meant for off-road recovery for highway towing. They lack the necessary strength and safety features.
- Do not forget to check the towed vehicle’s tire pressure. Flat tires on the towed car can still cause a blowout or fire.
- Never assume your vehicle is flat-towable. Always, always check the owner’s manual first. This is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ: Common Questions About Towing A Car
Can I Tow an Automatic Car?
You can tow an automatic car, but almost never with its drive wheels on the ground unless the manufacturer specifically states it is safe. For short distances in an emergency, you may be able to use a tow dolly or trailer to lift the drive wheels. The owners manual is your definitive guide.
What is the Best Way to Tow a Rear-Wheel-Drive Car?
The best way to tow a rear-wheel-drive car is typically on a trailer with all four wheels up. If using a dolly, you would generally tow it backwards with the rear wheels (the drive wheels) on the dolly and the front wheels rolling. Again, the manufacturer’s instructions are final.
Do I Need Special Mirrors for Towing?
Yes, in most cases. If the towed vehicle or trailer blocks your view of the rear corners of your tow vehicle, you are required by law to have extended side mirrors. These provide the necessary visibility for safe lane changes.
How Fast Can I Drive While Towing a Car?
Speed limits for towing are often lower than regular traffic. Many states set a maximum of 55 mph when towing a trailer. High speeds create more sway and increase stopping distances dramatically. Always obey posted limits and drive at a speed that feels completely controlled.
Can I Tow a Car With a Rope or Chain?
Towing with a rope or chain is extremely dangerous and illegal on public roads in most areas. It should only be considered for moving a disabled vehicle a very short distance in an emergency, like off a road. There are no safety brakes or lights, and the connection is prone to sudden failure.