can you tow a 4 wheel drive car

[OMaximus]

Yes, you can tow a 4-wheel drive (4WD or AWD) car, but doing it incorrectly is one of the fastest ways to cause serious and expensive damage to the drivetrain. The correct method depends entirely on whether you are using a flatbed trailer, a tow dolly, or flat-towing (all four wheels on the ground). The golden rule is to always consult your vehicle's owner's manual first, as manufacturers provide specific towing instructions.

The core risk lies in the drivetrain. When a 4WD vehicle is towed with its drive wheels on the ground, the transmission and transfer case may not be properly lubricated if the engine is off. This can cause internal components to overheat and seize. For most modern 4WD systems, the safest method is flatbed towing, which lifts all four wheels off the ground, eliminating any risk of drivetrain damage.

If a flatbed isn't an option, you must follow the manufacturer's guidelines for neutral towing. This often involves placing the transfer case in neutral (if equipped) and potentially the transmission in a specific gear. This procedure varies significantly between models. For example, many Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators are designed for flat-towing, while many luxury SUVs explicitly require a flatbed.

The following table outlines general guidelines for common 4WD system types, but your owner's manual is the final authority.

4WD/AWD System Type	Recommended Towing Method	Key Consideration	Example Models
Part-Time 4WD	Flatbed or Transfer Case in Neutral	Towing with wheels down without disengaging transfer case will destroy it.	Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150
Full-Time 4WD/AWD	Flatbed	Often cannot be flat-towed; requires all wheels off the ground.	Subaru Outback, Audi Q7
Electronic AWD	Flatbed	Similar to full-time systems; flat-towing can damage the powertrain.	Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4
Selectable 4WD (Neutral Option)	Flatbed or Flat-Tow (if equipped)	Must follow precise steps to place transfer case in neutral.	Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco

Beyond the drivetrain, remember to secure the steering wheel, ensure the parking brake is released, and verify that the total weight of the vehicle being towed (including any cargo) does not exceed the ratings of the tow vehicle and equipment. When in doubt, calling a professional flatbed service is the most reliable and safest choice.

[LeHarmony]

Been there. I tried to tow my old pickup with a dolly once, and let’s just say the repair bill was a harsh lesson. The short answer is yes, but you have to be super careful. The big thing is whether all four wheels are on the ground. If they are, and the truck is in park, you're basically grinding the guts out of your transmission and transfer case without any oil pumping through. It’s a killer. Now I just pay for the flatbed. It’s cheaper than a new transmission.

[MacGiselle]

As a fan of overlanding and towing my rig behind my RV, the key is knowing your vehicle's design. My Jeep Wrangler is built for it; I just follow the steps to put the transfer case in neutral. But my friend's Subaru? It's a flatbed-only situation. The damage from getting it wrong is permanent. Your owner's manual isn't a suggestion—it's the rulebook. Look for the "recreational towing" section. If it's not explicitly approved for flat-towing, assume you need a trailer.

[CalvinRose]

My main concern is always liability. If you're using a tow dolly incorrectly and cause an accident, your insurance company might not cover the damage to either vehicle. They'll see it as improper operation. A flatbed tow truck is the standard for a reason: it's the safest method for the vehicle and for other drivers on the road. It minimizes risk. The cost of a professional tow is an investment against a potentially massive claim denial and repair costs.