can you tow a car that doesn't start

[Iris]

Yes, you can tow a car that doesn't start, but the correct method is critical to avoid causing severe and expensive damage to the vehicle. The safest and most recommended way is to use a flatbed tow truck or a car carrier trailer, which lifts all four wheels completely off the ground. This is essential for all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, as towing them with wheels on the pavement can ruin the drivetrain.

For two-wheel-drive vehicles, a wheel-lift tow truck might be an option, but you must know which axle is driven. If the car is front-wheel drive (FWD), the rear wheels can be on the ground only if the front wheels are lifted. Conversely, for rear-wheel drive (RWD), the front wheels should be lifted. The transmission must be in neutral, and the steering wheel must be unlocked. However, even for 2WD cars, long-distance towing with wheels down is risky and not recommended by most manufacturers.

The following table outlines the primary towing methods and their key considerations:

Towing Method	Best For Vehicle Type	Key Consideration	Risk of Damage
Flatbed/Car Carrier	All Types (FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD)	Lifts all four wheels off the ground.	Very Low
Wheel-Lift (Dolly Towing)	Two-Wheel Drive Only	Must lift the driven wheels; non-driven wheels on a dolly.	Low if done correctly
Wheel-Lift (Two Wheels Down)	Two-Wheel Drive Only (Emergency Only)	Transmission in neutral; limited distance; check owner's manual.	High (Drivetrain damage)

Before you call for a tow, gather essential information: your vehicle's make, model, year, drivetrain (FWD, RWD, etc.), and its exact location. This helps the dispatcher send the right equipment. The best practice is always to request a flatbed to completely eliminate the risk of mechanical damage. If you're unsure, consulting your vehicle's owner's manual for specific towing instructions is the most reliable course of action.

[CodyDella]

Call a flatbed tow truck. Don't let them hook it up by just the front or back and drag it. That's a great way to turn a dead battery into a ruined transmission, especially if you have all-wheel drive. A flatbed carries the whole car, so the wheels aren't turning. It’s the only safe bet if you don't know the specifics of your drivetrain. Just tell the dispatcher the car won't start and you need a full lift.

[DelAlivia]

I learned this the hard way. My SUV is AWD, and when it wouldn't start, a friend tried to tow it with a regular truck. We almost wrecked the transfer case before we stopped. The mechanic explained that if all four wheels aren't off the ground, the differentials can be destroyed from being turned without the engine running. Now I only use a flatbed service. It costs a bit more, but it’s cheaper than a $5,000 repair bill.

[AnthonyDella]

The answer depends entirely on your car's drivetrain. For a standard front-wheel-drive car, you can use a tow dolly under the front wheels while the back wheels roll. But the absolute safest method for any car—front, rear, or all-wheel drive—is the flatbed. It lifts the entire vehicle. When you call for the tow, just specify "flatbed requested" to avoid any confusion. This ensures no part of the drivetrain is forced to move improperly.

[HectorLee]

Beyond the drivetrain, you have to think about safety and legality. The parking brake must be released, and the steering wheel unlocked so the tow truck operator can maneuver it. If the battery is completely dead, you might not be able to shift into neutral or release the brake, which complicates things. Also, most states have regulations about how a vehicle can be towed on public roads. Using a professional service with a flatbed is the best way to ensure you're complying with the law and protecting your car.