Yes, you can tow a car with a dead battery, but the method is critically important to avoid causing severe and expensive damage to the vehicle's transmission. The safest and most recommended method is flatbed towing, where all four wheels are lifted off the ground. If a flatbed is not available, using a dolly to lift the drive wheels is the next best option for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
The primary risk lies in towing a car with its drive wheels on the ground, known as "flat-towing" or "dinghy towing." In vehicles with an automatic transmission, the transmission lubricates itself through a pump that is driven by the running engine. If the engine is off and the car is towed with wheels on the pavement, the transmission internals will not be lubricated, leading to rapid overheating and catastrophic failure. This can result in repair bills costing thousands of dollars. For manual transmissions, the general rule is to place the car in neutral, but it's still wise to consult the owner's manual for specific towing instructions.
Here is a quick comparison of towing methods:
| Towing Method | Best For | Key Consideration | Risk Level |
|---|
| Flatbed Truck | All vehicles (FWD, RWD, AWD) | All wheels off the ground; no mileage restrictions. | Very Low |
| Tow Dolly | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Vehicles | Lifts the front (drive) wheels; rear wheels can roll. | Low |
| Flat-Towing (Wheels Down) | Manual Transmissions (in Neutral) | Never for automatic transmissions; check owner's manual. | Very High for Automatics |
Before towing, always ensure the steering wheel is unlocked. A dead battery often engages the steering lock. You may need to use the physical key in the driver's door to unlock it. For a short-distance move in a safe area like a parking lot, a push or neutral tow is sometimes possible with the key in the "on" position to unlock steering and brakes, but this is not safe for public roads. The definitive guide is always your vehicle's owner's manual, which provides the manufacturer's approved towing procedures.
