can you tow car without a strut

[McChristian]

No, you should not tow a car without a strut in place, especially if it's a front wheel drive vehicle. The strut is a critical structural component of the suspension system, and its absence compromises the wheel assembly's integrity. Towing the vehicle in this state can lead to a complete collapse of the suspension, causing severe damage to the fender, tire, and steering components. The risk is not just about damage; it's a significant safety hazard for both the tow truck operator and other road users.

The primary danger lies in the fact that the strut is a major structural pillar, particularly in vehicles with MacPherson strut suspension, which is common on most modern front-wheel-drive cars. The top of the strut is bolted to the vehicle's body (the strut tower), and the bottom is attached to the steering knuckle. This assembly holds the wheel in alignment and supports the vehicle's weight. Without it, the wheel can flop inward or outward uncontrollably.

If you must move a car with a missing or broken strut, the only safe method is to use a flatbed tow truck. This type of tow truck carries the entire vehicle on its bed, placing no strain on the damaged suspension. All four wheels are off the ground, preventing any further damage or dangerous handling incidents.

Attempting a tow with just the front or rear wheels on the ground, such as with a dolly tow or two-wheel tow, is extremely risky. The following table illustrates why a flatbed is the necessary and safer choice:

Towing Method	Risk Level	Potential Damage
Flatbed (All Wheels Up)	Low	Prevents further damage. The only recommended safe method.
Dolly Tow (Front Wheels Up)	Very High	The unsupported rear wheels can cause the suspension to collapse, damaging the frame, body, and brakes.
Two-Wheel Tow (Rear Wheels Up)	Extremely High	The front suspension, missing the strut, will likely collapse immediately, causing the vehicle to drop onto the road.

In summary, the cost of a flatbed tow is insignificant compared to the cost of repairing a collapsed suspension, bent frame, or body damage. Always insist on a flatbed when dealing with structural suspension damage.

[DelOscar]

Been there, tried that. Don't do it. I thought I could just gently pull my old Civic a few blocks to my buddy's garage after the strut blew. The second the tow truck started moving, the whole front end dropped and the tire ripped into the fender. What was a simple strut replacement turned into a huge repair bill for a new fender and bodywork. Just pay for the flatbed. It's cheaper in the long run.

[McNicole]

Think of the strut as a main leg on a chair. If you remove that leg, the chair is unstable and will collapse if you try to drag it. A car's suspension works the same way. Towing it without that crucial support structure puts immense stress on the remaining parts, like the brake lines and control arms, which can snap. It's not a calculated risk; it's a near-guarantee of turning a small problem into a catastrophic one.

[MacGianna]

From a safety standpoint, this is a hard no. The strut's job is to keep the wheel aligned and bear the car's weight. Without it, the wheel assembly is free to pivot uncontrollably. During a tow, this makes the vehicle wildly unpredictable and a danger to the tow operator and everyone on the road. The only responsible and safe solution is to have it transported on a flatbed trailer, which completely neutralizes the risk by lifting all wheels off the pavement.