How to Tow a Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicle?
3 Answers
For manual transmission vehicles (excluding four-wheel drive), whether front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, as long as the gear is placed in neutral and safety is ensured, towing is possible. For automatic transmission vehicles (excluding four-wheel drive), whether front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, as long as the gear is placed in neutral, towing can be done in any manner. For four-wheel drive vehicles, it is important to note that if the four-wheel drive can be disengaged, towing is possible without the drive wheels rotating.
I've driven rear-wheel-drive cars for several years, and when it comes to towing after a breakdown, you really can't just tow it anyhow. With rear-wheel-drive cars, the power is in the rear wheels. If the rear wheels are rolling on the ground during towing, the driveshaft spins while the engine remains stationary, preventing oil circulation, which can easily cause overheating and damage to the transmission or differential. You must use professional towing equipment, such as a flatbed tow truck that lifts the entire car, or specialized equipment that lifts the rear wheels and tows the front wheels with a tow bar. If you're doing it yourself, make sure the rear wheels are completely off the ground to avoid accidents caused by sudden braking during high-speed towing. Remember, safety first—it's best to call professional rescue services. It might cost more, but it ensures your car stays intact. Once, I tried lifting the rear wheels by the roadside for towing, but they weren’t secured properly. Luckily, I stopped in time to check and avoided an accident.
When repairing cars, rear-wheel drive vehicle towing issues are often encountered, with the core concern being the protection of the drivetrain. Since the power is at the rear, incorrect towing methods can cause the rear wheels to rotate, driving the axle and creating resistance that damages components. The safest approach is to use a flatbed tow truck, keeping all four wheels off the ground, or to lift the rear wheels and secure the front wheels for towing. Avoid attempting to push by hand or tow with a rope with all wheels on the ground, as the risks are too high. Proper tools such as tow hooks and reflective signs must also be fully equipped. Depending on the vehicle model, some rear-wheel drive car manuals specify that towing speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. I recommend operating only after safely parking to avoid towing on high-speed roads.
