how to tow a rwd car

Question

AidenAnn · Accepted Answer

The safest way to tow a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car is to use a flatbed truck or a dolly that lifts the rear wheels off the ground. This is the only method that avoids potential damage to the transmission. If the car's rear wheels are on the ground, the driveshaft will spin the transmission's output shaft without proper lubrication, leading to rapid and costly internal damage.

The core issue lies in the design of RWD vehicles. Power is sent from the engine through the transmission to the driveshaft, which turns the rear wheels. When the rear wheels are on the ground and the car is towed (even in neutral), the wheels can spin the transmission's internal components. Since the engine isn't running, the transmission pump isn't circulating fluid, causing friction and heat that destroys bearings and gears.

Your two main options are:

Flatbed Towing (Best): The entire car is winched onto a truck bed. All four wheels are off the ground, eliminating any risk of drivetrain damage. This is the recommended method for any long-distance tow.
Wheel-Lift Dolly (Good Alternative): A dolly is placed under the rear wheels, lifting them while the front wheels remain on the road. This is acceptable because the driveshaft is disconnected from the moving wheels.

Towing Method Quick Reference

Towing Method	Wheels on Ground	Risk of Drivetrain Damage	Best For
Flatbed Truck	None	None	All situations, especially long distances
Rear-Wheel Dolly	Front wheels only	Low/None	Short to medium distances
Standard Wheel-Lift	Rear wheels only	Very High	Not recommended for RWD
All Four Wheels Down	All wheels	Very High	Not recommended for RWD

Before towing, always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. It will state the only approved towing methods. If you must tow with two wheels down, the front wheels must be the ones on the ground for a RWD car. However, this places stress on the steering and suspension components not designed for long-distance towing. For peace of mind and to protect your investment, a flatbed is always the safest choice.

OBrody · Answer

Flatbed. Always a flatbed for a rear-wheel-drive car. Don't let a tow truck driver hook it up by the rear wheels and drag it down the road; that's a one-way ticket to a dead transmission. If they show up without a flatbed, ask for one or send them away. It might cost a few extra bucks, but it's way cheaper than a new transmission. I learned this the hard way years ago.

JulietMarie · Answer

The key is to isolate the drivetrain. Since it's rear-wheel drive, you need to prevent the transmission from being turned by the wheels. Using a dolly for the rear wheels is the most common DIY solution. You just drive the rear wheels onto the dolly and secure it. This keeps the driveshaft from spinning. It's more work than a flatbed but much better than risking a simple tow. Always check your manual first, as some modern cars have very specific towing requirements.

LeCooper · Answer

From a cost and practicality standpoint, assess the situation. For a short, slow tow across town, a dolly under the rear wheels might be a calculated risk you're willing to take. But for any real distance or highway speeds, the flatbed is non-negotiable. The potential savings from using a cheaper method are completely wiped out by the certainty of catastrophic transmission failure. When calling for a tow, be very clear: "I have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle and require a flatbed truck."

LaWalter · Answer

My first step is always the owner's manual—it has the final say. Then, I prepare the car. I make sure the parking brake is fully released and the transmission is in neutral. If I'm using a dolly, I check the tire pressure on both the car and the dolly. I also take a minute to secure any loose items inside the car and remove valuables. A quick walk-around to check for any low-hanging parts like spoilers is also smart. Proper preparation makes the whole process smoother and safer for your car.