What Can Be Damaged When Towing with Part-Time 4WD?

[ValerieMarie]

Lifting the two front wheels and allowing the two rear wheels to touch the ground while towing can easily damage the central differential. Advantages of Front-Wheel-Drive-Based 4WD: Due to its superior handling performance, this layout is commonly used in rally racing, off-road vehicles, and performance cars. The advantages include powerful performance and higher driving capability, while the drawbacks are heavier curb weight and higher fuel consumption. Vehicles Suitable for Part-Time 4WD: Part-time 4WD is commonly used in civilian vehicles. It operates in two-wheel drive when four-wheel drive is not needed, achieving energy savings and emission reduction. When four-wheel drive is required, it can switch driving modes to provide better driving and off-road performance.

[NadiaDella]

I've been driving SUVs for decades and have learned some hard lessons about towing. If you tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle incorrectly, the differential and transmission can easily get ruined. Once, I forgot to disengage the 4WD mode while towing, and the wheels were forced to rotate unevenly, causing severe wear on the driveshaft and gears. The lubrication couldn't keep up, and within days, the transmission started making a loud buzzing noise. The mechanic said all the parts had to be replaced, costing over ten thousand. The key is to shift into neutral or release the differential lock before towing to avoid dry grinding of the driven wheels without lubrication. It's better to just call a flatbed towing service to save trouble. Also, the braking system can be affected—if the wheels rotate without hydraulic brake pressure, long-distance towing can accelerate wear. Always check the manual for details during regular maintenance.

[McEsther]

Having been in the car repair scene for a long time, I've seen many towing accidents. The core risks of part-time four-wheel drive lie in the differential lock and transmission gear wear: when the driven wheels rotate passively with the engine off, the oil pump stops working, and metal components heat up quickly due to friction. If towed in locked mode, forcibly dragging the wheels can cause the axle, driveshaft, or sprocket to deform or crack. A friend of mine had his differential seized after towing, and replacing the parts wasn't cheap. It's strongly advised that owners consult their vehicle manual, as switching to two-wheel drive or neutral gear beforehand is usually necessary to avoid overheating failures from prolonged high-speed towing. Regularly checking the lubrication fluid condition is also crucial, and using professional towing equipment is best to prevent accidents.

[DeSebastian]

As an ordinary mom, it makes me nervous when my family makes mistakes while towing a car. Improper towing of an all-wheel-drive vehicle often damages the differential and brake systems. Last time, my neighbor's SUV had its rear wheels forcibly turned during towing, and I heard the transmission parts squeaked and got deformed. The main reason is improper towing causing dry grinding of gears or locking failure, which may cost a lot to repair. I've learned that it's essential to shift the transmission to neutral first to prevent this. If unsure, it's better to call a towing company for help to avoid safety hazards. Pay more attention to the vehicle maintenance manual reminders in daily life to reduce such risks.