AWD or EV Needs a Tow? Check the Approved Towing Method Before Leaving Wheels on the Ground

Give the tow operator the vehicle details that change the transport method

• Exact year, make, model, drivetrain, and whether the vehicle is AWD, 4WD, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric
• Whether the vehicle starts and can shift into the manufacturer-specified towing or transport state
• Whether the parking brake will release and whether the 12-volt system is functional
• Which wheel, axle, steering, or suspension components are damaged
• Whether there was a collision, flood exposure, battery warning, smoke, fire, or visible high-voltage battery damage
• The towing section of the owner's manual, including wheel-lift, dolly, flatbed, tie-down, and emergency-tow restrictions

Flatbed, wheel-lift, dolly, and ground towing are not interchangeable

A flatbed carries the vehicle with all four wheels off the road, while a wheel-lift raises one axle and may require dollies under the other wheels. Some manufacturers permit a specific wheel-lift arrangement; others require all four wheels off the ground for particular AWD, 4WD, hybrid, or EV drivetrains.

Emergency towing with wheels rolling on the road is a separate procedure and may have strict speed, distance, transmission, drive-mode, or steering requirements. A tow eye or recovery point only provides an attachment point for the uses the manufacturer approves; it does not by itself authorize highway towing with the drive wheels turning.

If the car cannot shift or release the parking brake, do not force it

1. 01
   Check the documented manual-release or transport procedure

   Some vehicles have a specific park release, tow mode, transport mode, or low-voltage recovery process. Use the owner's manual or roadside instructions for the exact vehicle.

2. 02
   Tell the operator which wheels cannot rotate

   A locked wheel, failed parking brake, damaged axle, or collision-damaged suspension may require skates, dollies, or different loading equipment rather than dragging the tire onto the bed.

3. 03
   Treat battery damage as a separate safety issue

   For an EV or hybrid with suspected high-voltage battery damage, smoke, unusual heat, or a post-crash warning, follow emergency guidance and use a towing provider equipped for electrified vehicles.

4. 04
   Confirm the tie-down method before transport

   Recovery hooks, tow eyes, suspension arms, and transport tie-down points do not necessarily serve the same purpose. Secure the vehicle only at the points and by the method approved for transport.