Can You Tow an AWD Vehicle? What Savannah Drivers Need to Know
Yes — but not the same way you’d tow everything else. That’s the short answer, and understanding the “why” behind it can save AWD owners from an expensive mistake that happens more often than it should.
What Makes AWD Different From Other Drivetrains
On a standard front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, there’s always one axle that isn’t connected to the engine’s power delivery system — meaning it can spin freely without involving the drivetrain at all. That’s what makes conventional wheel-lift towing work: you lift the drive wheels off the ground and let the free axle roll, and nothing mechanical is stressed during transport.
AWD vehicles don’t have that free axle. All four wheels are mechanically connected through a central differential or transfer case, which means all four wheels are part of the same drivetrain system at all times. When you lift just one end of an AWD vehicle and let the other two wheels roll along the pavement, you’re forcing drivetrain components — specifically the differential and transfer case — to spin without the engine running and without the lubrication those components depend on during normal operation. Those unlubricated drivetrain components can quickly overheat and fail, sometimes within a quarter mile.
What That Failure Actually Costs
This isn’t a theoretical risk or a minor inconvenience — it’s a repair bill. Fixing AWD drivetrain damage from improper towing typically runs into the thousands of dollars, which can far exceed the cost of the tow itself. Worse, because the damage happens gradually during transport rather than all at once, it’s not always obvious immediately. Some AWD owners don’t notice the problem until days or weeks later, when symptoms appear on the road — at which point tracing it back to an improperly executed tow can be difficult.
The Right Way to Tow an AWD Vehicle
The safest method for towing an AWD vehicle is using a flatbed tow truck, where all four wheels are lifted completely off the ground. With nothing rolling and no drivetrain components under load, there’s no risk of the kind of damage described above — the vehicle simply rides on the platform the same way it would sit in a garage, just moving.
A wheel-lift can be used on AWD vehicles if dollies are placed under the non-lifted axle, effectively getting all four wheels off the ground — but this requires the right equipment and an operator who knows to apply it correctly. In practice, a flatbed is the simpler, cleaner, and more universally safe solution for any AWD vehicle.
A Note on Four-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive
It’s worth drawing a quick distinction here, because the two are often used interchangeably but they’re not quite the same thing. True four-wheel drive systems, like those found in a Jeep Wrangler or a Ford Bronco, sometimes include a neutral gear position in the transfer case that effectively disconnects the drivetrain and allows all four wheels to roll freely — making flat towing possible for those specific vehicles. A handful of AWD vehicles — mainly Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and select Ford Broncos — are approved for four-wheels-down flat towing. Most modern AWD crossovers, SUVs, and sedans don’t have this option.
The safest way to know what your specific vehicle allows is to check the owner’s manual. Manufacturer towing guidelines are the authoritative source for your exact make and model, and they override any general rule of thumb — including the ones in this post.
What to Do If You’re Not Sure
If you drive an AWD vehicle and you’re ever in a situation where you need a tow, the most important thing you can do is tell the operator upfront that your vehicle is AWD before they begin setting up. A flatbed is the right call, and asking for one specifically isn’t an unusual request — it’s the standard approach for any AWD vehicle and any experienced operator will understand exactly why.
If you’re in Savannah and your AWD vehicle needs to be moved — whether it’s broken down, needs to go to a repair shop, or just needs to be transported — On Point Towing and Roadside handles AWD towing with flatbed equipment suited for the job.