If you drive an AWD or 4WD vehicle in Newark NJ, you may wonder whether it can be towed the same way as a standard two-wheel-drive vehicle.
The answer depends on the specific vehicle.
All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems use additional drivetrain components to transfer power between the wheels. Because of this, the correct towing method can vary by make, model, transmission, transfer case, and manufacturer instructions.
If your AWD or 4WD vehicle becomes disabled, choosing the correct towing equipment is important. In some situations, flatbed towing may be the appropriate transportation method because it can keep all four wheels off the road.
Can AWD and 4WD Vehicles Be Towed?
Yes, AWD and 4WD vehicles can be transported, but the correct towing method depends on the vehicle.
There is no single towing method that applies to every AWD or 4WD vehicle.
Some vehicles may require:
- Flatbed towing
- All four wheels off the ground
- A specific wheel-lift configuration
- A tow dolly
- A manufacturer-approved towing procedure
For this reason, the vehicle owner’s manual should be checked before towing whenever possible.
NHTSA-hosted manufacturer documents show that towing requirements can differ between vehicle models. Some AWD vehicles specify flatbed or other methods that keep the wheels from rotating on the road during transport.
Why AWD Towing Is Different
A standard vehicle may transfer engine power primarily to either the front or rear wheels.
An AWD or 4WD system can distribute power through additional drivetrain components.
Depending on the design, these components can include:
- Transfer cases
- Differentials
- Driveshafts
- Axles
- Electronic AWD systems
- Transmission components
If a vehicle is towed incorrectly, some of these components may rotate when they are not supposed to.
That is why drivers should not assume that an AWD or 4WD vehicle can simply be lifted from one end and pulled with the other wheels on the road.
Is Flatbed Towing Safer for AWD Vehicles?
A flatbed tow truck carries the vehicle on a platform, keeping the vehicle’s wheels off the roadway during transportation.
This can make flatbed towing an appropriate option for many AWD vehicles, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements and the vehicle’s condition.
Our flatbed towing service in Newark NJ is designed for secure vehicle transportation and is available for different types of vehicles, including AWD vehicles.
Flatbed towing can also be useful when:
- The vehicle has mechanical damage
- The vehicle cannot move under its own power
- The transmission is not functioning
- The vehicle has damaged wheels or tires
- The vehicle has been involved in an accident
- The vehicle needs to be transported to a repair facility
Why You Should Check the Owner’s Manual
One of the most important steps before towing an AWD or 4WD vehicle is checking the manufacturer’s towing instructions.
The correct procedure can depend on the exact vehicle.
The owner’s manual may specify:
- Whether flatbed towing is required
- Whether a tow dolly can be used
- Which wheels can be lifted
- Whether the transmission must be in neutral
- Whether the transfer case has a neutral position
- Maximum towing speeds
- Maximum towing distances
- Special precautions for AWD or 4WD systems
If you do not have access to the owner’s manual, a towing professional can help determine what information is needed before transporting the vehicle.
For additional manufacturer-related safety information, drivers can also review vehicle towing information available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Can a Wheel-Lift Tow Truck Tow an AWD Vehicle?
A wheel-lift tow truck may be appropriate for some vehicles, but AWD and 4WD systems require extra attention.
The important question is not simply whether a wheel-lift tow truck is available.
The towing operator needs to know:
- Which wheels are driven
- Whether the vehicle is AWD or 4WD
- Whether the transmission operates
- Whether the transfer case can be placed in neutral
- Whether the manufacturer permits that towing configuration
- Whether the vehicle has mechanical or accident damage
If the manufacturer requires all four wheels to remain off the ground, a flatbed tow truck may be the appropriate choice.
Never assume that lifting only the front or rear wheels is safe for every AWD or 4WD vehicle.
What About 4WD Trucks and SUVs?
Four-wheel-drive trucks and SUVs can have different towing requirements from AWD passenger vehicles.
Some 4WD systems include a transfer case with specific neutral or towing settings.
Other vehicles may require all wheels to be off the ground during transportation.
Because designs vary, the correct procedure should be based on the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
This is especially important for:
- Pickup trucks
- Full-size SUVs
- Off-road vehicles
- 4×4 vehicles
- Vehicles with selectable 4WD
- Vehicles with electronically controlled AWD systems
When in doubt, professional towing with the appropriate equipment can help reduce the risk of using an incorrect towing configuration.
What If Your AWD Vehicle Is Already Damaged?
If an AWD or 4WD vehicle has been involved in an accident, additional care may be necessary.
Damage to the wheels, suspension, drivetrain, steering, or body can affect how the vehicle should be loaded and transported.
Do not attempt to drive a seriously damaged vehicle simply because the engine still starts.
A professional towing operator can assess the situation and determine how the vehicle should be loaded based on its condition and the available equipment.
Our car towing service in Newark NJ provides professional transportation for disabled vehicles and emergency situations.
AWD Vehicle Breakdown on I-78 in Newark NJ
A disabled AWD vehicle on I-78 or another busy roadway can create an additional safety concern.
If your vehicle becomes disabled:
- Move to a safe location when possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Stay alert for approaching traffic.
- Avoid standing in an unsafe roadway position.
- Contact appropriate roadside or towing assistance.
- Tell the towing provider that the vehicle is AWD or 4WD.
Providing the towing company with accurate vehicle information can help the operator prepare the appropriate equipment.
If your vehicle breaks down on I-78, you can also read our guide to I-78 highway towing in Newark NJ.
What Information Should You Give the Tow Truck Company?
When requesting AWD towing in Newark NJ, provide as much information as possible.
Useful details include:
- Vehicle year
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle model
- AWD, 4WD, FWD, or RWD configuration
- Transmission type
- Exact location
- Whether the vehicle starts
- Whether the vehicle can roll
- Whether the wheels or tires are damaged
- Whether the vehicle was involved in an accident
- Whether there is visible mechanical damage
For example:
“My 2022 SUV is AWD, the engine starts, but the front wheel is damaged and the vehicle cannot be driven.”
This information can help the towing provider understand the situation before dispatching equipment.
Why Improper Towing Can Cause Problems
Improper towing can potentially create additional mechanical problems.
Depending on the vehicle, incorrect towing may affect components such as:
- Transmission
- Transfer case
- Differentials
- Driveshafts
- Axles
- AWD system
Manufacturer towing instructions are therefore important.
NHTSA-hosted documentation includes examples where manufacturers specifically warn that improper towing configurations can damage drivetrain components.
The safest approach is to follow the towing instructions for your exact vehicle rather than relying on a general assumption about AWD or 4WD vehicles.
Does Flatbed Towing Work for Electric AWD Vehicles?
Electric vehicles can also have AWD configurations, and their towing requirements may differ from conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Electric vehicles may use electric motors on different axles, along with high-voltage battery systems and specialized drivetrain components.
Because towing instructions vary by EV model, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the vehicle cannot be safely driven, tell the towing provider that it is an electric AWD vehicle before service begins.
This allows the operator to consider the vehicle’s drivetrain and manufacturer requirements when preparing for transportation.
When Should You Call a Tow Truck?
Consider professional towing when your AWD or 4WD vehicle:
- Will not start
- Will not move
- Has transmission problems
- Has damaged wheels
- Has a flat or severely damaged tire
- Has been involved in an accident
- Has suspension damage
- Has serious mechanical problems
- Is unsafe to drive
- Is stranded on a highway
- Has an AWD or 4WD system problem
If you are unsure whether continuing to drive could cause additional damage, stopping in a safe location and arranging professional transportation can be a practical option.
24/7 AWD and 4WD Towing in Newark NJ
Vehicle breakdowns can happen at any time.
We Care Towing & Transport provides 24/7 towing and roadside assistance in Newark NJ and surrounding areas.
Depending on the situation, services can include:
- Emergency towing
- Flatbed towing
- Vehicle recovery
- Accident towing
- Battery jump starts
- Flat tire assistance
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout assistance
- Vehicle transportation
For AWD and 4WD vehicles, providing accurate vehicle information before dispatch can help ensure the appropriate towing equipment is considered.
If you need a 24/7 towing service in Newark NJ, We Care Towing & Transport is available for emergency vehicle transportation and roadside assistance.
Final Thoughts
The correct towing method depends on the specific vehicle and its manufacturer’s instructions.
Before towing an AWD or 4WD vehicle, identify the drivetrain, check the owner’s manual when possible, and tell the towing provider exactly what type of vehicle you have.
When flatbed transportation is required or appropriate for the vehicle, keeping all four wheels off the road can help avoid the problems associated with an incorrect towing configuration.
If your AWD or 4WD vehicle becomes disabled in Newark NJ, get to a safe location when possible and arrange professional towing assistance.
We Care Towing & Transport provides 24/7 towing, flatbed towing, vehicle recovery, and roadside assistance throughout Newark NJ and surrounding areas.