There are different ways on how to tow a vehicle. It can be done with the use of flatbeds, tow dollies, car trailers, or a tow bar. When in doubt about which method to choose, it is always best to leave it to the hands of professional tow truck companies.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles can either be a front-wheel-drive or a rear-wheel-drive. Knowing which category your vehicle fits will greatly prevent it from getting damaged should it require a tow.
Carrier Trailers And Flatbed Tow Trucks
The best way to tow a car is to use carrier trailers or flatbed tow trucks. These lift the car off the ground so it won’t damage the transmission whether it is a two-wheel-drive or a four-wheel-drive. However, it’s not available for all at all times so knowing other options to towing two-wheel drives will really help. With that comes other options like tow dollies.
Tow Dollies
Tow dollies are very common as a tow option because all you need is a dolly to do the job. With it, the front wheels of the car can be lifted while the rear wheels are kept on the ground. This method is best for front-wheel-drive vehicles but if you plan to use it on rear-wheel-drives, you’d have to remove the driveshaft first. This will prevent damage to the transmission.
Tow Bar
Another way to tow two-wheel-drive cars is to use a tow bar. With this method, all four wheels are on the ground. The tow bars are attached to the pall hitch and bumper. With this method, you need to place the gears on neutral and disengage the parking brake.
Towing With Automatic Transmission
Towing cars with automatic transmission is different and may include additional steps or additional accessories to prevent damage. You can use either lube pumps or driveshaft couplings.
Drive Shaft Couplings
If you decide to go for the drive shaft couplings, then there is no need to remove the driveshaft. This accessory engages and disengages the drive shaft and is useful for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. It is a great option because it is a quicker and easier solution as compared to manually disconnecting or disengaging the driveshaft.
Lube Pumps
Lube pumps are great for those with automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive vehicles because they provide the much-needed lubrication. When the car is driven, the engine is responsible for powering the lubrication pump but when the car is towed, the engine is off. That means the pump isn’t working. By using a separate lube pump, you’ll be able to significantly cool the transmission while towing. This prevents the transmission from overheating and getting damaged.
Axle-Lock
The axle-lock is an accessory that you can use for vehicles with an automatic front-wheel-drive system. It disconnects the transmission with just a twist. It is more efficient to use rather than to go through the whole process of disconnecting the front axle manually. You can also easily set it back to default once towing is done and you’re ready to drive the vehicle.
Final Words
When towing any vehicle, it is best to know the vehicle you are towing. Identify if it has automatic or manual transmission. Check to see if it has a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system. When in doubt, always check the owner’s manual. Even if you’re not in doubt, the best thing to do is to check the manual and see the guidelines provided by the manufacturer when it comes to towing the vehicle.
