When you need to tow a car, the first thing you need to do is identify what type of drivetrain it has. This is important because the way you tow a car will be different depending on whether it has front wheel drive ,rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. In this blog post, we will specifically focus on how to tow a rear wheel drive car safely and without causing any damage.

What Are The Different Types Of Drivetrain In Cars?

The most common drivetrain in cars is Front Wheel Drive (FWD). FWD means that the engine powers the two wheels at the front of the car. The weight of the engine is over the driven wheels which gives good traction in snow and ice.

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) is where the engine powers the two wheels at the back of the car. RWD is often found in sports cars as it gives better handling. The engine weight is over the driven wheels which can give good traction in snow and ice.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) is where the engine powers all four wheels of the car. AWD is often found in SUVs and off-road vehicles as it gives the best traction. The engine weight is evenly distributed over all four wheels.

How Is Towing RWD Cars Different From FWD Cars?

The general rule is that two-wheel-drive vehicles should be towed with the driven wheels lifted off the ground. This is because if the driven wheels are on the ground, they will rotate and can cause damage to the transmission.

When the driven wheels are lifted off the ground, they are not able to rotate and therefore cannot cause any damage to the transmission. There are some exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, it is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Rear-wheel drive cars should be towed with their driven wheels lifted off the ground in order to prevent transmission damage caused by wheel rotation.

How To Tow A Rear Wheel Drive Car Safely

When towing a rear-wheel drive car, it is important to make sure that the rear wheels are off the ground. This can be done by using a tow truck or a dolly.

If using a tow truck, simply attach the straps or chains to the front of the car and lift it off the ground. The rear wheels should then be free to rotate without turning the axle.

If using a dolly, place it under the rear wheels of the car and secure it in place. The front wheels of the car can then be towed without moving the rear wheels. This is a safer method as it prevents the car from becoming unstable and tipping over.

Both methods will require some effort to set up, but once done, they will allow you to tow the car safely without damaging the drivetrain or suspension.If you ever find yourself in a situation requiring towing assistance and need a temporary transportation solution, you can explore car rental services like rental24.co.uk.

A flatbed can also be used to tow a rear-wheel drive car. The car is simply driven up onto the flatbed and secured in place. This method is often used when the car needs to be towed over long distances. It is also the safest method as it prevents the car from becoming damaged while being towed.

Automatic vs Manual Transmission

If you’re planning on towing a car with an automatic transmission, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure the process is done safely. First of all, you’ll need to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Some manufacturers recommend against flat-towing vehicles with automatic transmissions, while others have specific instructions on how to do it correctly.

If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it’s important to disengage the drivetrain before towing. This can usually be done by placing the transmission in neutral and disconnecting the drive shaft from the differential. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this for your particular vehicle.

Can You Tow An AWD Car?

It’s a common question with a not-so-simple answer: Can you tow an all-wheel drive (AWD) car? The truth is, it depends on the car. Some AWD vehicles can be towed on all four wheels without damaging the drivetrain, while others should never be towed at all. Here’s what you need to know about towing an AWD vehicle.

The first thing to understand is that there are two types of AWD systems: full-time and part-time. Full-time AWD systems are always engaged, meaning that power is being sent to all four wheels even when you’re not driving in inclement weather or off-road. Part-time systems, on the other hand, only send power to the front or rear wheels unless you activate a special mode for driving in low-traction conditions.

So, can you tow a full-time AWD car? Generally speaking, yes – as long as you follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Most full-time AWD vehicles can be towed on all four wheels without any issues. However, it’s important to note that some full-time AWD systems should not be towed with all four wheels on the ground for an extended period of time (typically more than 50 miles). Doing so can damage the drivetrain.

Part-time AWD systems are a different story. These systems are not designed to be towed on all four wheels and doing so can permanently damage the drivetrain. If you must tow a part-time AWD vehicle, it’s best to do so on a dolly or trailer – never on all four wheels.

In Summary

When it comes to towing your vehicle, always consult your car’s manual first. Depending on the make and model of your car, there are different towing capacities and procedures you will need to follow. If you are unsure about anything, it is always best to consult a professional towing company. They will be able to help you determine the best way to tow your car safely and without damaging it.

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