Introduction

When it comes to towing vehicles, both traditional internal combustion engine cars and electric vehicles (EVs) come with their own set of challenges. Understanding how to properly tow a vehicle is crucial, as improper methods can lead to severe damage or even safety hazards.

Universal Towing Approach

So, what's the universal approach? Unfortunately, there isn't one – the towing method largely depends on the vehicle's drivetrain configuration: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive.

Towing Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Towing a front-wheel-drive vehicle is relatively simple. As long as the front wheels are properly secured to the tow beam and lifted off the ground with the parking brake disengaged, you're good to go!

Towing Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles

In contrast, for rear-wheel-drive cars, the rear wheels should be elevated to prevent potential transmission damage. It's risky to allow the driven wheels to roll while being towed, especially with automatic transmissions—however, if the vehicle has a manual gearbox, lifting the front end while leaving the rear on the ground is permissible for short distances.

Towing Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Things get even trickier with four-wheel-drive vehicles. Conventional towing methods aren't applicable here, as both axles can't easily be lifted without jeopardizing the function of the transmission. To safely tow a four-wheel-drive vehicle, using a flat-bed truck or four-wheel dolly is recommended, ensuring none of the wheels touch the ground during transit.

Towing Electric Vehicles (EVs)

And what about EVs? They follow similar guidelines. Even though most EVs have single-speed transmissions, allowing the driven wheels to roll while being towed can initiate a reverse power flow, risking damage to the vehicle’s electrical system and battery.

Most modern EVs also feature a free-roll function specifically designed for towing. To activate this, you generally need to disengage the electronic parking brake and shift the vehicle into Neutral—but always consult your owner’s manual first for specific instructions!

Advice for EV Owners

As an EV driver, make sure to read your vehicle's manual regarding towing protocols, and don’t rely solely on the tow truck driver’s advice. Being informed means you can provide clear instructions to the towing service on the proper procedure.

In rare cases, if your EV's low and high-voltage systems both fail, you may find it impossible to disengage the Park mode. In such instances, replacing the vehicle's 12-volt battery might be necessary for recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being well-versed in your vehicle’s towing guidelines can prevent costly damage and ensure a safe recovery process. Whenever possible, opt for a flat-bed truck for towing—it's the safest way to transport any vehicle, especially electric ones! Do you know the do’s and don’ts of towing an EV? Don’t risk your investment—get informed before disaster strikes!