Why AWD cars need care
In an all-wheel-drive car, the front and rear wheels are connected through the drivetrain: a center differential, a transfer case or a coupling, depending on the design. If one pair of wheels is lifted and the other pair rolls on the road, those parts get turned in a way they weren't designed for, often without oil being pumped through them. Over a few miles, that can overheat or wear out expensive components.
Which vehicles are affected
Lots of everyday vehicles are AWD or 4WD now: many Subarus, Audis with quattro, BMWs with xDrive, Mercedes 4MATIC models, most Jeeps, many crossovers and SUVs, and pickups in four-wheel drive. Some front-wheel-drive crossovers have an AWD version that looks identical. If you're not sure, look for an AWD, 4WD, 4x4 or brand-specific badge on the back, or check your owner's manual.
What your owner's manual says
Most manuals have a towing section. For AWD vehicles it usually says to tow on a flatbed, or with all four wheels off the ground using dollies. Some list exceptions or speed and distance limits. When in doubt, the flatbed is the answer that works for every vehicle.
What to tell dispatch
- Year, make and model, and that it's AWD or 4WD
- Whether it rolls, and whether you can put it in neutral
- If it has an electronic parking brake that won't release with a dead battery
- Where it is and where it's going
Every PS Towing & Recovery tow is on a flatbed, so you don't need to ask for one. The rate is the same for AWD and two-wheel drive: $120 to hook up plus $8 a mile. See flatbed towing or call (414) 254-1468.
What about flat towing behind an RV?
Some 4WD vehicles, like certain Jeeps and pickups with a manual transfer case, are designed to be towed with all four wheels down behind a motorhome, using a specific procedure from the manufacturer. That's a different situation from a breakdown tow. Follow your manual exactly, and don't assume another AWD vehicle can do the same.