Can I Tow My Own Car If It Breaks Down in Ontario?

You're driving through Byron, heading home from Masonville Mall, and your car starts making that noise. The one that means you're not making it to your driveway. A breakdown is frustrating enough without adding tow truck costs to the equation, so you start wondering: can I just tow my own car with a friend's truck?

Technically, yes. But should you? Almost never. Here's why professional towing exists, and when calling for help is the smarter (and safer) move.

Is It Legal to Tow Your Own Car in Ontario?

Ontario law doesn't explicitly ban towing your own vehicle with a tow strap or dolly. You won't find an officer writing you a ticket just for having a rope between two cars. But there's a catch: if you cause damage, injury, or obstruct traffic because your DIY tow job went sideways, you're on the hook.

The Highway Traffic Act requires all vehicles on public roads to be roadworthy. That includes being properly secured during transport. If your car breaks loose, damages property, or causes an accident, your insurance might refuse coverage because you used an improper method.

So while it's not illegal, it's risky. And risk doesn't care about your YouTube tutorial credentials.

What Makes DIY Towing Dangerous?

Towing looks simple. Attach a strap, drive slowly, no big deal. Except it's not simple, and the "no big deal" assumption is how people end up with bent frames, broken axles, or worse.

Steering and braking don't work as expected. Most modern cars have power steering and power brakes that rely on the engine running. Once the engine's off, steering gets heavy and braking takes real force. If you're being towed and need to stop suddenly, you might not be able to.

AWD and automatic transmissions hate being dragged. Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground can destroy the transmission if it's not designed for that. Some cars are fine; most aren't. Check your owner's manual, but most people don't, and that mistake gets expensive fast.

Tow straps aren't designed for highway speeds. A tow strap is a recovery tool, not a transportation solution. It's meant to pull a car out of a ditch, not haul it down Highway 401 doing 80 km/h. If it snaps under tension, you've got a flying metal cable that can take out a windshield or worse.

You're liable for everything. If your buddy's towing your car and rear-ends someone because the strap was too short, or your car jackknifes into another lane, your insurance is going to ask why you didn't call a professional. And they're not going to like the answer.

When DIY Towing Might Be Acceptable

There are a few scenarios where towing your own car isn't insane. Notice I didn't say "recommended"—just not insane.

Short distances on private property. If your car died in your driveway and you need to move it 50 feet to the garage, a tow strap and a neighbour's truck might be fine. You're not on public roads, so traffic laws don't apply.

Rural roads with no traffic. If you're out in Lambeth or on a quiet back road near Komoka, and it's a straight shot to your mechanic two kilometres away, you might get away with it. But that's a big "might." One unexpected stop sign or sharp turn and you're in trouble.

You have a proper tow dolly or trailer. If you've got a flatbed trailer or a dolly designed for towing, and you know what you're doing, it's a different story. But if you're reading this article to figure it out, you probably don't have that equipment.

For everyone else? Call a tow truck.

What About Towing Someone Else's Car?

Helping a friend is one thing. Towing their broken-down car through London's west end is another. If something goes wrong, you're responsible. Their insurance won't cover it. Yours probably won't either.

And if you're thinking about towing a stranger's car off your property? Don't. Ontario has strict rules about unauthorized towing. You need to go through bylaw enforcement or hire a licensed towing company. Otherwise, you might end up getting sued for the damage.

Why Professional Towing Is Worth the Call

A tow truck isn't just a bigger vehicle with a winch. It's designed to move cars safely without causing damage. Flatbed trucks lift the entire vehicle off the ground, so there's no risk to the transmission, axles, or suspension. Wheel-lift systems secure the car properly so it doesn't bounce around or break loose.

Drivers are trained to handle different vehicle types—front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, AWD, luxury cars, even motorcycles. They know which method works for what. And they're insured, which means if something does go wrong, you're not paying out of pocket.

Professional towing also gets you off the road faster. If you're stuck on the shoulder of Highway 402 during rush hour, trying to rig up a tow strap is dangerous. Traffic's moving fast, visibility is poor, and you're exposed. A tow truck pulls up with lights flashing, secures your car, and gets you out of harm's way in minutes.

What to Do Instead of Towing It Yourself

If your car breaks down in London, you've got options that don't involve turning your buddy's F-150 into an amateur tow truck.

Call roadside assistance. If you've got coverage through CAA, your insurance, or a credit card perk, use it. Most plans include free towing within a certain radius. Even if you don't have a plan, the cost of a professional tow is cheaper than transmission repair or a lawsuit.

Check if it's an easy fix first. Sometimes what feels like a breakdown is just a dead battery or a flat tire. If you're near Byron, White Oaks, or anywhere in the city, a battery boost or tire change might get you back on the road without a tow. We handle both, and we'll come to you.

Ask about flatbed towing. If you've got an AWD vehicle, a luxury car, or anything with low clearance, request a flatbed. It's the safest method and avoids damage. Standard wheel-lift towing works for most cars, but if you're unsure, ask.

Don't risk it on the highway. If your car dies on the 401, 402, or Highway 3, do not attempt to move it yourself. Traffic moves too fast, and the risk of secondary accidents is high. Call for highway recovery and wait in a safe spot away from the vehicle if possible.

How Much Does a Tow Actually Cost?

This is the question people avoid asking because they assume it's going to be outrageous. It's not.

In London, most tows within city limits run between $75 and $150, depending on distance and vehicle type. Highway recovery costs more because it's riskier and takes longer. But compared to the cost of a busted transmission, a damaged undercarriage, or an insurance claim? It's cheap.

We don't play games with pricing. When you call (226) 476-4176, we'll give you a clear quote upfront. No surprises, no hidden fees.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional

Look, I get it. Towing feels like something you should be able to handle yourself. You've got a vehicle, a friend with a truck, and YouTube. But the reality is that most DIY tow jobs either cause damage or put someone in danger.

If your car breaks down anywhere in London—Westmount, Hyde Park, near the 401 interchange, wherever—call a tow truck. It's faster, safer, and cheaper than fixing what goes wrong when you try it yourself.

And if you're not sure whether you need a tow, a boost, or just a tire change? Call anyway. We'll figure it out with you. That's what we're here for.

Need a tow in London, Ontario? Call (226) 476-4176. We're available 24/7, and we'll get you sorted without the DIY disaster.

For more help, check out our FAQ page, or see what's included in our roadside assistance services. If you're in St. Thomas or Woodstock, we cover those areas too—St. Thomas towing and Woodstock towing.