Do You Need a Flatbed Tow Truck for AWD or Luxury Vehicles?
Short answer: yes, almost always.
If you drive an AWD sedan, a luxury car, or a lowered vehicle, the type of tow truck matters. Using the wrong one can cause thousands of dollars in damage — sometimes more than the tow itself.
Why AWD Vehicles Need Flatbed Towing
All-wheel drive systems connect the engine to all four wheels through a complex drivetrain. When a traditional tow truck (wheel-lift or hook-and-chain) lifts the front wheels, the rear wheels are still on the ground and connected to the drivetrain.
What happens: As the vehicle is dragged with two wheels down, the rear wheels spin the drivetrain components without engine lubrication. This can destroy:
- Transfer case
- Centre differential
- Transmission
- CV joints
Repair cost: $2,000–$8,000+ depending on the vehicle.
Flatbed solution: All four wheels are off the ground. Zero drivetrain movement. Zero damage.
Vehicles That Should Always Be Flatbed Towed
- AWD sedans/SUVs: Subaru (all models), Audi Quattro, BMW xDrive, Mercedes 4MATIC, Tesla (all models)
- 4WD trucks in 4WD mode: Any truck with 4WD engaged
- Luxury/exotic cars: Low ground clearance + expensive components = flatbed only
- Lowered or modified vehicles: Aftermarket suspensions, body kits, wide tires
- Electric vehicles: Most EVs (Tesla, Rivian, etc.) specifically require flatbed towing — dragging them damages the electric motor
- Motorcycles: Always flatbed or trailer
What About Front-Wheel Drive Cars?
FWD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels lifted (rear wheels rolling). This is safe for most standard FWD cars. But if you're unsure, a flatbed is always the safer choice.
Common Towing Mistakes That Damage Vehicles
- Dolly towing an AWD car — Even with dollies under the front wheels, rear drivetrain still turns
- Hook-and-chain on a unibody car — Can bend the frame or damage the bumper
- Not disengaging parking brake — Causes flat spots on tires or brake damage
- Towing in gear — Transmission damage on automatic vehicles
How to Request the Right Tow
When you call for a tow, tell the dispatcher:
- Your vehicle's make, model, and year
- Whether it's AWD, 4WD, FWD, or RWD
- Any modifications (lowered, wide body, etc.)
- Whether the vehicle can be put in neutral
At EMS Towing, we always ask these questions. We carry flatbed trucks specifically for AWD and luxury vehicles — your car rides on the deck, fully secured, with no wheel contact.
Does Flatbed Towing Cost More?
Usually $25–$75 more than a standard wheel-lift tow. Compared to the cost of a new transfer case or transmission, it's a no-brainer.
** (226) 476-4176** — Flatbed towing available 24/7 across London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock.
EMS Towing provides flatbed service for all vehicle types — from Subarus to Teslas to Lamborghinis (hey, we don't judge). Serving London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, and surrounding areas.