Can A Tesla Car Be Towed?
Can a Tesla car be towed? It’s a common question among Tesla owners.
Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, Teslas have electric drivetrains, regenerative braking, and advanced safety features that make towing different. If not done correctly, towing a Tesla can cause serious damage.
The Short Answer: Yes, But You Need to Do It the Right Way
Teslas can be towed, but they require special handling. If towed incorrectly, the motors and battery can be damaged.
Why You Can’t Tow a Tesla Like a Regular Car
Unlike gas-powered vehicles, Teslas:
- Do not have a neutral gear like traditional automatic transmissions.
- Use regenerative braking—if the wheels spin while powered, they generate energy, which can damage the motor.
- Have electronic parking brakes that need to be disengaged before towing.
Because of these differences, flat towing (where all four wheels are on the ground) is not allowed on a Tesla.
How to Tow a Tesla the Right Way
If your Tesla needs to be moved, follow these steps to tow it safely.
1. Use a Flatbed Tow Truck
- Teslas must be transported using a flatbed tow truck.
- All four wheels should be off the ground.
- Dragging a Tesla with two wheels on the ground can damage the motor.
2. Put the Car in Transport Mode
Before loading a Tesla onto a tow truck, you must put it in Transport Mode.
Here’s how:
- Go to the Touchscreen.
- Tap Controls > Service > Towing.
- Activate Transport Mode.
This mode disengages the parking brake and allows the wheels to roll freely.
3. Avoid Towing with Wheels on the Ground
Never tow a Tesla with its wheels touching the ground unless it’s in Transport Mode and being slowly winched onto a flatbed.
Incorrect towing can:
- Damage the electric motor.
- Cause overheating in the drivetrain.
- Potentially void the warranty.
When Might You Need to Tow a Tesla?
There are a few situations where towing a Tesla might be necessary:
- Dead battery: If your Tesla runs out of charge and there’s no Supercharger nearby.
- Software issues: In rare cases, a system glitch could prevent the car from driving.
- Accidents: After a crash, the car may need to be transported.
- Flat tire: Since Teslas don’t have spare tires, towing might be necessary if roadside repair isn’t possible.
Can You Tow a Tesla Behind an RV?
No, Teslas cannot be flat-towed behind an RV.
Unlike some gas cars with neutral gear, Teslas don’t have a free-spinning drivetrain.
If you need to take your Tesla on a trip, transport it on a trailer or car carrier.
What About Emergency Towing?
If your Tesla is stuck in an emergency situation, you may need to move it temporarily.
Follow these safety guidelines:
- Activate Transport Mode first.
- Use wheel dollies if a flatbed is unavailable.
- Never attempt to tow the car in “Drive” or with the parking brake engaged.
Emergency services and tow truck operators familiar with EVs will know how to handle Teslas safely.
Can a Tesla Tow Another Vehicle?
Yes! Some Tesla models can tow trailers and small vehicles.
Models That Can Tow:
- Tesla Model X: Up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity.
- Tesla Model Y: Up to 3,500 lbs towing capacity.
However, Teslas are not designed for towing other cars with a tow rope or tow bar.
FAQs About Towing a Tesla
Can you tow a Tesla with a tow truck?
Yes, but it must be towed using a flatbed tow truck to avoid damage.
Can you flat tow a Tesla behind an RV?
No, Teslas cannot be flat-towed because they don’t have a true neutral gear.
What happens if you tow a Tesla incorrectly?
Improper towing can damage the drivetrain, motor, or battery, potentially voiding the warranty.
How do you put a Tesla in tow mode?
Go to the touchscreen, tap Controls > Service > Towing, then activate Transport Mode.
Can a Tesla tow another car?
Teslas can tow trailers, but they are not designed to tow another vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar.
The Verdict: Can a Tesla Be Towed?
Yes, but only with a flatbed tow truck.
Unlike gas cars, Teslas cannot be flat-towed with their wheels on the ground. Always use Transport Mode and follow Tesla’s towing guidelines to avoid costly damage.
What to Do If Your Tesla Needs a Tow
If your Tesla needs to be towed, follow these steps to ensure it’s done safely:
1. Check If Roadside Assistance Can Help
- Tesla offers 24/7 roadside assistance.
- They can help with flat tires, dead batteries, and towing.
- Call Tesla or request help through the Tesla app.
2. Activate Transport Mode
Before towing, you need to put the car in Transport Mode.
- Open the Tesla touchscreen.
- Go to Controls > Service > Towing.
- Follow the instructions to engage Transport Mode.
This disables the parking brake and allows the car to roll onto a flatbed.
3. Use the Right Tow Truck
- A flatbed tow truck is the only safe way to tow a Tesla.
- Never use a wheel lift or tow dolly—they can damage the drivetrain.
4. Secure the Vehicle
- Make sure the Tesla is properly strapped onto the flatbed.
- Avoid any wheel movement during transport.
Can You Push a Tesla If It’s Not in Transport Mode?
If a Tesla runs out of battery or won’t start, moving it can be tricky.
Here’s what to do:
- If the car has power, activate Neutral Mode to roll it short distances.
- If the battery is completely dead, you may need to use wheel dollies to move it.
Pushing a Tesla without disengaging the parking brake can cause damage.
What Happens If a Tesla Is Towed Incorrectly?
Improper towing can cause serious issues:
- Motor damage: If the wheels spin while powered, it can overheat the drivetrain.
- Battery failure: Dragging the car without lifting all four wheels can damage battery components.
- Brake system issues: Regenerative braking may activate unexpectedly if the wheels move.
Always make sure Tesla’s towing guidelines are followed.
Can a Tesla Be Towed in an Emergency?
In an emergency situation, such as being stuck on the road, you may need to move your Tesla temporarily.
Here’s what to do:
- If possible, activate Transport Mode before moving.
- If the battery is dead, use a wheel dolly system to lift the wheels.
- Contact a Tesla-approved towing service to avoid damage.
Emergency towing should only be done as a last resort.
Can a Tesla Tow Another Vehicle?
While Teslas are not designed to tow other cars, some models can tow trailers.
Which Teslas Can Tow?
- Model X: Tows up to 5,000 lbs.
- Model Y: Tows up to 3,500 lbs.
However, Teslas should not be used to tow another car with a tow rope or tow bar.
FAQs About Towing a Tesla
Can you tow a Tesla with a tow truck?
Yes, but it must be towed using a flatbed tow truck to avoid damage.
Can you flat tow a Tesla behind an RV?
No, Teslas cannot be flat-towed because they don’t have a true neutral gear.
What happens if you tow a Tesla incorrectly?
Improper towing can damage the drivetrain, motor, or battery, potentially voiding the warranty.
How do you put a Tesla in tow mode?
Go to the touchscreen, tap Controls > Service > Towing, then activate Transport Mode.
Can a Tesla tow another car?
Teslas can tow trailers, but they are not designed to tow another vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar.
The Verdict: Can a Tesla Be Towed?
Yes, but only with a flatbed tow truck.
Unlike gas cars, Teslas cannot be flat-towed with their wheels on the ground. Always use Transport Mode and follow Tesla’s towing guidelines to avoid costly damage.
