Can Tesla Car Be Towed?

Can Tesla Car Be Towed?

If you’re a Tesla owner or potential buyer, you might wonder, “Can Tesla cars be towed?” Towing is a standard requirement for car owners, whether it’s for repairs, an accident, or any other situation where the car needs to be transported. Tesla, with its unique design and technology, raises some specific questions when it comes to towing. So, can you tow a Tesla, and if so, what are the considerations for doing so safely?

In this article, we’ll discuss whether a Tesla car can be towed, the different methods of towing a Tesla, potential risks, and important tips to ensure you tow your Tesla properly without causing damage to the car.

Can Tesla Cars Be Towed?

Yes, Tesla cars can be towed, but there are important considerations that must be taken into account. Tesla vehicles are electric, and unlike traditional combustion engine vehicles, they do not have a typical drive shaft, which means towing them isn’t always as simple as it would be for a regular car.

Tesla’s owner’s manual outlines specific instructions for towing their cars, and it’s important to follow these guidelines to avoid causing damage to the vehicle. Improper towing could result in damage to the car’s electric drivetrain, suspension, or battery systems.

1. Towing Methods for Tesla Cars

Tesla offers two main methods for towing their cars—flat towing (also known as dinghy towing) and towing with a flatbed truck. While both methods can work for towing a Tesla, the method you choose will depend on the situation, whether the car is operational, and whether the car is in park or neutral mode.

Flat Towing

Flat towing involves towing the car with all four wheels on the ground. While this is a common method for towing traditional vehicles, it’s not recommended for Tesla vehicles. Flat towing a Tesla can cause significant damage to the car’s electric drivetrain and transmission. Tesla recommends against flat towing its vehicles because the wheels that are driven by the electric motor will rotate while the vehicle is being towed, which can lead to damage. Specifically, this could affect the gearbox, battery, and motor components.

Flatbed Towing

The safest and most recommended method for towing a Tesla is flatbed towing. Flatbed towing involves lifting all four wheels off the ground and securing the car onto a flatbed truck for transport. This method avoids any potential damage to the electric drivetrain and ensures that the car remains in a neutral position during the tow. Tesla specifically recommends using a flatbed truck for towing, as this method prevents wear on the wheels and ensures that the car is safely transported without causing damage.

2. Can I Tow My Tesla If It’s Out of Power?

If your Tesla runs out of battery power and needs to be towed, flatbed towing is the safest option. Since the car’s wheels will be inactive when lifted off the ground, there is no risk of damage to the car’s motors or drivetrain.

However, if a flatbed tow isn’t available, it is still possible to tow your Tesla using a tow dolly or similar equipment. The key is to ensure that the wheels are not rotating, as rotating the wheels could damage the electric motors. Make sure to follow Tesla’s guidelines and instructions on how to tow an unpowered car safely to avoid causing damage to the car’s components.

3. How to Put a Tesla in Tow Mode

Before towing your Tesla, it’s important to ensure that the car is in the correct mode for towing. Tesla cars have a Tow Mode feature that is specifically designed to prepare the car for towing and protect its drivetrain.

• Activating Tow Mode: To put your Tesla in Tow Mode, open the car’s screen, go to “Control,” and select the “Tow Mode” option. This will deactivate the parking brake and put the car in neutral, making it safe for towing.
• Deactivating Tow Mode: Once your Tesla has been towed and is in a safe location, you can deactivate Tow Mode from the same control menu on the touchscreen.

It’s important to follow these steps to ensure that the car is safely prepared for towing and to avoid any damage to the motor or drivetrain during transport.

4. Can Tesla Cars Be Towed in the Event of an Emergency?

In an emergency situation where your Tesla needs to be towed due to an accident, mechanical failure, or other unforeseen issues, Tesla vehicles can be towed by a professional recovery service that uses a flatbed truck. If your car is in an accident or inoperable, it is important to have it towed to a service center where trained professionals can assess and repair any damage.

Tesla’s emergency roadside assistance service can help arrange for professional towing if needed. Tesla recommends contacting them in such cases for assistance, as they will ensure that your car is towed properly and safely.

5. Are There Any Risks to Towing My Tesla Improperly?

Yes, improper towing of a Tesla can result in significant damage to the car’s electric drivetrain, suspension, and battery. Towing a Tesla improperly can void the warranty, especially if the car is flat-towed or towed without following Tesla’s guidelines for Tow Mode.

Some of the risks of improper towing include:

• Drivetrain Damage: Flat towing or towing with the wheels on the ground can cause damage to the electric motor and drivetrain.
• Suspension Damage: Improper towing can put unnecessary stress on the car’s suspension and wheels, causing damage over time.
• Battery Damage: Towing a Tesla improperly could cause damage to the battery systems, leading to potential issues with charging or performance.

Conclusion: Can Tesla Cars Be Towed?

In conclusion, Tesla cars can be towed, but it’s crucial to follow the proper procedures to ensure the vehicle is not damaged during the process. The safest method for towing a Tesla is flatbed towing, which ensures that the car’s wheels are not rotating and prevents damage to the drivetrain and electric motor.

If your Tesla runs out of power or needs to be towed for any reason, always ensure that it’s in Tow Mode and use a professional recovery service when needed. By following Tesla’s towing guidelines and using the appropriate towing methods, you can safely transport your vehicle without causing damage and maintain its integrity for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Towing Tesla Cars

1. Can I tow my Tesla if it’s low on battery?

Yes, if your Tesla has a low battery and needs to be towed, flatbed towing is still the best option. Towing with all four wheels off the ground ensures no damage is done to the electric motor and drivetrain. If your car has run out of charge, flatbed towing will prevent unnecessary wear or potential damage. Avoid towing the car with the wheels on the ground or using a tow dolly, as this could damage the motors and other critical components.

2. How long does it take to put my Tesla in Tow Mode?

Putting your Tesla in Tow Mode only takes a few seconds. Simply go to the car’s main screen, navigate to the “Control” section, and select the “Tow Mode” option. This disables the parking brake and puts the car in neutral, making it ready for towing. It’s a simple process that ensures the car is in the proper state for towing without damaging the drivetrain.

3. Can I tow my Tesla with a regular tow truck?

While you can technically use a regular tow truck to tow your Tesla, it’s crucial to use the right equipment and towing method. Using a traditional tow truck to lift the front wheels and leave the back wheels on the ground can result in damage to the vehicle’s electric drivetrain. Tesla recommends using a flatbed truck to lift all four wheels off the ground to avoid any mechanical issues during towing.

4. Does towing a Tesla affect its battery life?

If done correctly with flatbed towing, towing a Tesla should not affect its battery life. However, improper towing methods, such as flat towing with all four wheels on the ground, could put unnecessary stress on the electric motor and potentially damage components, including the battery. Always ensure you follow Tesla’s recommended towing guidelines to avoid potential damage to your car’s battery system.

5. What happens if I don’t put my Tesla in Tow Mode before towing?

If you don’t put your Tesla in Tow Mode before towing, you risk damaging the car’s drivetrain, suspension, or battery systems. Tow Mode disengages the parking brake and places the car in neutral, allowing it to be safely towed without causing damage. If you don’t activate Tow Mode, the vehicle may experience unnecessary resistance while being towed, which could result in long-term damage to the electric motor or suspension systems.

6. Can Tesla’s autopilot features be affected during towing?

Since Tesla’s autopilot features rely heavily on sensors and cameras, towing a Tesla does not directly affect autopilot functionality. However, it’s important to remember that autopilot is only operational when the car is in motion under the control of the driver. Once the car is being towed, autopilot is not engaged. It’s also important to disable autopilot features before towing to prevent any potential complications during transport.

Conclusion: Can Tesla Cars Be Towed?

In conclusion, Tesla cars can certainly be towed, but it’s important to follow the proper procedures to ensure that the vehicle is transported safely. Always use a flatbed tow truck to avoid damage to the car’s drivetrain and battery. By enabling Tow Mode and adhering to Tesla’s towing guidelines, you can avoid causing damage to your car and ensure it’s safely transported to its destination.

If you need to tow your Tesla, make sure to do it the right way to preserve the longevity of your vehicle and its systems. Towing can be a simple process if you follow Tesla’s recommended methods, ensuring that your car remains in top condition even during transportation.