Every driver fears a breakdown on the road. Maybe the engine is overheating, you have a flat tire, you’re running out of gas, or your battery is dying. It might happen to you or a friend of yours. When it does happen, knowing how to tow one car with another can save you time and frustration.
But it isn’t as simple as attaching a rope or a tow-strap and driving away. If you do it wrong, you could damage both cars or even cause an accident. With the right equipment, preparation, and careful driving, it is possible to tow safely. Throughout this guide, I’ll explain each step in detail.
How to tow a car with another car: 5 Practical steps every driver should know
Towing a car might feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Let’s go through the key steps that make towing safer and easier.
Step 1: Make sure towing is possible
Before doing anything else, you should ask yourself, “Can I tow that car safely with my vehicle?”
Check the towing capacity:
Never take for granted your vehicle’s towing capacity. It is the maximum weight it can safely tow. You’ll find it in the owner’s manual (and related limits on the door-jamb labels). If the towed car’s weight (plus any dolly/trailer) exceeds the rated towing capacity of your car, then don’t chance it.
Know your car type:
- Front-wheel-drive cars may be towable in neutral only if the owner’s manual allows it.
- Many automatic/CVT FWD cars shouldn’t roll on their drive wheels. So, use a tow dolly to lift the front.
- Rear-wheel-drive automatics often require a driveshaft disconnect or a flatbed.
- Most AWD/4WD vehicles should be flat-bedded; rolling only some wheels can ruin their transmission or center differential.
Check the laws:
In certain areas, towing by rope or strap alone is prohibited on highways. You may need a tow dolly or some lights. If you encounter any of these problems, do not attempt to tow it yourself. You might want to call a roadside assistance or a car towing service, though.
Step 2: Gather the right equipment
Many people grab an old rope or chain for towing. That’s unsafe. You need to use rated towing gear. Avoid improvised equipment if possible.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tow strap or tow bar: Use a rated tow strap or rigid tow bar. Avoid regular ropes. Attach it only to factory tow or recovery points.
- Safety chains: Use safety chains as a backup. Cross them in an X under the tongue. Do not run chains under a strap.
- Towing lights: If the towed car’s lights don’t work, then use portable magnetic tow lights.
- Gloves: Wear gloves when handling straps, bars, and chains.
- High-visibility cloth: Tie a bright cloth or flag to the strap’s center so that other drivers can see it.
- Tow a dolly (optional): Lift the front wheels with a tow dolly for longer trips. It’s safer and reduces drivetrain risk.
With the right gear, towing becomes safer and more controlled.
Step 3: Connect the vehicles correctly
Once you have the right gear, hook up carefully. First, park both cars in a straight line, the tow car in front. Then use the tow strap or tow bar to the factory tow/recovery points or the screw-in tow eye, whatever it is called, to connect both cars. Never attach to bumpers, control arms, or suspension parts. Also, do not loop a strap over the hitch ball, and keep the strap straight and untwisted. Moreover, add safety chains as a backup connection.
Put the towed car in neutral only if the manual allows. For many automatics or AWD, use a tow dolly or flatbed. Then release the parking brake and turn the ignition to ACC/ON to prevent the steering lock. Place a licensed driver in the towed car if required. They should steer smoothly and brake gently. Use special portable tow lights so signals and brakes are visible. Before driving off, do a short test by moving a few feet to make sure everything is secure.
Step 4: Drive slowly and smoothly
Towing requires patience and smooth control. Therefore, keep your speed low and within local legal limits. Also, you should accelerate gradually and avoid abrupt throttle inputs. Brake early and allow long stopping distances. Likewise, make wider turns so the towed car tracks safely and use hazard lights only where the law permits.
You should make sure that the towed car’s turn and brake lights work. Also, regularly communicate with the towed car’s driver by hands-free call or prearranged signals. When planning your route, avoid highways when possible; instead, choose low-traffic roads and keep speeds down. Slow and steady keeps towing safer.
Step 5: Watch for problems and know when to stop
Even with careful towing, problems can still happen. So, check your mirrors often and listen for unusual sounds. Feel for vibration, wander, or any sharp jolts. Stop periodically and recheck connections, strap tension, and safety chains.
Some common issues include:
- Brake overheating – Use downshift on descents for engine braking. If you smell brake fade, pull over to cool.
- Car swaying – You should ease off the throttle. Avoid hard braking and hold a steady wheel. Reduce speed and always try to keep the strap tension smooth.
- Long trips – A flatbed or professional tow is safer and kinder to drivetrains.
If it feels unsafe, pull over immediately. End the tow and call a nearby vehicle towing service. Safety comes first.
Final Check
It is a valuable skill to know how to tow a car with another car. You never know when an unexpected breakdown may happen. Always stay alert for problems. You should know what to do and when to call a professional.
One of the major issues for a vehicle breakdown is a dead or faulty battery. If your vehicle keeps stalling or you constantly need a jump start, it may be a sign that your car battery is dying. In such cases, it is cheaper and easier in the long run to replace the battery.