The AWD Towing Rule That Saves Your Drivetrain
AWD vehicles — Subaru, Audi quattro, BMW xDrive, Mercedes 4MATIC, Tesla dual-motor, Volvo AWD, and virtually every modern crossover SUV — cannot be towed with a wheel-lift that leaves two wheels on the ground and two wheels in the air. This is not a preference; it's a mechanical requirement of how AWD drivetrains function. When an AWD vehicle's axles are forced to rotate at different speeds (because two wheels are on the ground rolling and two are suspended), the differential and transfer case experience internal stress that can cause serious and expensive damage.
The safe method is a flatbed with all four wheels on the deck. This is what we dispatch for any AWD vehicle. If you call and tell us your car is AWD, we will send a flatbed — period. This adds a small premium to the tow price, but it costs a fraction of differential or transfer case repair. We'd rather tell you the right price upfront than see you back with drivetrain damage after a cheaper tow.
Common AWD Vehicles We Tow in Atlanta
Atlanta has a high concentration of Subaru vehicles (particularly popular in Virginia-Highland, Decatur, and the in-town neighborhoods), and a significant population of European AWD vehicles in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and the Alpharetta technology corridors. Our AWD tow volume is substantial — we handle these vehicles every day.
Subaru (All Models)
Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, STI, Legacy, Ascent — all Subaru models are AWD and require flatbed towing.
European AWD
Audi quattro (all A/Q models), BMW xDrive, Mercedes 4MATIC, Volvo AWD — flatbed only for all configurations.
Tesla Dual Motor
Tesla Model 3 AWD, Model Y AWD, Model S, Model X — all dual-motor Teslas require flatbed and transport mode activation.
AWD Crossovers
Ford Escape/Explorer AWD, Toyota RAV4 AWD, Honda CR-V AWD, Acura RDX/MDX SH-AWD, Mazda CX-5 AWD, and all other AWD crossovers.
AWD Trucks
Full-time AWD pickup trucks and SUVs that cannot shift to 2WD require flatbed — we confirm drivetrain type before dispatching.
Clearance Check
AWD vehicles with factory low ride height (Audi S-series, Subaru WRX) loaded with reduced-angle flatbed approach.
AWD Towing Atlanta FAQ
Why can't an AWD car be towed with a wheel-lift?
An AWD drivetrain connects all four wheels through a series of differentials and a transfer case (or viscous coupling). When two wheels are lifted off the ground and two wheels are rolling on the road surface, the drivetrain is forced to spin one axle while the other is stationary — exactly the condition the AWD system is designed to prevent. This creates enormous stress on the differential fluid, transfer case bearings, and driveshafts, and can cause catastrophic drivetrain damage. All-wheel drive vehicles must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels on the deck.
How do I know if my car is AWD or 4WD?
AWD (all-wheel drive) systems are always active and automatic — they distribute torque continuously without driver input. 4WD (four-wheel drive) systems are typically driver-engaged with a transfer case lever or switch, and are designed for off-road use. Common AWD vehicles: Subaru (all models), Audi quattro, BMW xDrive, Mercedes 4MATIC, Tesla (dual-motor), Volvo, Acura SH-AWD, and many crossover SUVs. When in doubt, assume your vehicle is AWD and requires flatbed towing.
Is there extra cost to tow an AWD vehicle in Atlanta?
Flatbed towing is standard for AWD vehicles — there's typically an AWD surcharge of $25–$50 over standard wheel-lift pricing because a flatbed must be dispatched rather than a wheel-lift truck. This is standard industry pricing. When you call, mention that your vehicle is AWD so we can dispatch the right equipment and give you an accurate quote.
What AWD vehicles do you tow in Atlanta?
All AWD vehicles — Subaru Outback, Forester, Impreza, WRX, Crosstrek; Audi A4/A6/Q5/Q7 quattro; BMW 3/5 Series xDrive, X3, X5; Mercedes C/E/GLE 4MATIC; Tesla Model 3/Y/S/X dual motor; Volvo XC60/XC90; Acura RDX/MDX SH-AWD; Ford Escape/Explorer AWD; Toyota RAV4 AWD; Honda CR-V AWD; and all other AWD-equipped vehicles.