Does Towing Damage Your Car? What Every Driver Should Know
Your car needs a tow, and the first worry that crosses your mind is: will the tow truck wreck my car even more? It is a valid concern — and one Montreal drivers face constantly given the city’s year-round towing activity. The wrong towing method on the wrong vehicle can cause real, expensive damage — destroyed transmissions, scraped bumpers, bent frames, and worn-out drivetrains. But proper safe towing with the right equipment causes zero damage. Understanding the difference is what separates a smooth recovery from a repair bill that is bigger than the problem you started with. This guide explains exactly how towing damage happens, which vehicles are most at risk, which tow methods are safest, and what you should demand from any tow company in Montreal.
⚙️ Quick Answer
Proper towing does not damage your car. Damage happens when the wrong towing method is used for your vehicle type — especially towing AWD, 4WD, or luxury vehicles with wheels on the ground. Flatbed towing is the safest method for virtually all vehicles because all four wheels are off the road.
Need a damage-free tow? Call (514) 483-6944 for 24/7 flatbed towing in Montreal.
How Towing Can Damage a Car: The 6 Most Common Types
Towing damage is not inevitable — it is the result of incorrect methods, improper equipment, or careless operators. Here are the six types of damage that occur and why:
1. Transmission Damage
Most Expensive
Automatic transmissions require the engine to be running to circulate transmission fluid. When drive wheels spin on the ground during a tow without the engine running, the internal components operate without lubrication. This generates extreme heat and can destroy the transmission within kilometres. Replacement cost: $3,000–$7,000+.
Vehicles at risk: Any automatic transmission vehicle towed with drive wheels on the ground.
2. Drivetrain and Differential Damage
High Cost
All-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles have differentials and transfer cases that connect the front and rear axles. When two wheels are on the ground and two are lifted, the drivetrain components spin at mismatched speeds, causing catastrophic internal wear. This is why AWD vehicles must always be flatbed towed.
Vehicles at risk: All AWD and 4WD vehicles — Subarus, most modern SUVs, trucks in 4WD mode.
3. Bumper and Body Damage
Common
Improperly placed hooks, chains, or straps can scratch paint, crack bumper covers, or dent body panels. Low-riding vehicles are especially vulnerable — if the tow angle is too steep during loading, the front bumper or splitter can scrape against the truck bed or ramp.
Vehicles at risk: Sports cars, lowered vehicles, vehicles with aftermarket body kits.
4. Tire and Wheel Damage
Common
Flat-spotting can occur when tires are locked in place and dragged rather than rolling freely. Improper wheel-lift positioning can bend alloy rims. And towing a vehicle with a flat tire on the ground will destroy both the tire and rim within metres.
Vehicles at risk: Any vehicle towed improperly with locked or damaged wheels. For tire-specific issues, see our tire repair vs replacement guide.
5. Electrical System Damage
Less Common
On some vehicles, towing with the ignition in the wrong position can trigger electronic parking brakes, engage stability control, or cause the steering wheel to lock. This creates drag, overheats brakes, and can damage electronic modules. Some modern EVs and hybrids have specific towing modes that must be activated first.
Vehicles at risk: Modern vehicles with electronic parking brakes, EVs, hybrids.
6. Frame and Suspension Stress
Less Common
Hooking chains or straps to non-structural points (plastic bumper covers, exhaust components, steering linkage) instead of designated tow points can bend or crack those parts. On unibody vehicles, pulling from the wrong location can stress the frame structure.
Vehicles at risk: Unibody cars and crossovers towed by inexperienced operators. Vehicles with existing pothole damage to the suspension are extra vulnerable.
Towing Methods Compared: Which Is Safest for Your Car?
Not all towing is equal. The method used determines whether your car arrives at the destination in the same condition it left — or worse. Here is how each method stacks up for safe towing:
Which Vehicles Must Be Flatbed Towed? (The Complete List)
Some vehicles can tolerate wheel-lift towing. Others will be damaged by anything other than a flatbed. Here is the definitive guide:
⚠️ When in Doubt, Flatbed. If you are unsure about your vehicle’s drivetrain type or towing specifications, always request a flatbed. The cost difference between a wheel-lift and flatbed tow is typically $50–$100 — far less than the $3,000–$7,000 transmission repair you risk by choosing wrong.
Flatbed Towing = Zero Damage Risk. Period.
All four wheels off the ground. Safe for every vehicle type. Available 24/7.
(514) 483-6944
How to Protect Your Car During a Tow: 8 Rules
Follow these rules to ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition it left:
1. Request a flatbed for any AWD, 4WD, EV, hybrid, luxury, or lowered vehicle. Do not let the tow operator decide — specify the method when you call.
2. Tell the dispatcher your exact vehicle type. Year, make, model, and drivetrain (FWD/RWD/AWD/4WD). This lets them send the right truck with the right equipment.
3. Photograph your car before it is loaded. Take photos of all four corners, both sides, the wheels, and any existing damage. This creates a record in case new damage occurs during transport.
4. Watch the loading process. Make sure the operator uses proper tow points — check your owner’s manual for the exact locations. They are usually marked with a small arrow or hook icon on the vehicle’s undercarriage or bumper.
5. Put the transmission in neutral if requested by the operator and if it is safe to do so. This allows wheels to spin freely without engaging the drivetrain. For automatics, only do this with the engine off and parking brake disengaged.
6. Remove or secure loose items inside the car. Hard objects in the cabin can fly around and damage the interior during loading and transport. Remove phones, laptops, and anything on the dashboard.
7. Inspect the car at the destination. Before signing any paperwork or releasing the tow driver, walk around your vehicle and check for new damage. Note anything immediately — once the truck leaves, proving the tow caused the damage becomes much harder.
8. Use a reputable, established company. The cheapest tow is rarely the safest tow. Our guide to avoiding towing scams helps you identify trustworthy operators.
Special Towing Rules for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
EVs and hybrids are becoming common on Montreal roads, but many tow operators still do not understand their unique requirements. Here is what you need to know about safe towing for electrified vehicles:
Always flatbed. EV motors are directly connected to the wheels. When the wheels turn, the motor generates electricity (regenerative braking). Dragging an EV with wheels on the ground forces the motor to generate current that feeds back into the battery system — potentially overheating cells, damaging the inverter, or triggering safety shutdowns.
Teslas have a “Transport Mode.” Access it through the touchscreen: Controls → Service → Towing. This disengages the parking brake and allows the car to roll freely for loading onto a flatbed. If the screen is unresponsive (dead 12V battery), the car must be loaded without rolling — using skates or wheel dollies.
Hybrids vary by model. Some hybrids (like the Toyota Prius) can tolerate short-distance towing with specific procedures. Others (like the Transport Canada-registered Chevy Volt) must always be flatbed towed. When in doubt, flatbed is the only safe choice.
Never drag an EV. Even moving an EV a few metres with wheels on the ground — for instance, pulling it out of a parking spot with a hook — can damage the drive system. Always use wheel dollies or skates if the vehicle cannot be rolled freely in transport mode.
What to Do If a Tow Company Damages Your Car
If you discover towing damage to your vehicle after a tow, act quickly:
Document the damage immediately. Photos and video of every scratch, dent, and mechanical issue. Include timestamps and the tow truck’s licence plate if visible.
Notify the tow company in writing. Call and follow up with an email or text. State the damage, request compensation, and include your photos. A reputable company will have insurance that covers this.
Contact your auto insurer. Your comprehensive coverage may apply. Provide the tow company’s details and your documentation. The insurer may pursue the tow company’s liability insurance directly.
File a complaint with the OPC if the company refuses to address the damage. The Quebec consumer protection office handles service provider disputes. Small claims court is an option for amounts up to $15,000.
Safe Towing Services We Provide in Montreal
Montreal Towing uses professional flatbed equipment and trained operators to ensure your vehicle is transported safely:
🚛 Flatbed towing — The safest method for every vehicle. Zero drivetrain risk, zero wheel contact.
🏗️ Heavy-duty towing — Specialized equipment for trucks, buses, and large commercial vehicles.
📏 Long-distance towing — Safe inter-city transport with secured flatbed loading.
🪢 Winching and recovery — Safe extraction from ditches and off-road situations using controlled winch pulls.
🛡️ Insurance towing — Direct insurance billing with certified documentation for every tow.
We serve all of Montreal and surrounding areas 24/7. For transparent pricing, see our complete towing costs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions: Towing and Vehicle Damage
Does towing damage your car?
Proper towing with the correct method does not damage your car. Damage occurs when the wrong towing method is used for your vehicle type — primarily when AWD, 4WD, or automatic vehicles are towed with drive wheels on the ground. Flatbed towing eliminates virtually all damage risk because all four wheels are off the road.
Can towing damage your transmission?
Yes, if the wrong method is used. Automatic transmissions require engine-powered fluid circulation for lubrication. When drive wheels spin during a tow without the engine running, internal components grind without lubrication, causing overheating and catastrophic failure. This is the most expensive type of towing damage — $3,000 to $7,000 or more to repair.
Is flatbed towing safer than wheel-lift towing?
Yes. Flatbed towing is the safest method because all four wheels are completely off the ground. There is zero drivetrain movement, zero tire wear, and zero risk of bumper scraping during transport. Wheel-lift towing is safe for specific vehicle types and short distances, but flatbed eliminates all variables.
Can you tow an AWD car with wheels on the ground?
No. AWD vehicles must always be flatbed towed. Towing an AWD car with any wheels on the ground causes the front and rear axles to spin at different speeds, destroying the centre differential and transfer case. This applies to all Subarus, most modern SUVs and crossovers, and any vehicle with permanent or automatic AWD.
How should a Tesla or electric car be towed?
Always on a flatbed with no wheels touching the road. Teslas have a Transport Mode that must be activated through the touchscreen before loading. If the screen is unresponsive, the car must be loaded using wheel skates or dollies to prevent the electric motor from generating current. Never hook or drag an EV — even a short distance can damage the drive system.
How much more does flatbed towing cost compared to a regular tow?
In Montreal, flatbed towing typically costs $50 to $100 more than a standard wheel-lift tow — roughly $150 to $250 versus $100 to $175 for a short-distance tow. Considering that a transmission replacement costs $3,000 to $7,000, the premium for flatbed towing is trivial insurance against catastrophic damage.
What should I do before my car is loaded onto a tow truck?
Photograph your car from all angles (including close-ups of wheels and bumpers) to document its condition. Tell the operator your vehicle’s drivetrain type. Make sure they use proper tow points. Remove loose items from the cabin. And confirm the towing method before loading begins — request flatbed if you have any concerns about damage.
Can I claim damage caused by a tow truck?
Yes. Tow companies carry commercial liability insurance that covers damage caused during transport. Document the damage immediately with photos, notify the company in writing, and contact your auto insurer. If the tow company refuses to address the damage, file a complaint with the Quebec Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC).
Does hook-and-chain towing damage cars?
Yes. Hook-and-chain towing wraps chains around the vehicle’s axle or frame, scratching paint and stressing structural components. The rear wheels drag on the ground, causing tire flat-spotting and drivetrain damage. This method is essentially obsolete for passenger vehicles and should only be used on scrap cars heading to the crusher.
Where can I get safe flatbed towing in Montreal?
Call Montreal Towing at (514) 483-6944 for professional flatbed towing anywhere in Montreal, 24/7. Our operators are trained in safe loading procedures for every vehicle type, including AWD, EVs, hybrids, luxury cars, and lowered vehicles. Every tow includes proper tie-down, designated tow point usage, and documentation for insurance purposes.
Your Car Deserves a Damage-Free Tow. Every Time.
Professional flatbed towing. Trained operators. All vehicle types.
24/7 across Montreal — because the wrong tow costs more than the right one.
(514) 483-6944