Towing a car with another vehicle might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not always safe—or even legal.
Without the right equipment and knowledge, you risk damaging both cars or causing an accident.
Before you attempt it, understand the legalities, safety concerns, and proper methods. This guide breaks down everything you need to know and when it’s best to call a pro.
Can You Tow a Car with Another Car?
Yes, you can tow a car with another car using a tow rope or tow bar, but it must be done safely and legally. Check local laws, use proper equipment, and ensure both drivers know the correct towing procedure.
Key Takeaways
- Check local laws before attempting to tow a car with another car, as it may be illegal in some areas.
- The safest methods include using a tow bar or tow dolly, while tow straps or chains are riskier.
- Towing with another car can be dangerous, especially due to braking issues, poor control, and vehicle strain.
- Professional towing services are often the safest option, especially for long distances or damaged vehicles.
- Alternatives like flatbed towing or trailer transport provide safer and more secure ways to move a car.
Is It Legal to Tow a Car with Another Car?
The legality of towing a car with another car depends on local laws and traffic regulations. Some states or countries allow it under specific conditions, while others strictly prohibit it.
Check Your Local Towing Laws
Before attempting to tow another car, verify the regulations in your area. Some of the common legal requirements include:
Proper Tow Equipment: Most places require that towing be done using an approved tow bar or tow dolly. Tow straps or chains may not be legal for use on public roads.
Brake and Light Requirements: The towed vehicle must have working brake lights, turn signals, and sometimes even auxiliary braking systems.
Speed and Distance Limits: Some areas restrict how far you can tow a vehicle with another car and may have specific speed limits while towing.
Driver’s License Restrictions: In certain states, you may need a special license to tow a car over a certain weight.
If towing with another car is not permitted in your location, you could face fines or legal penalties.
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What Are the Safe Ways to Tow a Car with Another Car?
If your local laws allow towing a car with another car, it’s crucial to do it safely to avoid accidents and vehicle damage. Here are the three main methods:
1. Using a Tow Bar (Safest Method)
A tow bar is a rigid connection between the towing car and the towed vehicle, ensuring stability and control. This is the preferred method because it prevents swaying and minimizes risks.
Pros: Keeps both vehicles aligned, reduces stress on the towing car, and improves control.
Cons: Requires proper attachment points on both vehicles and may require additional braking systems.
2. Using a Tow Dolly (For Front-Wheel Drive Cars)
A tow dolly lifts the front wheels of the car being towed, allowing it to roll on its rear wheels. This method is commonly used for front-wheel-drive vehicles since it prevents transmission damage.
Pros: Reduces wear on the towed vehicle, provides better control.
Cons: Not suitable for all-wheel-drive (AWD) or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars without modifications.
3. Using Tow Straps or Chains (Risky and Less Secure)
While tow straps or chains are commonly used for short-distance towing, they are not the safest option.
They offer no stability and increase the risk of accidents, especially at high speeds or if braking is needed.
Pros: Quick and cheap for emergency towing over very short distances.
Cons: High risk of snapping, poor control, and illegal in many areas.
If you must use a tow strap, drive very slowly and ensure the towed vehicle has a driver to assist with braking and steering.
Why Towing a Car with Another Car Can Be Dangerous
Even if it is legal, towing a car with another car poses serious risks if not done correctly. Here are some common dangers:
Braking Issues
The towed car does not have power-assisted brakes, meaning it may not stop as quickly as the towing car. If the lead vehicle brakes suddenly, the towed car could crash into it.
Steering Challenges
Unless using a tow dolly, the driver of the towed car must steer properly to keep the vehicle aligned. If they lose control, it can result in swerving or jackknifing.
Strain on the Towing Vehicle
Most regular cars are not designed to tow. Attempting to tow another vehicle can put excessive strain on the engine, transmission, and brakes, leading to breakdowns.
Reduced Visibility and Maneuverability
Towing another car limits your ability to see behind you and makes turning more difficult. You need extra space to slow down, turn corners, and avoid obstacles.
If the risks seem too high, calling a professional towing service is often the safest and smartest option.
When Should You Call a Professional Towing Service?
While towing with another car might be tempting in an emergency, it’s often safer and more efficient to call a professional towing company. Consider our Arkansas Auto Transport service If you live in this part of the country.
Situations Where You Should Call a Tow Truck:
Long-Distance Towing: If the vehicle needs to be towed more than a few miles. Heavy or Damaged Vehicles: If the car has severe mechanical issues or cannot roll freely.
No Proper Equipment: If you lack a tow bar, tow dolly, or proper towing setup. Safety Concerns: If towing the car could risk damaging either vehicle or causing an accident.
Professional tow truck operators have the right tools, training, and experience to handle the situation without risking safety or vehicle damage.
Alternative Towing Options
1. Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing is the safest and most recommended method for transporting a vehicle.
In this process, the entire car is lifted onto the bed of a tow truck, preventing any contact between the wheels and the road. This eliminates the risk of transmission damage, excessive tire wear, or misalignment.
Flatbed towing is particularly beneficial for all-wheel-drive vehicles, classic cars, or long-distance transport, as it ensures complete vehicle protection.
2. Wheel-Lift Towing
Wheel-lift towing is a common alternative that uses a specialized tow truck with a metal yoke that lifts either the front or rear wheels of the car off the ground.
This method is safer and more secure than towing with a regular car, as professional tow trucks are equipped with stabilizing mechanisms. While not as protective as flatbed towing, wheel-lift towing is a reliable option for short to medium distances. It is often used for cars that need to be towed from tight spaces or urban areas.
3. Trailer Towing
If you have access to a car-hauling trailer, this is an excellent option for safely towing a vehicle over longer distances.
A trailer provides stability and prevents unnecessary strain on the towed car’s transmission. To use this method, you need a vehicle strong enough to tow the combined weight of both the trailer and the car being transported.
Proper tie-downs and safety checks are essential to ensure a smooth and secure towing experience. Choosing the right towing method depends on your vehicle type, distance, and available equipment.
When in doubt, professional towing services can provide the safest and most reliable transport for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I tow a car with another car using a rope?
Towing with a rope is not recommended and is often illegal. It offers no stability and can snap, increasing the risk of accidents. Always use proper towing equipment.
2. Can an automatic car be towed with another car?
Towing an automatic car incorrectly can severely damage the transmission. It’s best to use a flatbed tow truck or a tow dolly to prevent mechanical issues.
3. How fast can you go when towing a car with another car?
Speeds should be kept low (under 25-30 mph) when towing with another car. High speeds increase the risk of loss of control, braking failures, and accidents.
Conclusion
While it is possible to tow a car using another vehicle, it isn’t always the safest or legal option. The risks of brake failure, loss of control, and damage to both vehicles make it a tricky process.
If you must tow a car with another car, always use the proper equipment such as a tow bar or tow dolly, drive slowly, and follow local regulations.
However, in most cases, calling a professional towing service is the safest and most efficient way to transport a vehicle.
By understanding the risks and legal requirements, you can make an informed decision on the best way to tow a car without putting yourself or others in danger.