AWD Towing Ottawa | Flatbed Transport for All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
AWD towing requires a flatbed tow truck, no exceptions. All-wheel drive vehicles have drivetrains that send power to all four wheels simultaneously. When you tow an AWD vehicle with two wheels on the ground, the wheels that are rolling on the pavement spin drivetrain components that are mechanically connected to the other axle. This causes heat buildup, fluid starvation, and damage to the transfer case, centre differential, and CV joints. The repair bill for this kind of damage can easily exceed $5,000.
Ontario Towing uses flatbed-only transport for every all-wheel drive vehicle. We know which vehicles are AWD and we always send the right truck. Call us at (613) 619-4545.
Which Vehicles Are All-Wheel Drive?
More vehicles are AWD today than most people realize. In Canada, AWD has become the default drivetrain for most SUVs, crossovers, and many sedans. If you are not sure whether your vehicle is AWD, check your owner's manual or look for a badge on the trunk or tailgate. Common AWD badges include Quattro (Audi), xDrive (BMW), 4Matic (Mercedes-Benz), Symmetrical AWD (Subaru), SH-AWD (Acura), and i-ACTIV (Mazda).
| Brand | AWD System Name |
|---|---|
| Subaru | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models except BRZ) |
| Audi | Quattro (standard on most models) |
| BMW | xDrive (available on most models, standard on X-series SUVs) |
| Mercedes-Benz | 4Matic (available on most models) |
| Toyota / Lexus | Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, E-Four hybrid AWD |
| Mazda | i-ACTIV AWD (available on CX series and Mazda3) |
| Hyundai / Kia | HTRAC AWD (Tucson, Santa Fe, Sorento, Sportage) |
| Ford | Intelligent AWD (Escape, Edge, Explorer) |
The Myth of "Just Put It in Neutral"
One of the most common misconceptions about AWD towing is that putting the vehicle in neutral makes wheel-lift towing safe. This is false. Neutral disengages the transmission from the engine, but it does not disconnect the transfer case, centre differential, or axle differentials from the wheels. When the wheels roll, these components still spin, generating friction and heat without proper lubrication flow from the engine-driven oil pump.
Some AWD systems have a "tow mode" or can be disconnected with special procedures, but these are model-specific and not available on most vehicles. The safest and simplest approach is always flatbed towing. Ontario Towing does not take chances with your drivetrain.
Our AWD Towing Process
When you call us and describe your vehicle, our dispatchers immediately check whether it is AWD. If it is, we dispatch a flatbed. Your vehicle is loaded with all four wheels on the deck, secured with proper tie-downs, and transported to your destination with zero drivetrain risk. We provide this service across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for every make and model of AWD vehicle.
If your AWD vehicle is stuck in a ditch or off-road, we use our winch to pull it to a safe position before loading it onto the flatbed. The winching process does not spin the drivetrain components because the wheels are not rolling on the road surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All Subaru models except the BRZ have symmetrical all-wheel drive and must be flatbed towed. A wheel-lift tow will damage the drivetrain. Ontario Towing always uses a flatbed for Subaru vehicles.
Yes. Even part-time AWD systems have mechanical connections between the axles that can be damaged during wheel-down towing. Unless your specific vehicle's manual explicitly states it can be dolly or wheel-lift towed, flatbed is the safe choice.
Flatbed towing may cost slightly more than a wheel-lift tow, but the difference is small compared to the $3,000 to $8,000 cost of repairing drivetrain damage from improper towing. We give you the price upfront on the phone before dispatching.
Yes. We tow AWD vehicles year-round, including during winter storms. Our flatbed trucks operate in all weather conditions. If your AWD vehicle slid into a ditch on an icy road, we will winch it out and load it onto the flatbed safely.
Tell us the year, make, and model when you call. Our dispatchers know which vehicles are AWD and will send the correct truck automatically. You can also check for an AWD badge on the trunk or tailgate of your vehicle.
Need Help Right Now?
Ontario Towing provides 24/7 service across Ottawa and the National Capital Region.
Call (613) 619-4545