Can You Tow A Tesla
Any Tesla, even the Model 3, is among the greatest electric vehicles on the road. That does not exclude you from ever facing a circumstance that calls for towing your Tesla.
Teslas can only be towed using a flatbed tow truck, wheel lifts, or dollies, which raise all four wheels off the ground. When towing with the wheels in touch with the ground, overheating and severe damage are possible because the wheels produce power when they spin.
Keep reading to learn more about this choice and how to tow your Tesla securely if you have any questions.
Will Tow A Tesla Cause Any Damage?
When a Tesla is being towed correctly and following the suggested rules, any harm shouldn’t be done to the car. Several safety measures must be taken to protect the security of Tesla’s electric drivetrain and battery system.
You must always follow the directions in the owner’s manual for your Tesla. When you start reading the instructions, you’ll discover that it advises keeping all four wheels of your Tesla off the ground while towing. Therefore, a flatbed truck or trailer is required for the task.
Following are some possible risks to be known, and ways to reduce them include:
Disabling regenerative braking is essential when towing a Tesla to avoid overcharging the battery.
It is not advised to tow a Tesla with its wheels on the ground since it could harm the electric motor and other parts.
It is important to use proper towing attachments when securing the Tesla to a tow truck or car trailer.
Professional towing services are needed to tow a Tesla safely.
Can You Safely Tow A Tesla?
You’ll need to be very careful when towing your Tesla; hopefully, you’ll only need to tow it a short distance away. Although it is generally safe to tow your Tesla, you must strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you tow your car for over 35 miles while using the wheel lifts and dollies, you risk seriously damaging it.
You may have to spend thousands of dollars in repairs if your Tesla is towed further than this distance due to potential tire damage, battery damage, and electrical system damage.
Your Tesla produces energy when its wheels are turning, unlike typical gas-powered cars, even when it is being towed. Therefore, the energy generated increases with the time the car is pulled.
Unfortunately, we have witnessed numerous Tesla cars getting damaged in this way. Since this is not the suggested method for towing a Tesla, some owners are forced to pay for the repairs themselves because deviating from the manufacturer’s suggestions frequently violates the warranty coverage.
Can You Flat Tow a Tesla?
No, Tesla does not advise flat towing, which includes pulling a car with its wheels flat on the ground. The Tesla’s electric motor and other powertrain parts are vulnerable to damage from flat towing. The moment the wheels make contact with the ground while being towed, it might strain the electric motor, which depends on being able to revolve freely without power.
A flatbed tow truck or a car trailer is suggested to tow a Tesla safely. These techniques raise the Tesla’s four wheels off the ground, protecting the drivetrain during the journey. The suggested and allowed approach is to utilize a flatbed tow truck or automobile trailer.
What To Do If You Have To Tow A Tesla?
After hearing many reasons against towing your Tesla, We decided to give you tips on how to do it safely.
It’s essential to adhere to the Tesla-provided recommendations if you need to tow a Tesla. Using a flatbed tow truck or a car trailer to tow a Tesla is safer than flat towing, which involves pulling the vehicle with the wheels on the ground. Here is a broad description of towing a Tesla:
Getting the tow vehicle ready
Make that the towing vehicle, such as a flatbed tow truck or a car trailer-equipped vehicle, is in good functioning order and can pull the Tesla’s weight safely.
Positioning the Tesla
Position the flatbed tow truck or auto trailer to align with the Tesla for loading appropriately. Set the parking brake on the Tesla and make sure the towing vehicle is on a level surface.
Switching your Tesla into Transport Mode would be best to start the procedure. But for this mode to work, your automobile must be powered up and recognize a key.
Turn off the car
To turn off the Tesla before towing, Put the car in park and push the brake pedal. Then turn on the Emergency Power Off (EPO) switch on the car’s front trunk. To find out where the EPO switch is located and how to activate it, consult the owner’s manual.
Plug in the Tesla
Carefully transfer the Tesla onto the flatbed tow truck or auto trailer with the help of a professional or knowledgeable individual. Make sure the loading procedure is secure by following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Lock down the Tesla
Use the proper straps or chains to safely connect the Tesla to the flatbed tow truck or auto trailer. Ensure the car is securely attached to avoid movement while being transported.
Check the safety precautions
Double-check that the Tesla is securely fastened and that the towing vehicle’s brakes, lights, and turn signals are all operational before beginning the towing process. As required by local laws, make sure that any appropriate safety precautions, such as flags or reflectors, are in place.
Towing the Tesla
The flatbed tow truck or vehicle trailer can start transporting the Tesla to its destination once securely loaded and secured. Observe all traffic laws and regulations and drive carefully while towing.
Is There A Specific Direction My Car Must Face When Towing?
It will not matter if the front or back of the Tesla is loaded first if you are towing it on a flatbed truck or trailer. However, if you want to tow your Tesla with wheel lifts or dollies, make sure the front of the car is always pointed in the direction you want it to go.
If you accomplish this, your car’s back wheels will be freed up for the dollies.
How Do I Locate The Tow Eye Or Tow Hook On My Car?
Finding the tow eye or tow hook while towing a Tesla is crucial. Lift the carpet in the front trunk and look in the upper left corner to accomplish this. Lift the other end from the trunk by lightly pressing the rounded section. Lift the end free, and then fasten it to the winch. To keep your automobile free of damage, go by our advice and Tesla’s guidelines.
Conclusion
For the most exact and recent information regarding towing their vehicles, always refer to the official Tesla documentation, including the owner’s manual or the Tesla website. Following the suggested instructions will help to guarantee the Tesla’s integrity and safety while being towed.
A flatbed tow truck or a car trailer is suggested to tow a Tesla safely. These techniques raise the Tesla’s four wheels off the ground, protecting the drivetrain during the journey. Tesla has approved and advised using a flatbed tow truck or auto trailer to tow their vehicles.