Will towing a Tesla damage it?
Teslas are cutting-edge, high-tech and, let’s be honest, not your average motor. So, when something goes wrong and the car needs to be moved, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask: will towing a Tesla damage it?
The short answer? Yes, it absolutely can – if it’s not done correctly. Electric vehicles play by different rules when it comes to towing, and Teslas are no exception.
Teslas and towing: A different ball game
First things first, traditional towing methods – think tow ropes or dolly trailers with drive wheels on the ground – are a no-go for Teslas. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, Teslas don’t have a traditional gearbox in the same way, but they do have electric motors directly connected to the wheels. When those wheels turn (even with the car off), the motors act like generators. That means if you’re rolling the car without power, you’re potentially sending current through systems that aren’t expecting it. That’s where the damage starts.
So, will towing a Tesla damage it? – Quite possibly, if the wrong method is used.
What Tesla themselves say
Tesla is very clear about towing in their official guidance. Every model – whether it’s the Model 3, S, X, or Y – must be flatbed towed only. That means all four wheels must be off the ground. No dragging, no lifting, just two wheels, and absolutely no tow ropes unless you’re in a very specific, short-distance emergency recovery in Swansea situation.
If your Tesla is towed with the drive wheels in contact with the road, it can lead to severe damage to the motors, inverters, or battery systems, and that kind of repair isn’t just costly; it can also void your warranty.
What if you're stuck at the roadside?
Let’s say you’ve broken down, or the battery’s gone flat. Panic might set in, but don’t rush to hook up the car to the nearest 4×4 with a rope. Instead, contact a vehicle recovery service in Swansea that knows what they’re doing. Most UK roadside assistance companies are now trained in EV recovery and have flatbeds specifically designed for electric cars like Teslas.
Top Tesla tip
Also worth noting: Teslas have a special “Transport Mode” that you can activate before towing. This disengages the parking brake and prepares the car for safe loading onto a flatbed. Don’t skip this step.
What about regenerative braking?
Good question. Regenerative braking – one of Tesla’s best features – works by turning the motors into generators while slowing down. But when the car is off or unpowered, those systems are dormant. If you tow it incorrectly, you bypass the safeguards entirely and risk creating unpredictable electrical loads.
Last words on towing a Tesla
So, will towing a Tesla damage it? If done incorrectly, yes – and the damage can be serious. Always insist on a flatbed, follow Tesla’s official guidance, and avoid the DIY approach. It’s not just about protecting your investment – it’s about safety, too.
Better safe than sorry – especially when your car’s basically a computer on wheels.