A similar question has been asked before, which mostly just got brushed off. I’m aware that my hybrid is SUPPOSED to be towed with all 4 wheels off the ground, but I’ve been looking for a bit more explanation of exactly what happens if it gets towed in the more traditional method (2 wheels on the ground).
Of course people point out that the manual says not to do it: “if the vehicle is towed with the tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain or related parts may be damaged, the vehicle may fly off the truck, or electricity generated by the operation of the motor may cause a fire to occur depending on the nature of the damage or malfunction”, but clearly it has happened and will happen again because often you’re not there when some dick tows your car.
If it HAS to happen, is it better (possible?) to have just the front or rear wheels on the ground? Does it generate electricity and potentially overload the battery?
If I get towed on 2 wheels, do I need to go to the dealer and have my drivetrain inspected/replaced? Or is it kind of like how you’re SUPPOSED to “shutdown” your computer, but if you just yank the power cord out, sure you might lose unsaved progress on an excessively long RAV4World post you’re typing up, but it’ll probably be fine when you start it back up?
It’s a bit nerve-wracking to think that if I accidentally park in the wrong spot someone might come destroy my new car’s drivetrain with careless towing and I’ll get stuck with the bill.
Of course people point out that the manual says not to do it: “if the vehicle is towed with the tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain or related parts may be damaged, the vehicle may fly off the truck, or electricity generated by the operation of the motor may cause a fire to occur depending on the nature of the damage or malfunction”, but clearly it has happened and will happen again because often you’re not there when some dick tows your car.
If it HAS to happen, is it better (possible?) to have just the front or rear wheels on the ground? Does it generate electricity and potentially overload the battery?
If I get towed on 2 wheels, do I need to go to the dealer and have my drivetrain inspected/replaced? Or is it kind of like how you’re SUPPOSED to “shutdown” your computer, but if you just yank the power cord out, sure you might lose unsaved progress on an excessively long RAV4World post you’re typing up, but it’ll probably be fine when you start it back up?
It’s a bit nerve-wracking to think that if I accidentally park in the wrong spot someone might come destroy my new car’s drivetrain with careless towing and I’ll get stuck with the bill.
