How to Tow a Tesla?

Need to tow your Tesla? This guide provides ten safe steps to tow a Tesla, ideal for breakdowns or transport. These tips ensure compliance with Tesla’s guidelines, protecting the vehicle’s electric components and warranty while keeping you safe on the road.

Safety Warning: Teslas have high-voltage systems. Use flatbed towing, activate Transport Mode, and follow Tesla’s guidelines to avoid damage or injury.

1. Understand Tesla Towing Requirements

Teslas require specific towing methods due to their electric drivetrain and regenerative braking. Improper towing can damage motors or void the warranty, making preparation critical.

Following Tesla’s guidelines ensures safety. Here’s what to know before towing.

• Use a flatbed. Tesla recommends flatbed towing to keep all wheels off the ground, preventing drivetrain damage.

• Avoid wheel contact. Towing with wheels on the ground risks $1,000-$5,000 in motor or battery repairs.

• Check the manual. Refer to the owner’s manual for model-specific instructions, costing $0 to review.

• Know the risks. High-voltage components may be energized, requiring safety precautions to avoid injury.

2. Activate Transport Mode

Transport Mode disengages the parking brake and allows the Tesla to roll freely for short distances. This mode is essential for safe flatbed loading.

Activating Transport Mode protects the vehicle. Here’s how to enable it.

• Ensure low voltage power. The touchscreen needs power; charge the 12V battery if dead, costing $50-$150.

• Navigate to Controls. On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Service > Towing, and hold Transport Mode until blue.

• Stay in Park. Ensure the vehicle is in Park before activating, taking 1-2 minutes to set up.

• Cancel when done. Exit Transport Mode by shifting to Park or selecting Exit, avoiding accidental rolling.

3. Locate the Tow Eye

Teslas have a tow eye in the front trunk for winching onto a flatbed. Using the correct tow point prevents chassis or suspension damage.

Proper tow eye use ensures safety. Here’s how to locate and use it.

• Find the tow eye. Check the front trunk for the tow eye, stored in a compartment, costing $0.

• Remove the cover. Press the top right (Model 3/Y) or bottom (Model S/X) of the cover to release it.

• Insert securely. Turn the tow eye counter-clockwise until tight, taking 1-2 minutes, to ensure a firm connection.

• Avoid rear towing. If equipped with a hitch, don’t use the rear tow eye; use the front only.

4. Prepare the Vehicle for Towing

Preparing the Tesla involves securing it and checking power levels. This ensures safe loading onto the flatbed without damaging components.

Proper prep minimizes risks. Here’s how to prepare the vehicle.

• Check battery charge. Ensure at least 5% charge to activate Transport Mode, avoiding $150-$300 towing issues.

• Disengage air suspension. Set Model S/X air suspension to the highest setting to avoid underbody damage.

• Chock the tires. Place wheel chocks ($0-$20) to secure the vehicle before towing.

• Clear the interior. Remove loose items to prevent damage during transport, costing $0 to organize.

5. Use a Flatbed Tow Truck

Flatbed towing is Tesla’s recommended method to avoid wheel rotation, which can damage electric motors. Dollies are a last resort for short distances.

A flatbed ensures safety. Here’s how to use it correctly.

• Request a flatbed. Specify a flatbed tow truck when calling for service, costing $150-$300.

• Avoid wheel lifts. Towing with wheels on the ground voids warranties and risks $1,000-$5,000 in repairs.

• Use tire skates if needed. If Transport Mode fails, use skates ($50-$100) under wheels to roll safely.

• Secure the vehicle. Use the eight-point tie-down method to fasten the Tesla, avoiding body damage.

6. Attach the Winch Cable

The winch cable connects the Tesla’s tow eye to the flatbed for safe loading. Proper attachment prevents damage to the vehicle’s frame or suspension.

Secure winching is critical. Here’s how to attach the cable.

• Connect to tow eye. Attach the winch cable to the secured tow eye, ensuring a tight fit, costing $0.

• Check cable condition. Inspect for frays or wear, replacing if damaged ($50-$100) to avoid snapping.

• Pull slowly. Winch the Tesla onto the flatbed at under 3 mph to prevent overheating, per Tesla guidelines.

• Monitor alignment. Ensure the Tesla rolls straight to avoid chassis stress, taking 5-10 minutes.

7. Secure the Tesla on the Flatbed

Once on the flatbed, secure the Tesla to prevent movement during transport. Proper tie-downs protect the vehicle’s body and wheels.

Correct securing prevents damage. Here’s how to secure it.

• Use eight-point tie-downs. Fasten straps to designated points, avoiding painted surfaces or wheels, costing $0-$50.

• Avoid body panels. Don’t place straps over panels or through wheels, preventing $200-$1,000 in damage.

• Check strap tension. Ensure straps are tight but not overstrained, taking 2-3 minutes to adjust.

• Inspect during transport. Stop every 50-100 miles to verify strap security, ensuring safe delivery.

8. Handle a Dead Battery Scenario

A dead Tesla battery complicates towing, as Transport Mode may not activate. Special steps ensure safe handling without power to the touchscreen.

Preparation for dead batteries is key. Here’s how to manage it.

• Use an external power supply. Connect a 12V power source ($50-$150) to open the hood or touchscreen.

• Use tire skates. Place skates under wheels to roll the Tesla onto the flatbed, costing $50-$100.

• Avoid dragging. Dragging a locked Tesla risks $1,000-$5,000 in drivetrain damage, per Tesla warnings.

• Call a professional. Tesla Roadside Assistance ensures proper handling, costing $0 if under warranty.

9. Comply with Local Regulations

Towing regulations vary by state, covering equipment, speed, and safety. Compliance prevents fines and ensures safe Tesla transport.

Following laws protects you. Here’s how to stay compliant.

• Check state laws. Verify towing regulations to avoid $100-$500 fines, taking 5-10 minutes online.

• Use proper equipment. Ensure flatbeds and tie-downs meet DOT standards, costing $0 to confirm.

• Limit speed. Keep below 70 mph to protect the battery and comply with Tesla guidelines.

• Carry permits. Some states require towing permits for EVs, costing $20-$100, per local rules.

10. Inspect After Towing

After towing, inspect the Tesla for damage to the drivetrain, battery, or body. Early detection prevents costly repairs and maintains warranty coverage.

Post-tow checks ensure reliability. Here’s how to inspect the vehicle.

• Check for warnings. Look for dashboard alerts like reduced power or motor issues, costing $0 to scan.

• Inspect tie-down points. Verify no chassis or suspension damage, avoiding $500-$2,000 repairs.

• Test driving performance. Drive briefly to confirm smooth operation, taking 5-10 minutes.

• Visit a Tesla technician. Schedule a check if issues arise, costing $50-$150 for diagnostics.

Conclusion

Towing a Tesla safely is achievable with these ten steps, from activating Transport Mode to post-tow inspections. Protect your vehicle by following Tesla’s guidelines. For expert assistance, our trusted towing service in San Antonio provides professional flatbed towing 24/7, ensuring your Tesla is safely handled every time!