Towing a car, whether behind an RV, truck, or another vehicle, is a common practice for travelers, RV enthusiasts, or those relocating. A frequent question is whether towing a car adds miles to its odometer, as this can affect its resale value, warranty, or maintenance schedule. Below, we explore how towing impacts a car’s mileage, the factors involved, and practical considerations for minimizing wear, ensuring you make informed decisions for your towing needs.

How Towing Affects Odometer Mileage

The impact of towing on a car’s odometer depends on the towing method used. There are two primary ways to tow a car: flat towing (all four wheels on the ground) and towing with a trailer or dolly (some or all wheels off the ground). Each method affects mileage differently:

Flat Towing (Four Wheels Down)

In flat towing, also called dinghy towing, all four wheels of the car roll on the ground, typically connected to the towing vehicle via a tow bar. Whether this adds miles to the odometer depends on the car’s odometer design and drivetrain:

• Mechanical Odometers (older vehicles): These measure wheel rotation, so flat towing will increase the odometer reading as the wheels turn. For example, towing 100 miles will add 100 miles to the odometer.
• Electronic Odometers (modern vehicles, post-1990s): Most measure mileage based on transmission or drivetrain activity, not wheel rotation. If the car is in neutral with the engine off, the odometer typically doesn’t record miles, as the transmission isn’t engaged. However, some vehicles may still log miles if sensors detect wheel movement.

For instance, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler in neutral, flat-towed behind an RV, generally won’t record miles on its electronic odometer. However, a 1980s classic car with a mechanical odometer will. Always check your vehicle’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm how your odometer functions during flat towing.

Towing with a Trailer or Dolly

When a car is towed on a trailer (all four wheels off the ground) or a tow dolly (front wheels off, rear wheels rolling), the impact on mileage varies:

• Full Trailer: With all four wheels off the ground, no wheel rotation occurs, so the odometer doesn’t record miles, regardless of the odometer type. This is the most mileage-friendly towing method.
• Tow Dolly: If the front wheels are off the ground and the rear wheels roll, vehicles with electronic odometers typically won’t record miles, as the drivetrain isn’t engaged. However, older vehicles with mechanical odometers may still log miles from rear wheel rotation.

For example, towing a Honda Civic on a full trailer for 500 miles adds zero odometer miles, while a tow dolly might add miles to a vintage car with a mechanical odometer. Choosing the right towing method can preserve your car’s recorded mileage.

Factors Influencing Mileage and Wear

While odometer mileage is a key concern, towing can cause wear on other car components, effectively “aging” the vehicle even if miles aren’t recorded. Consider these factors:

• Drivetrain Wear: In flat towing, even if the odometer doesn’t tick, components like wheel bearings, tires, and suspension endure wear from rolling. For example, towing 1,000 miles can wear tires equivalent to driving 1,000 miles.
• Transmission Considerations: For automatic transmissions, flat towing in neutral with the engine off typically prevents transmission wear, but improper setup (e.g., not following manufacturer guidelines) can cause damage. Some vehicles require a transmission lube pump ($500-$1,000) to protect gears during flat towing.
• Vehicle Type: Front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive vehicles have different towing requirements. For instance, many AWD vehicles can’t be flat-towed without modifications, risking drivetrain damage and potential odometer activity.
• Odometer Design: Electronic odometers in modern cars (e.g., post-2000 models) rely on vehicle speed sensors tied to the transmission, not wheels, so flat towing often avoids mileage accrual. Older mechanical odometers, linked to wheel or driveline rotation, will record miles.

To minimize wear, consult your vehicle’s manual for towing instructions. For example, some models, like certain Toyota RAV4s, require specific settings or modifications for safe flat towing. Ignoring these can lead to mechanical issues, even if mileage isn’t recorded.

Practical Steps to Minimize Mileage and Wear

To reduce or prevent odometer mileage and wear when towing, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Towing Method: Use a full trailer to avoid wheel rotation and odometer mileage entirely. Trailers cost $1,000-$5,000 to buy or $50-$150/day to rent. A tow dolly ($40-$100/day rental) is cheaper but may allow rear wheel rotation, affecting older vehicles.
2. Verify Towing Compatibility: Check your vehicle’s manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm if it’s flat-towable. For example, many Jeeps and Ford Fiestas are flat-towable with specific settings, while some AWD vehicles require trailers. Websites like RVLife.com list towable vehicles.
3. Set Up Correctly for Flat Towing: For flat towing, shift to neutral, unlock the steering wheel, and follow any model-specific steps (e.g., disengaging the transfer case in 4WD vehicles). Test the setup in a parking lot to ensure no drivetrain engagement.
4. Disconnect the Odometer (If Legal): In rare cases, for older vehicles with mechanical odometers, you can disconnect the speedometer cable to prevent mileage recording, but this may be illegal or void warranties. Consult a mechanic and check local laws before attempting, as tampering can incur fines.
5. Monitor Tire and Component Wear: Rotate tires after long towing trips (e.g., every 5,000 miles) to ensure even wear, costing $20-$50 per rotation. Inspect wheel bearings and suspension post-tow, as repairs can cost $200-$1,000 if neglected.
6. Use a Trailer for High-Value Cars: For expensive or classic cars, a full trailer preserves both mileage and condition, maintaining resale value. Enclosed trailers ($2,000-$10,000) offer extra protection from weather and debris.

Real-World Example

Suppose you’re towing a 2020 Honda CR-V (flat-towable) 500 miles behind an RV. In neutral, with the engine off and steering unlocked, the electronic odometer won’t record miles, as it’s tied to the transmission, not wheel rotation. However, tires and bearings will wear as if driven 500 miles. Using a full trailer instead ensures zero odometer miles and minimal wear, though it’s costlier. If towing an older 1985 Mustang with a mechanical odometer, flat towing would add 500 miles, while a trailer would not.

Additional Considerations

• Warranty Implications: Some warranties exclude damage from improper towing. Follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid voiding coverage, which could cost thousands in repairs.
• Resale Value: Odometer mileage significantly affects a car’s resale value—each 1,000 miles can reduce value by $100-$500, depending on the model. Towing on a trailer preserves this value.
• Maintenance Costs: Towing wear (e.g., tires, bearings) can add $200-$1,000 annually for frequent towing. Budget for inspections after long trips.
• Legal Requirements: Ensure your towing setup complies with local laws, including safety chains and lighting, to avoid fines ($50-$200).

Tips to Protect Your Car

• Check Before Each Trip: Confirm towing settings and inspect equipment like towing hitches or bars for wear ($5-$50 for replacements).
• Weigh the Vehicle: Use a public scale ($10-$20) to ensure the towed vehicle’s weight, including cargo, is within the towing capacity.
• Document Mileage: Note the odometer reading before and after towing to confirm if miles accrue, especially for flat towing.
• Practice Safe Driving: Increase following distance and avoid sudden maneuvers when towing to reduce stress on the towed car’s components.

Conclusion

Towing a car may or may not add miles to its odometer, depending on the towing method and odometer type. Flat towing typically avoids mileage on modern vehicles with electronic odometers but still causes wear on tires and suspension. Using a full trailer prevents both mileage and wear, though it’s more expensive. Always follow your vehicle’s towing guidelines to minimize damage and maintain resale value.

For professional towing needs, our $50 towing service in Las Vegas can ensure your setup is safe and compliant, protecting your car during transport. By choosing the right method and maintaining your vehicle, you can tow confidently while preserving its condition.