reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

Long story Short my 250 AWD was towed today to roughly 9km Away (5.6 miles). I did go And get the car back. However after I told my friend about it he asked me if I know how they towed the car (flatbed, dollies, etc.) which I didnt know and never knew to ask.

I'm going to call tmr to ask but for now does this whole "improperly towing awd car will damage center differential" thing apply to the IS250 since it uses an open diff?

When I picked up the car it was facing the wall with rear facing out so worst case they towed the rear with front dragging

Also, my "awd" badge is not on the car from previous damage (failed attempt at plasti dipping) so IF there is any damage can I hold the tow company liable ??

Thanks for any advice

modlife

Did they damage the car, or are just worried that they MIGHT have?

modlife

If you drag any car that's in park it can cause damage - you'd notice when driving it. The last tow I had from being in park, they simply put rollers under the back wheels so it wasn't dragging - I think that's pretty standard now.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

You cannot tow an AWD IS250 with any of the wheels on the ground as it may damage either the transfer (center differential) or the transmission.

It needs to be towed on a flatbed or with dollies under the wheels.

Summary:
AWD models cannot be towed with any wheels on the ground.
RWD models can be towed with the front wheels on the ground.
RWD models with manual transmission can be towed with the rear wheels on the ground, but it's better to tow with the front wheels on the ground, or on a flatbed or with dollies.
RWD models with automatic transmission cannot be towed with the rear wheels on the ground, you have to tow with the front wheels on the ground or on a flatbed or with dollies.

Jeff

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Was the towing company notified that it was an AWD model? Seeing it had ZERO AWD badging and assuming they were NOT told about it being an AWD model, I'd HIGHLY doubt they can be held liable.

But have you driven the car since being in their possession?

NYKnick101

I think it is standard for tow truck companies to remove the drive shaft to the rear differential if they are towing an AWD car to protect the transmission and situations where you have to tow a AWD car with no flatbeds in your fleet. Removing the driveshaft to the rear diff usually takes about 5-10 mins depending on the car. Its policy to check whether the car is AWD/RWD/FWD when towing any car to prevent things like this from happening. If you are a car guy, you can tell with a lot of cars but in our case where the AWD and RWD looks exactly the same, the tow guy should have checked.

If the company was competent enough to make it the 5 miles and not notice anything breaking. I think you will be fine, if not then you can sue the company for not following proper procedure that lead to damages to your vehicle

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

i only drive it from the impound back home

i called today and they said they use dollies for everything to avoid any risk

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^For everything? That I highly doubt. They're are attempting to release ALL liable from themselves by telling you that.

tex2670

They can't just say "It didn't say AWD so we didn't bother doing anything". They know better than the average consumer that damage can occur, so if they aren't going to be better safe than sorry, you better believe they can be responsible. Just saying "I didn't know" isn't good enough when there are simple solutions, like dollies, that they can use to prevent any damage from occurring.

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

she said something like if they don't have the key then they will put the car on dollies
guess, sometimes they tow for caa/etc. where they do have the key so it's different

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Ok, so your vehicle was towed without you/your key present; now we've got the full picture. Yes, they would have had to use a dolly.

So, why were you towed in the first place? I just assumed it was due to vehicle issues.

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

^ yep haha. let's not go there, not wearing my flame suit today

npe1jar

Interested to understand how those rollers worked. I might have to tow an AWD 2008 is250 from NYC to ATL. Looking for options...

npe1jar

how did those rollers work?

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

Not much details here, suggest you rent a car trailer and appropriate tow vehicle. They don't rent dollies like wreckers have to anyone.

For the record, placing an automatic in neutral and towing it will burn it up destroying bushings, bearings, clutches, and potentially drum bands. Same is true of AWD center differential/transfercase. They have clutches that are typically only lubricated when the engine is running. As for manual transmissions, many of those can die from being towed too do to the oil splash design isn't the same without the input shaft into the trans being spun.