with you? Sadly, you can’t flat tow your Tesla, no matter what model you have. From damage, a void warranty, to false odometer readings, it’s better to leave your Tesla safe at home.

Towing isn’t only limited to car breakdowns or accidents! Flat towing, also called dinghy towing, is when a vehicle is pulled by an RV on all four wheels. It’s essentially dragging a vehicle across the road without powering it on. However, this transport method causes more problems than necessary.

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Can you flat tow a Tesla?

Absolutely not! Tesla strictly forbids all owners from flat towing their Tesla vehicle—this includes the Model S, X, 3, and Y. As a pure electric vehicle, power is generated when a Tesla’s wheels spin. Combine the spinning wheels with an unpowered car and there’s a high possibility for damage, overheating, and even combustion.

Fortunately, you’ve got alternatives! Tesla recommends a flatbed truck or the use of wheel lifts and dollies to transport your vehicle. As long as the wheels are not spinning during the towing process, you’re in the clear.

Now let’s take a closer look at why flat towing a Tesla isn’t a good idea.

Extreme overheating and explosion

The main danger of flat towing your Tesla is overheating. The power created from your Tesla’s wheels can cause a domino effect by overheating its components. The next step from overheating is ignited materials—and that’s the last thing you want to happen while cruising the road with other flammable vehicles.

False odometer reading

Mileage is a huge indicator of your vehicle’s value and accruing miles could affect your Tesla’s resale value. To prevent depreciation, refrain from flat towing your Tesla.

Void warranty

Owning a Tesla comes with a basic vehicle warranty, a supplemental restraint system limited warranty, and a battery and drive unit warranty—in other words, safety nets to make sure your car is running like brand new. This means damage that comes from improper use of your Tesla, including flat towing, will not be covered by your warranty!

Rejected insurance claims

Insurance providers know the vehicles they’re covering inside and out, including Teslas. Flat towing a Tesla can lead to an accident—one that won’t be covered by your provider. If your insurance company finds out your accident was caused by an illicit towing setup, any claims you make will be rejected, leaving you unprotected.

Personal liability

Apart from potentially ruining your Tesla, you could be putting lives in danger if you decide to go against the official recommendations from Tesla. The result of flat-towing your vehicle could not only ignite your car’s components but catch onto neighboring vehicles and drivers. This may be an extreme scenario, but one that must be taken seriously—especially when Tesla is aware of its possibility.

MORE:

Tesla car insurance

The bottom line

Heed Tesla’s instructions and don’t flat tow your Tesla! Whether you have Model X, S, Y, or 3, the flat towing method is dangerous. Instead, you can opt for a flatbed truck or the help of dollies and wheel lifts to safely transport your Tesla.

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How to save on insurance for your Tesla

Instead of flat towing your Tesla and slicing its lifespan in half, you can lengthen it—with

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Simply download the app and in around 45 seconds, you’ll have cheap car insurance quotes from over 55 insurance providers like

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Without lifting a finger, you’ll be saving an average of $800 a year on car insurance!

“
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saved me $80 a month! I have a Tesla Model Y and really wanted to lower my rates. And they did! I really recommend you give this a shot!” —Nick M.