Your Tesla Model S, Model X, Model Y, or Model 3 can be transported via a flatbed truck or using wheel lifts and dollies—but you must first enable Transport Mode before it’s safe to tow.

Whether you’re having car troubles or taking your Tesla with you on a cross-country trip, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to tow your vehicle. The purpose of Transportation Mode—sometimes called Tow Mode—is simple: it keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching the car onto a flatbed truck, or lifts and dollies.

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What is Tesla transport mode?

Sometimes called Tow Mode, Tesla’s Transport Mode is designed to help you safely transport your vehicle via a flatbed truck or by using wheel lifts and dollies.

Activating Transport Mode simply keeps the parking brake disengaged while you’re winching your vehicle onto a flatbed truck. Additionally, it displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling.

Basically, Transport Mode is a high-tech way to put your Tesla in neutral.

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Everything you need to know about the Tesla self-driving car

How to turn on Tesla transport mode

Turning on Transport Mode is easy. To do so, you must first make sure your Tesla is charged. After all, you won’t be able to use the vehicle’s touch screen if it has no power. Then, you’ll need to have your key handy, as Tesla must always detect a key before letting you use any of its features.

Once you’re ready, follow these simple steps:

Ensure Tesla’s gear shifter is in park

Chock the tires or make sure the vehicle is otherwise is secure

Press and hold the brake pedal

While holding the brake pedal, touch the following controls on the touchscreen: Controls > Service > Towing.

The touch screen will display a message reminding you how to properly transport your vehicle.

Then, press and hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. Your car is now free-rolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.

When you’re all finished, you can cancel Transport Mode by shifting gears back into park.

How long can you leave Tesla transport mode on?

Your Tesla’s Transport Mode can stay on as long as you need—so long as its battery still has power. Transport Mode, itself, should have no impact on battery performance. To be safe, however, keep an eye on your battery capacity.

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What is the maximum Tesla Model 3 range?

Which Teslas have transport mode?

The Tesla Model S, Model X, Model Y, and Model 3 all have Transport Mode and can therefore be safely towed using a flat-bed truck or wheel lifts and dollies.

MORE:

How to prepare your car to be towed

How to optimize your Tesla insurance

Owning a luxury EV comes with some significant expenses, and paying to have any vehicle towed can be a costly endeavor.

We recommend investing in a customized

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FAQs

Is Tesla transport mode safe?

Yes! Using Tesla’s Transport Mode is perfectly safe, as long as you only use it as intended and tow your vehicle per manufacturer recommendations. You should never transport your Tesla in a manner that is not specified or approved by the brand.

Does the Tesla Model Y have transport mode?

Yes—every Tesla Model Y comes equipped with Transport Mode in the event that it must be towed.

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