Towing a vehicle when it has all four wheels on the ground allows for the optimum distribution of weight and therefore also evenly-distributed wear and tear on the parts. Not all cars can be towed with four wheels down, however, and to be sure your car can, always consult the owner's manual.
When the transmission is placed in neutral (i.e. the car is not “in gear”), the majority of manual transmission cars with a front wheel drive system can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Fitting the car with a tow bar allows the car to be hooked up to the towing vehicle, at which point the vehicle acts like a four-wheeled trailer.
When a lube pump has been connected, it is possible to tow the majority of front wheel drive vehicles with all four of their wheels on the ground. As with a manual transmission vehicle, towing an automatic with four wheels down requires a tow bar be fitted. To be sure your automatic transmission car is capable of being towed this way, consult your owners' manual.
Four wheel drive vehicles require the use of manual lockout hubs and a manual transfer case in order to be towed without damaging the vehicle. If the car does not have manual lockout hubs and a manual transfer case, it is possible to tow using a coupling system on the rear drive shaft in order to make the vehicle safe. Consult the owner's manual for details.
