Will towing a car put miles on it?

Rick S • April 24, 2021

In short, the answer is no; towing a car behind an RV or on the rear wheels will not add miles to the odometer. This is due in-large to the electrical odometer systems that are present in newer vehicles. There is a common sense caveat that requires the vehicle to be off while it is being towed in order for the miles not to count. Furthermore, vehicles towed on two wheels or on all four, will not experience in mileage accrual by being towed. However, certain mechanical wear can still be a factor to consider as there are still functioning parts that can be worn.

When it comes to older makes and models, specifically 25 years or older, may see miles being accrued while being towed. This is due largely to the fact that these odometers in older vehicles operate off of a mechanical based mechanism. It would be wisest to consult the owners manuals for the specific vehicle. It is important to know whether the keys have to be left in the ignition to avoid towing damage on the transmission. 

Despite the risks being relatively low when towing a vehicle, there is still risk of damage from wear and tear, especially if the tires are being towed on asphalt. The primary concern when it comes to towing a vehicle is in regard to the transmission. Executing a poor tow can result in serious damage to major systems to include suspension, transmission, axle and much more. Vehicles being towed on rear or four-wheel drive platforms will initiate the power train, which inhibits proper transmission fluid and oil flow to crucial parts of the car. 

It is always wise to have two or three people to help when attaching a towing system to a vehicle. Due to the variety of vehicle specifications, certain tools may not be accessible to the average homeowner. In this case, having extra hands to assist with the moving parts of the towing assembly will make the procedure easier. 

When it comes to making the decision to tow a vehicle behind an RV, or have it towed by a service provider, the best recommendation is to weigh the options of the scenario. Consider the age of the car, consult the owner's manual, and factor in the nature of the situation. If the consideration of executing the tow by and RV or truck is decided, ensure that the towing vehicle can handle the mass under its maximum towing capacity. 

In essence, there a number of factors to consider when it comes to properly towing a vehicle. Certain circumstances may cause someone to need a towing service to provide a relocation service. Other scenarios that include less urgency will call for a different set of factors to be considered such as the year of the car, the towing aperture, towing capacity, as well as terrain being travelled on. 

The appropriate course of action is ultimately up to the owner of the vehicle. Consulting a local towing team with any questions will likely save time and money. ​

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