If you drive a Subaru, Audi, BMW, or any other all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle in Saskatoon, you need to know this: improper towing can destroy your transmission in minutes. With Saskatchewan’s harsh winters and icy roads, AWD vehicles are incredibly popular here. But when your car breaks down, choosing the wrong towing method could cost you $3,000 to $8,000 in repairs.

At Saskatoon Towing, we’ve seen the damage firsthand. That’s why we always recommend—and provide—flatbed towing for AWD vehicles. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly why flatbed towing is essential for protecting your all-wheel-drive car and what happens when it’s done wrong.

How AWD Systems Work (And Why Towing Is Different)

All-wheel-drive vehicles distribute power to all four wheels simultaneously through an interconnected drivetrain system. This includes:

Center differential – distributes power between front and rear axles
Front and rear differentials – allow wheels to spin at different speeds
Transfer case – manages power distribution throughout the system

This system gives you better traction on Saskatoon’s snowy and icy roads—but it creates a serious problem during towing. Unlike front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicles, you can’t simply lift two wheels and leave the others on the ground. All four wheels are connected, and if any of them spin while the car is being towed, it forces the drivetrain components to turn without proper lubrication.

The result? Catastrophic transmission and differential damage.

What Happens When an AWD Vehicle Is Towed Incorrectly

When a tow truck uses a wheel-lift method on an AWD vehicle—lifting just two wheels while the other two remain on the road—here’s what happens inside your car:

The wheels on the ground keep spinning as the vehicle is pulled forward
The spinning wheels turn the drivetrain, including the transmission and differentials
Without the engine running, there’s no oil pump circulating transmission fluid
Critical components overheat due to friction without lubrication
Internal parts grind and fail—sometimes within just a few kilometres

We’ve had customers call us after another towing company damaged their AWD vehicle. The repair bills are devastating:

Transmission replacement: $4,000 – $7,000
Transfer case repair: $1,500 – $3,000
Differential replacement: $1,000 – $2,500

These repairs could have been avoided with proper flatbed towing.

Why Flatbed Towing Is the Gold Standard for AWD Vehicles

Flatbed towing—also called rollback towing—is the only 100% safe method for transporting AWD vehicles. Here’s why:

All Four Wheels Are Off the Ground

When your AWD vehicle is loaded onto a flatbed truck, all four wheels are elevated and secured on a flat platform. None of the wheels touch the road, which means:

No wheels spin during transport
No drivetrain components are forced to turn
No stress on the transmission, differentials, or transfer case
Zero risk of towing-related damage

Complete Vehicle Protection

Beyond the drivetrain, flatbed towing also protects:

Low-clearance components – bumpers, spoilers, and body kits stay safe
Suspension system – no stress from being lifted at an angle
Tires – no wear from being dragged on pavement
Undercarriage – protected from road debris during transport

Works in All Conditions

Saskatoon’s winters are brutal. Flatbed towing works perfectly whether your AWD vehicle is:

Stuck in a snowbank on Circle Drive
Broken down on icy Highway 16
Stranded in a parking lot with a dead battery
Damaged after an accident

No matter the situation, our 24-hour towing service can safely transport your AWD vehicle anywhere in Saskatoon and beyond.

Popular AWD Vehicles in Saskatoon That Require Flatbed Towing

Many drivers don’t realize their vehicle is all-wheel drive. Here are common AWD vehicles we tow in Saskatoon that must be transported on a flatbed:

Subaru (All Models)

Subaru explicitly states in their owner’s manuals that all AWD models must be transported on flatbeds. This includes the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, and WRX.

Audi Quattro Models

Audi’s Quattro AWD system is sophisticated and requires flatbed transport. Limited two-wheel towing is only allowed with specific procedures and strict distance restrictions.

BMW xDrive Models

BMW’s xDrive AWD system needs flatbed towing to prevent differential and transfer case damage.

Other Common AWD Vehicles

Toyota RAV4 AWD, Highlander AWD, 4Runner
Honda CR-V AWD, Pilot AWD, Passport
Ford Escape AWD, Explorer AWD, Edge AWD
Mazda CX-5 AWD, CX-9 AWD, CX-30 AWD
Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler 4×4
Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X (all dual-motor models)
Nissan Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder AWD

Not sure if your vehicle is AWD? Check your owner’s manual or look for badges on your vehicle that say “AWD,” “4WD,” “Quattro,” “xDrive,” “4MATIC,” or “SH-AWD.” When in doubt, tell our dispatcher your vehicle’s make and model when you call (639) 562-9281, and we’ll send the right truck.

How Our Saskatoon Flatbed Towing Service Works

When you call Saskatoon Towing for AWD towing, here’s exactly what happens:

Step 1: We Dispatch the Right Truck

When you mention you have an AWD vehicle, we automatically assign a flatbed tow truck—not a wheel-lift truck. Our dispatchers are trained to ask about your vehicle type for this exact reason.

Step 2: The Flatbed Is Positioned

Our operator positions the flatbed truck and uses hydraulic controls to tilt the bed, creating a gentle ramp from the ground to the truck platform.

Step 3: Your Vehicle Is Loaded Safely

If your vehicle can drive, you’ll drive it onto the flatbed. If it’s disabled, our operator uses a winch to gently pull it up the ramp—no stress on the tires or suspension.

Step 4: Secure Tie-Down

We use wheel chocks and professional-grade straps to secure all four wheels to the flatbed. Your vehicle won’t shift or bounce during transport.

Step 5: Safe Transport

With your AWD vehicle fully secured on the flatbed, we transport it to your chosen destination—whether that’s a mechanic, dealership, your home, or our secure storage facility.

When You Need Flatbed Towing in Saskatoon

Beyond AWD vehicles, flatbed towing is the best choice for:

Luxury vehicles – Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, and other high-end cars
Sports cars and low-clearance vehicles – Mustangs, Corvettes, Miatas
Classic and vintage cars – any vehicle you want to protect from road wear
Vehicles with body damage – accident recovery where stability is critical
Motorcycles – our flatbeds accommodate motorcycle towing too
Electric vehicles – Teslas and other EVs have unique towing requirements

If you’re ever unsure whether flatbed towing is right for your vehicle, just ask. Our team will help you choose the safest option.

Flatbed Towing Across Saskatoon

We provide flatbed towing services throughout Saskatoon and surrounding areas, including:

We also offer long-distance towing to Regina, Prince Albert, Edmonton, and other destinations across Saskatchewan and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About AWD Towing in Saskatoon

Can I tow my AWD vehicle with a tow dolly?

No. Tow dollies only lift two wheels, leaving the other two on the ground. This can cause severe damage to AWD drivetrains. Always use a flatbed for AWD vehicles.

Is flatbed towing more expensive than regular towing?

Flatbed towing may cost slightly more than wheel-lift towing, but the difference is minimal compared to the $3,000 to $8,000 in transmission repairs you could face from improper towing. It’s a worthwhile investment to protect your vehicle.

Can I put my AWD vehicle in neutral and tow it safely?

No. Even in neutral, the wheels being dragged on the road will turn the drivetrain components without proper lubrication. This causes overheating and damage. Neutral does not make wheel-lift towing safe for AWD vehicles.

How do I know if my vehicle is AWD?

Check your owner’s manual, look for AWD/4WD badges on your vehicle, or check the window sticker. You can also search your VIN online or tell us your make and model—we’ll confirm whether flatbed towing is required.

What if I need emergency towing and a flatbed isn’t available?

At Saskatoon Towing, we maintain multiple flatbed trucks specifically for situations like this. In the rare case that all flatbeds are busy, we can use a wheel-lift truck with tow dollies—this keeps all four wheels off the ground and is safe for AWD vehicles.

Do you tow Teslas and other electric AWD vehicles?

Yes. Electric AWD vehicles like Tesla have specific towing requirements due to their regenerative braking systems. We use flatbed towing for all electric vehicles to prevent damage to the motors and battery system.

Need Flatbed Towing for Your AWD Vehicle in Saskatoon?

Don’t risk your vehicle with a towing company that doesn’t understand AWD systems. At Saskatoon Towing, we have the equipment, training, and experience to transport your all-wheel-drive vehicle safely—every time.

Call us 24/7 at (639) 562-9281

Flatbed trucks available around the clock
Transparent, upfront pricing—no surprises
Fast response times across Saskatoon
Insurance-approved towing with direct billing available

Whether you’re stuck on Highway 11, broken down in Stonebridge, or need to transport your AWD vehicle across the province, we’re here to help.

Note: All prices mentioned in this article are provided for general reference and informational purposes only. These prices are not fixed and may vary depending on facts, market conditions, location, time, availability, or other relevant factors. Actual prices may change without prior notice. Readers are advised to verify details independently before making any decisions.

Why Flatbed Towing Protects Your AWD Vehicle | Saskatoon