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Tesla has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in recent years. The move towards environmentally friendly transportation is clearer than ever with over a million electric cars delivered in the United States in 2021. Tesla in particular has made a name for itself with its eco-friendly, high-performance electric vehicles that are also sleek and efficient. In 2020, Tesla’s Model S averaged over 16,000 monthly sales, making it the world’s best-selling electric car.
But, there may be a moment when you need to tow a Tesla, just like any other car. But, unlike standard gas-powered vehicles, hauling a Tesla needs some extra care and planning. This post will show you how to securely tow a Tesla by providing detailed instructions and professional pointers. If you’re a professional tow truck driver or operate a towing business, this article has the information you need to safely and successfully tow a Tesla.
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Understanding the Automotive Anatomy of a Tesla – Why Does It Need Flatbed Towing?
You have to understand that towing a Tesla is a unique endeavor that calls for proper awareness about the vehicle, requisite planning, and attention to detail. Tow trucks with flatbeds are required to move electric vehicles like Teslas, which do not have conventional engines. Since the electric motor and gearbox function as a single unit, special care must be taken to prevent motor damage.
1 – Preventing Battery Damage
Damage to the Tesla’s battery can result from towing it on the ground. While being towed, a Tesla’s massive battery pack, which is placed beneath the vehicle, is exposed to potential hazards including collision and friction. The battery pack might be severely damaged if the vehicle is pulled on the ground, where it would scrape against the road or other obstructions.
Battery performance and longevity can be severely compromised by even small damage, resulting in expensive repairs or replacements. Damage to the battery while towing might potentially endanger the driver and passengers, as well as your reputation as a towing service. To avoid damaging the battery pack, it is highly recommended to use a flatbed tow truck while transporting a Tesla.
2. Ensuring Drivetrain Safety
The core of a Tesla’s drivetrain is an electric motor, which is optimized for use while it is turning the wheels rather than serving as a towing motor. The electric motor in a Tesla can be severely damaged if the vehicle is pulled with the drive wheels on the road.
Since Tesla’s electric motor is still engaged and continues to revolve while being pulled with the wheels on the ground, severe strain can occur. When this happens, the motor can start to generate an electrical current, which can cause internal resistance. Long-term exposure to high resistance can wear out the motor and necessitate expensive replacement.
3 – Avoiding Transmission Damage
Transmissions in Tesla vehicles are unique as the drivetrain has a single, constant-speed gearbox. The drive unit of a Tesla vehicle can sustain damage if the vehicle is towed on the road. This may become a major issue if the vehicle is pulled for a long distance or at a fast pace. The drive unit’s electronics are complicated and delicate, which means they can get damaged by excessive stress or force.
Apart from that, the transmission of a Tesla may be impacted if towed with a conventional tow truck. This is because the drive wheels are lifted off the ground by conventional tow trucks, which can overspeed a fixed-gear transmission. Because of this, the transmission can overheat and break, leading to costly repairs.
4. Preventing Wheel Alignment Issues
Wheel alignment problems are another possible consequence of being towed behind a conventional tow truck with a Tesla. Dragging a car on its wheels may damage or misalign the wheels, compromising the vehicle’s handling and performance. For optimal performance and range, electric cars like Teslas need sophisticated wheel alignment modifications.
Uneven tire wear and the additional risk of a blowout and other tire-related driving hazards are both consequences of wheels that aren’t properly aligned. The suspension and the steering system may get damaged, resulting in expensive repairs. To prevent damage to the vehicle’s wheels and suspension, it is essential to use a flatbed tow truck.
5 – Upholding Vehicle Warranty
Tesla offers a warranty on its cars, but only if they are maintained by following the company’s guidelines. A vehicle’s warranty may be voided if regular maintenance is not performed as specified. As we’ve already established, there’s a chance of damaging your Tesla if you tow it on the ground. Tesla may not cover repairs if the damage was caused by being towed.
The owner will have to pay for expensive repairs because of this. Consequently, to keep your warranty intact, be sure to follow Tesla’s towing rules. Towing the Tesla using a flatbed tow truck is safe and will not void the warranty.
6 – Ensuring Safety and Legal Compliance
There are additional legal concerns to consider while towing a Tesla and other electric vehicles on the ground. Keep in mind that towing is governed by a wide variety of state and local laws and you need to be aware of the specific regulations of your region and follow them if you want to stay out of legal problems.
In addition, some risks are associated with towing a vehicle on the ground, such as collisions. The Tesla and other vehicles on the road may get severely damaged in an accident if the tow truck driver is not trained to handle electric cars. Unsafe driving conditions can occur if a vehicle is not properly fastened down during transport.
Tow a Tesla the Right Way with a Flatbed Tow Truck
Given the above risks, a flatbed tow truck is the safest option for transporting Tesla vehicles. When the whole vehicle is lifted off the ground, the drive unit, battery, gearbox, and other components of the electric car are spared any unnecessary stress. This will ensure that you are delivering exceptional specialized towing service and deliver customer satisfaction.
Step 1 – Prepare the Tesla for Towing
Before you can tow a Tesla safely to its destination, it is important to ensure that it has been appropriately prepared for loading on the flatbed tow truck. Here are some of the important steps that you need to take.
- Put the Tesla in Park Mode
Make sure the Tesla is fully turned off by pushing the brake pedal and putting it in Park Mode before loading it for towing. - Release the Parking Brake
To release the Tesla’s parking brake, just press the brake pedal and use the infotainment system’s touchscreen controls to do so. - Start the Transport Mode
The car’s security can be guaranteed when it’s being transported using Transport Mode. Just tap “Controls” on the touchscreen, then “Settings,” “Service,” and then “Transport Mode” to activate the function. To activate Transport Mode, click “On.” - Remove the Charging Cable
Before you try to tow a Tesla, make sure the charging cable is unplugged and the system is disengaged. - Don’t Leave Any Loose Items
Be mindful of placing any unnecessary items in the trunk or some other place. In this way, valuables are less likely to be broken or lost in transit.
Step 2 – Load the Tesla on the Flatbed
To prevent damaging or denting a Tesla, take extra precautions while loading it onto a flatbed tow truck. The recommended procedure is as follows:
- Position the Flatbed Tow Truck
Take all the necessary steps to position the Tesla safely on the flatbed tow truck. The ramp should be horizontally aligned and the truck should be positioned on flat ground. - Get the Ramp Lined Up with the Tesla
The ramp’s angle should be gradual and level with the Tesla’s tires. This will protect the Tesla from any damage throughout the loading process onto the flatbed. - Make Sure the Flatbed Is In Good Shape
Examine the flatbed for any defects or debris that might scratch the Tesla’s undercarriage before loading. - Fasten the Tesla Down to the Flatbed
After the Tesla has been loaded onto the flatbed, it must be secured with straps or chains to ensure that it does not move during transit. To protect the Tesla’s body and chassis, tie-downs should be attached to the vehicle’s wheels or suspension points. - Inspect All Towing Components
Make sure the Tesla is safely fastened to the flatbed by checking all towing connections before you move the flatbed.
Step 3 – Safely Secure the Tesla on the Flatbed
While towing a Tesla, it is essential to secure the car on a flatbed tow truck to avoid any mishaps on the road. After being hoisted onto the flatbed of a tow truck, the Tesla must be safely fastened in place to prevent it from moving about throughout the towing process.
- Use Straps and Chains for Securing
The driver of the tow truck will require tools like ratchet straps and chains to safely restrain the Tesla. Straps or chains should be fastened to reliable places on the Tesla, such as the front or rear axles, and the equipment should be rated to support the weight of the car. - Ensure Proper Fastening of the Vehicle
Tighten the securing straps or chains until they are taut, but not so much that they will damage the car. - Be Cautious and Avoid Causing Any Damage
The tow truck driver should be aware that damaging the car by fastening the straps or chains to the vehicle’s body or suspension components is possible and should be avoided at all costs. Before loading the Tesla onto the flatbed tow truck, the driver should use extreme caution to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging the vehicle.
Step 4 – Tow the Tesla to Its Destination
Keep in mind that great care must be taken during transit once the Tesla has been safely loaded onto the flatbed tow truck. To do so safely requires a steady hand behind the wheel of the tow truck and minimal shaking of the Tesla. Safely transporting the Tesla requires:
- Driving With Caution
The driver of the tow truck has to be careful to avoid shaking the Tesla by making any sharp turns or stopping abruptly. - Using The Right EquipmentBear
in mind that straps or chains on the tow truck should be strong enough to support the Tesla’s weight and hold it safely in place. - Making Frequent Checks
The driver has to keep an eye on the straps or chains to make sure they haven’t loosened up. - Maintaining Tesla’s Steady State
Maintaining as much steadiness as possible when transporting the Tesla is essential. Tow truck drivers can do this by keeping the speed down and avoiding erratic driving. - Monitoring The Vehicle
The driver must keep a constant eye on the vehicle to make sure nothing happens to it along the way until they have safely reached the desired destination.
Step 5 – Unload the Tesla on Its Destination
Once the Tesla has been transported to its destination securely, it must be unloaded from the flatbed tow truck correctly. To unload the vehicle in a secure and timely manner, ensure to follow these procedures:
- Position the Tow Truck Safely
Park the flatbed tow truck in a secure parking spot and remove any potential risks from the area surrounding it. Carefully maneuver the flatbed into position so that the Tesla can be unloaded onto a flat surface. - Keep the Tesla Secure
After the flatbed is in place, the Tesla can be anchored to it with the same securement equipment that was used at the time of loading it onto the flatbed. - Release the Winch and Disconnect the Straps
As the Tesla’s wheels are about to hit the ground, release the winch rope and carefully lower the bed of the flatbed truck. Remove the straps from the flatbed truck carefully, making sure the car can stand on its wheels. - Examine the Tesla
Inspect the Tesla for any transport-related damage before taking off. Make sure everything is in working order by inspecting the batteries, tires, and other parts. - Drive the Tesla off the Flatbed
Lastly, drive the Tesla safely off the flatbed and onto the ground, checking its stability and all systems.
Step 5 – Unload the Tesla on Its Destination
Once the Tesla has been transported to its destination securely, it must be unloaded from the flatbed tow truck correctly. To unload the vehicle in a secure and timely manner, ensure to follow these procedures:
- Position the Tow Truck Safely
Park the flatbed tow truck in a secure parking spot and remove any potential risks from the area surrounding it. Carefully maneuver the flatbed into position so that the Tesla can be unloaded onto a flat surface. - Keep the Tesla Secure
After the flatbed is in place, the Tesla can be anchored to it with the same securement equipment that was used at the time of loading it onto the flatbed. - Release the Winch and Disconnect the Straps
As the Tesla’s wheels are about to hit the ground, release the winch rope and carefully lower the bed of the flatbed truck. Remove the straps from the flatbed truck carefully, making sure the car can stand on its wheels. - Examine the Tesla
Inspect the Tesla for any transport-related damage before taking off. Make sure everything is in working order by inspecting the batteries, tires, and other parts. - Drive the Tesla off the Flatbed
Lastly, drive the Tesla safely off the flatbed and onto the ground, checking its stability and all systems.
Step 5 – Unload the Tesla on Its Destination
Once the Tesla has been transported to its destination securely, it must be unloaded from the flatbed tow truck correctly. To unload the vehicle in a secure and timely manner, ensure to follow these procedures:
- Position the Tow Truck Safely
Park the flatbed tow truck in a secure parking spot and remove any potential risks from the area surrounding it. Carefully maneuver the flatbed into position so that the Tesla can be unloaded onto a flat surface. - Keep the Tesla Secure
After the flatbed is in place, the Tesla can be anchored to it with the same securement equipment that was used at the time of loading it onto the flatbed. - Release the Winch and Disconnect the Straps
As the Tesla’s wheels are about to hit the ground, release the winch rope and carefully lower the bed of the flatbed truck. Remove the straps from the flatbed truck carefully, making sure the car can stand on its wheels. - Examine the Tesla
Inspect the Tesla for any transport-related damage before taking off. Make sure everything is in working order by inspecting the batteries, tires, and other parts. - Drive the Tesla off the Flatbed
Lastly, drive the Tesla safely off the flatbed and onto the ground, checking its stability and all systems.
Towing a Tesla is no Longer Just an Option but an Expected Service
Towing services, in light of the increasing prevalence of electric cars, must be ready to handle the special problems presented by the sector. Tesla, in particular, has its own set of towing requirements as the car can get damaged, could pose safety problems, and there could even be legal difficulties if the proper processes are not followed.
Businesses in the towing industry that are prepared to haul Teslas will be able to better serve their clientele and generate more income. There will be more Tesla drivers who will require roadside help as the number of electric cars on the road increases. Towing services can gain credibility as a reliable service provider for this expanding industry by investing in the equipment and training necessary to haul Teslas securely.
Towing businesses will be able to stay out of trouble with the law if they are familiar with the correct processes for towing Teslas. If a Tesla owner feels their car was damaged while being towed, they may choose to pursue legal action. Towing services can reduce the likelihood of damage to the car and its legal liability by following the necessary procedures and using the appropriate equipment.
Final Word
In conclusion, towing a Tesla on the road is not without its risks, and a flatbed tow truck is the best option for transporting it. Before attempting to haul a Tesla with a conventional tow truck, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the multiple risks involved in doing so on the ground. Particularly susceptible to harm is the Tesla’s battery, which, if damaged, will need costly repairs or even replacement.
Towing a Tesla requires special skill and accuracy to avoid damaging the vehicle or the tow truck. As Teslas are rapidly rising in popularity, towing services should be ready to haul them. There is a growing need for towing services, and as more people switch to electric cars, businesses must prepare by purchasing the required equipment and educating their employees. If they want to provide their clients with the best service possible, towing businesses also need to be aware of the specific difficulties involved in towing Teslas.
Finally, towing a Tesla is a sensitive task, therefore it’s important to be mindful of what factors should be taken into consideration. Towing companies can confidently and effectively assist Tesla owners by adhering to the proper procedures for prepping the vehicle for towing, strapping it to a flatbed tow truck, and transporting it securely.
