What Are The Safest Ways To Tow a Car With Another Car? [Read Here]

Many experts would agree that it’s far better to Tow A Car with a tow truck or pickup/trailer than with another car, but not everyone has access to such heavy equipment. Perhaps you are in a distant location where it’s tough to get help, or your AAA membership has ended, and you simply can’t afford a tow truck service.

Sometimes you can only improvise and ask yourself: Can I tow a car with another car?

To determine if you can tow a different vehicle with yours, you’ll need to do some necessary fact-finding. You’ll need to understand the tow rating of your car (how many pounds your auto can tow), if your car has a tow hitch connected, or if the car you are towing has 2WD or 4WD. Also, if the vehicle being towed has a manual or an automatic transmission.

Is It Legal to Tow a Car with Another Car in NSW?

According to Transport for NSW Towing Guidelines:

• You can tow another car using a rope, chain, or tow bar only for short distances and when necessary.

• The maximum speed limit is 30 km/h when using a rope or chain.

• The towed vehicle must have a licensed driver inside to steer and brake, unless the car is on a trailer or dolly.

• Using a rigid tow bar is safer and recommended over ropes or chains.

Before We Get Into The Details of How To Tow Another Car Safely, Here Are A Few Simple Guidelines For You:

First, the tow vehicle should be heavier and larger than the car you need to tow. It requires more engine and braking control to both drag and stops two cars instead of one.

Second, ensure that the car being towed is empty. Not only is it prohibited for a passenger to be in a towed vehicle, but it is also highly unsafe.

Third, switch the ignition on of the vehicle being towed so the steering wheel doesn’t lock.

And lastly, if you are driving at night, turn on the towed vehicle’s parking lights so that drivers following behind can see it.

Now, let’s discuss the various methods of towing a car with another car. No matter which towing method you prefer, you’ll require a tow hitch on the tow vehicle. This hitch is attached to the chassis. Many trucks and SUVs come installed with a tow hitch from the factory, but most passenger cars aren’t. You can install them yourself, but we recommend having an expert do the work for the best results.

How To Safely Tow a Car with a Chain?

Towing a car with a chain or a tow rope should be the last resort and should only be carried out for short distances. Avoid Highways in such cases.

Don’t use any old rope or chain as thin, frayed ropes or rusty and cracked chains can easily snap, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Make sure that the rope or chain isn’t too short or too long, as this can also create problems. Also, while towing with a chain or rope, don’t put brakes quickly as the car pulled by yours will likely be in neutral and have no active brakes. It can slam into yours and cause a lot of damage.

How to Tow another Car with a Dolly?

A general method for towing a car with another vehicle is to use a tow dolly, basically a small trailer. Using a dolly keeps the towed car’s front tires up off the ground, which helps to decrease both tire and driveline damage on the vehicle. One of the benefits of a small tow trailer is that it excludes “pushing” of the rear car when braking.

How to Tow a Car by a Tow Bar?

Another choice for car-to-car hauling is a tow bar, and you can rent one if you don’t own one. Typically, tow bars are A-framed designed and mount to the towed vehicle. The tow bar connects to the tow vehicle via the rear-mounted hitch.

Note that safety cables are required when using a tow bar. Also, exercise caution when braking and turning.

How to Tow an Auto with a Trailer?

A car hauling trailer, either enclosed or open, is the most reliable and safest option for towing a car with another vehicle. A trailer, all four wheels of the towed car sit on the trailer.

You’ll require a truck as your tow vehicle for this process because the combined weight of the towed car and trailer will exceed the tow rating of virtually any passenger car, as well as several of today’s SUVs.

Towing a Car with 2WD vs. 4WD

It’s essential to know if the vehicle you are towing has 2WD or 4WD. If the vehicle is 2WD, you must know if the front or rear wheels produce the power.

If the towed auto is FWD, use a tow dolly for the best results. It will prevent wear and tear on the driveline parts. If the vehicle has RWD, you will want to release the driveshaft, either via a switch or manually. Once that is over, depending on the transmission type, you should either put the towed car in neutral and free the parking brake (for manual transmission).

Refer to the owner’s manual for instructions to be careful.

How to Flat Tow an Auto with 4-Wheel Drive?

A common choice among the RV circle is flat towing a 4WD for use at an off-road garage or other local attraction. You can flat tow with a regular car, provided the tow rating will allow for it.

Depending on the kind of transmission in the towed vehicle, the flat-towing method is slightly different. For a towed 4WD car with a manual transmission, you’ll need to disengage the transfer case and lockout hubs and transmission properly.

Driving Tips for Towing A Car With A Car

The guidelines for driving while towing another vehicle are similar to those for driving a semi-truck. Keep the following tips handy when safely towing a car with another car:

• Drive slower than you usually would. The car’s extra weight being towed means longer braking distances, so you need to adjust your speed accordingly. Leave plenty of room between your automobile and the one ahead.
• Easy on the brakes. Avoid panic stops when you are towing another car. Ensure your brakes are proper and that your rotors and pads are in excellent condition.
• Utilize your mirrors and turn signals. Being aware of your surroundings is necessary when you’re towing something – especially another car. Ensure your mirrors are accurately mounted and secure, not cracked, clean, and adjusted to the driver. Use your turn signal as it’s important to let other drivers know what you intend to do.
• Exercise caution when switching lanes. Combination vehicles create blind spots, so it is crucial to be cautious while switching lanes.

What Can Happen to the Towed Car If You Do It Wrong?

Finally, before you use your vehicle to tow another car, be sure to read the owner’s manual for both. If you don’t haul the vehicle properly, it can damage the driveline of the towed car and void the warranty. Replacing driveline parts can cost a lot, and you should avoid this.

Please keep in mind that while it may be safe to tow with your automobile, the car you’re towing may not be designed for the same.

Latest Penalties for Illegal Car‑to‑Car Towing in NSW

Under NSW Road Rules 2014 (Regulation 294‑3), several strict conditions apply when towing another car with your vehicle — including maximum distance (4 m), having a licensed driver in the towed car, or using proper equipment like a rigid tow‑bar NSW Government+4NSW Legislation+4Courtenell+4NSW Legislation+4AustLII+4AustLII+4.

Breaching these rules can result in a hefty fine of up to 20 penalty units. The current value of a penalty unit in NSW is $110 (as of July 2023)

👉 That means the maximum penalty is approximately $2,200 — but this could increase if penalty unit values adjust in the future.

📈 Penalty Unit Increases Coming July 2025

The NSW Government has confirmed that penalty unit values will rise by about 3% from 1 July 2025:

• From ~$110 to $113.30 (rounded) for general penalties

✅ What This Means for You

✅ Why Hiring a Professional Tow Truck Is Smarter

• You avoid up to $2,266 in potential fines.

• Towing Sydney uses proper equipment and trained drivers, staying fully compliant — ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

✅ 12 FAQs – Why Choose Towing Sydney?

1. Why should I choose Towing Sydney instead of towing with another car?

Towing with another car is risky—it can damage your vehicle, cause accidents, and is often illegal on highways. Towing Sydney uses professional equipment to ensure safe, legal towing.

2. Is it legal to tow a car with another car in NSW?

In most cases, towing with another car is restricted to short distances and emergency situations. Towing Sydney ensures full compliance with NSW towing regulations, avoiding fines or accidents.

3. What makes Towing Sydney safer than DIY towing?

We use specialised tow trucks, proper safety gear, and trained operators, reducing the risk of vehicle damage or accidents during transport.

4. Does Towing Sydney offer 24/7 service?

Yes, we operate 24/7 across Sydney and surrounding areas, including urgent car theft recovery, accident towing, and farm/rural car removal.

5. How fast can Towing Sydney respond in an emergency?

Our average response time is 30–45 minutes, depending on location. We prioritise urgent cases like stolen car recovery and dumped vehicle removal.

6. What areas do you cover?

We service all Sydney suburbs, including high-risk theft areas like Liverpool, Blacktown, and Campbelltown, as well as rural properties for farm vehicle removal.

7. Why is professional towing recommended for dumped cars?

Dumped cars often leak fuel, oil, or battery acid, posing environmental hazards. Towing Sydney ensures safe removal and disposal in compliance with NSW regulations.

8. Do you tow from farms or rural areas?

Yes. We provide heavy-duty towing solutions for farms and rural properties, handling off-road conditions and ensuring proper disposal.

9. Is towing after theft covered by insurance?

Most insurers cover towing after theft recovery. We provide receipts and documentation to help with your insurance claim.

10. Can I request towing for a stolen car recovered by NSW Police?

Absolutely. Once police clearance is given, we can tow your recovered car safely to your home, mechanic, or an authorised holding yard.

11. What equipment do you use for towing?

We use flatbed tow trucks, wheel-lift systems, and other industry-standard equipment to protect your car during transit.

12. How do I book Towing Sydney?

You can call 0410 516 161 anytime or visit towingsydney.com.au for quick service.

If you want to avoid commotion on the road and want a safe towing of your vehicle, you must call Towing Sydney services for smooth transport. We offer quick services and will safely tow your car.

Call 0410 516 161