Rechargd.com is reader supported. We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tesla Model 3 is a superior vehicle built with your safety in mind, but emergencies happen to the best drivers. Whether you’re in a tight spot now or are preparing for all future situations, knowing the ins and outs of towing your Model 3 is critical to being an excellent Tesla owner.
Luckily, you can tow your Tesla Model 3. However, according to the owner’s manual, all four wheels must be off of the ground. Ideally, a flatbed truck or trailer should be used to tow the Model 3, but traditional tow trucks can use wheel lifts and dollies to tow for a short period of time.
How Long Can You Tow Your Model 3 For?
If your Model 3 is positioned safely in a flatbed truck or trailer and none of its wheels are on the ground, you can keep it there indefinitely.
However, if you had to use wheel lifts and dollies to tow the Model 3, you can only tow it for 35 miles (55 kilometers) before it can damage your car.
What is Teslas ‘Transport Mode’?
To tow your Model 3, you must use its Transport Mode. The Model 3 must have power and detect a key to activate Transport Mode.
The Model 3’s Transport Mode limits acceleration on the vehicle to 3 miles per hour (or 5 km/h) for 30 feet (or 10 meters). If rolled faster or for longer than these recommendations, you risk overheating the car.
Transport Mode is important for slowly rolling the Model 3 so you can winch it onto a flatbed for towing. You could also use Transport Mode to rearrange the Model 3 before beginning to tow it.
When Transport Mode is on, the parking brake is off. A message letting you know that the car is ‘free rolling’ will also appear.
To use Transport Mode, make sure you are in Park. Then, press and hold the brake. While doing that, use the touchscreen to select Controls, then Service, and then Towing.
You will see a message about how Transport Mode works and restrictions for towing the Model 3. Lastly, press the Transport Mode button.
Towing a Tesla Model 3 vs. a Regular Car
Towing a Tesla Model 3 has one simple rule: getting the wheels off the ground. For regular cars, that’s not a problem.
Regular car wheels don’t generate energy that cause overheating.
Regular cars might be towed with a tow strap, dolly, wheel lift, or a mix of these aids. Usually, unless a flatbed is used, a regular car has at least two wheels on the ground.
The regular car is put in Neutral, and they drive away.
A Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, must be put in Transport Mode. Then, it should be slowly loaded onto a flatbed or positioned with a wheel lift and dollies so that its wheels are suspended.
In both situations, with both the Tesla Model 3 and a regular car, vehicle owners should spend time making sure all bindings are secure. Safety is paramount when vehicles are being towed.
FAQ
How do I contact Tesla Roadside Assistance?
To contact Tesla Roadside Assistance in the United States and Canada, call 1-877-79TESLA. If you are in Mexico, call 1-800-228-8145.
For phone numbers for other countries’ roadside assistance, check out this link.
Another way to see these phone numbers for Tesla Roadside Assistance is to tap the ‘T’ at the top-center of the touchscreen.
As long as you are under Tesla’s warranty, you can access their roadside assistance programs. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Tesla understands emergencies happen at all times.
What Direction Should My Tesla Model 3 Face When Towing?
If you’re towing your Model 3 with a flatbed truck, the direction it faces doesn’t matter.
But if you had to use wheel lifts and dollies, you should have the front end of the Tesla lifted. This would leave the rear wheels for the dollies.
Where Is My Tow Eye/Tow Hook?
To find your tow eye (also called a tow hook), lift up the carpet in the front trunk of the Model 3. It is located in the upper left-hand quadrant. This is also the area where you will see two wires, black and red. In case of a battery failure, but you still need to open your trunk, frunk, or doors, you can attach a 12-volt battery here to enable the locks from your Tesla App. We used a car (Not running) and just used jumper cables to make the connection between the two vehicles. Then open the app and open whatever you need to get to.
Press on its rounded portion gently until its opposite end lifts from the trunk and then pull the lifted end free.
Why Do My Model 3’s Wheels Need To Be Off Of The Ground?
Towing the Model 3 with any of the wheels on the ground could potentially cause damage. The wheels generate power, which causes overheating when towed over the recommended distance of 35 miles (55 kilometers).
That can harm the car and—in rare cases—ignition of surrounding areas.
Who Is Qualified To Fix My Model 3?
Tesla Motors recommends using its service centers to maintain the most integrity in your Model 3’s performance.
What do I do if I need to be in Transport Mode and my Model 3 has no charge?
If you are without power in an emergency situation and need to get into Transport Mode, jump start your Model 3.
Can I Tow Charge My Model 3?
Maybe you can, but you really, really shouldn’t. It isn’t covered under Tesla’s warranty, can cause damage to your vehicle, and is an unnecessary risk for an inefficient gain. A flatbed tow truck is the only option we would ever use to tow a Tesla. Ensure you turn off the sentry before towing, or the driver will have to listen to an alarm for quite a while. 🙂
Imagine this: every time you want to charge your Model 3, you need a second vehicle with towing capabilities to transport it. That’s not a solution.
Skip the risk and go to the charging station. Alternatively, watch YouTube videos of other people doing it so you don’t have to.
Conclusion
Towing your Tesla Model 3 doesn’t have to be complicated. If you remember that the wheels need to be off the ground (no, seriously, get them off the ground), then you’ll be a-okay.
Now, you have all the tools you need to keep your Tesla as safe as it keeps you.