A flatbed is Tesla’s recommended way to move the car. All four tires must stay off the road during transport. For Model S, 3, X and Y, Tesla also permits a wheel lift with dollies under the other wheels, within limits. A wheel lift that leaves two tires rolling on the road is not the same thing.
If you’re arranging a tow, tell dispatch which Tesla you have, whether the screen works, and where the car is sitting. Those details matter before the truck leaves.
Can You Tow a Tesla?
Yes. A breakdown, flat tire or depleted battery can leave a Tesla needing transport just like any other car. The difference is how it’s loaded and carried.
A flatbed carries the entire vehicle. A wheel lift can also keep all four tires clear of the road when paired with dollies, but that alternative has model-specific limits. The comparison below explains them. For a longer trip, the dolly allowance is not a substitute for a transport truck.
Can You Flat Tow a Tesla?
No. Don’t tow it behind another vehicle with its tires rolling on the road, even if you can put it in Neutral or Tow Mode. Tesla warns that spinning the wheels during transport can cause damage and overheating. Damage from improper transport is excluded from its warranty.
Tow Mode releases the parking brake for loading or very short repositioning. It doesn’t turn your Tesla into a car you can pull down the highway.
How to Activate Tesla Tow Mode
You may see this called Transport Mode in older instructions. Use the wording and procedure in your car’s manual. Don’t switch it on while waiting on the shoulder: it releases the parking brake. Wait until the operator is ready and the vehicle is secured.
- Keep the vehicle in Park and disconnect any charging cable.
- Have the key available. The car needs to detect it, and the low-voltage system must have power.
- Have the operator secure the car against rolling before the parking brake is released.
- Hold the brake pedal and open Controls > Service > Towing. Follow the screen’s instructions to enter Tow Mode.
The current US manuals for Model S, 3, X and Y limit powered repositioning in Tow Mode to under 5 mph and less than 30 feet. Cybertruck’s limit is under 3 mph and less than 30 feet. These are loading limits, not towing distances; follow any stricter instruction in the manual for your vehicle.
What If the Screen Won’t Turn On?
Tell dispatch before they send a truck. An empty driving battery and a loss of low-voltage power are different problems. If the screen is unavailable, the operator may need an external low-voltage supply to enable Tow Mode, or self-loading dollies or tire skates to load the vehicle.
Use Tesla’s jump-start procedure for the exact model and year. Don’t assume every Tesla has a 12-volt battery, and don’t force locked wheels to turn. Cybertruck has its own no-power procedure because its steering also depends on power.
What to Do When Your Tesla Breaks Down in Maryland
If you’re in an unsafe location, contact emergency services first. Once you can arrange the tow, give dispatch:
- Your location: road, direction of travel, nearest exit or cross street, and whether you’re on a shoulder, in a garage or behind a gate.
- The model and year: say if it’s a Cybertruck so the operator can check equipment capacity and bed length.
- What happened: a flat tire, loss of range, collision, warning message or another problem.
- What still works: touchscreen, key access and steering. Mention damaged or locked wheels.
- The destination: a service center, repair shop, charger or another address. Confirm that destination and the price before dispatch.
Geyers Towing provides 24/7 light-duty towing in Montgomery County, Frederick County and the surrounding Maryland area. Ask for flatbed dispatch and a current arrival estimate. If you expect Tesla to cover the tow, check with Tesla Roadside Assistance before booking it independently.
What Equipment Is Needed to Tow a Tesla?
The operator needs a truck rated for your vehicle, suitable loading equipment and tire restraints. If Tow Mode won’t engage, tell them so they can bring the equipment needed to move the car without dragging locked tires.
The operator must check the actual vehicle and equipment ratings before loading. Cybertruck also needs a flatbed at least 21 feet long. Loading attachment points and tire tie-down instructions belong to the exact model’s transporter manual.
Tesla Towing Requirements by Model
These details come from Tesla’s US transporter instructions linked below. Check the manual for your model year and configuration before loading; older vehicles can have different procedures.
| Tesla model | Transport method | Wheel lift + dollies | Before loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | Flatbed preferred | Up to 35 miles (55 km) | Front wheel lift and rear dollies recommended. |
| Model Y | Flatbed preferred | Up to 35 miles (55 km) | All four tires off the road; equipment rated for the vehicle. |
| Model S | Flatbed preferred | Up to 35 miles (55 km) | Air suspension: Very High and Jack Mode; front-dolly steering-lock restriction. |
| Model X | Flatbed preferred | Up to 35 miles (55 km) | Very High and Jack Mode; front-dolly steering-lock restriction. |
| Cybertruck | Flatbed, at least 21 ft | Necessary short repositioning only | Check GVWR, power and steering; Jack Mode if equipped with air suspension. |
The 35-mile allowance requires all four tires off the ground and compliance with the dolly manufacturer's speed rating. It is not permission to tow with two tires on the road.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s Model 3 instructions recommend a flatbed. If one cannot be used, a wheel lift and dollies must keep every tire off the ground. Tesla recommends lifting the front wheels and putting the rear wheels on dollies, with a maximum transport distance of 35 miles (55 km) and the dolly manufacturer’s speed limit.
The illustrations show the important distinction: carrying the whole car versus leaving its rear tires on the road.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s Model Y manual recommends a flatbed and permits the same all-wheels-off-ground dolly arrangement for up to 35 miles (55 km). The equipment must be rated for the vehicle being moved.
If the touchscreen is inaccessible or Tow Mode is unavailable, Tesla calls for self-loading dollies or tire skates to get the car into its transport position. Don’t drag it onto the bed with its parking brake engaged.
Tesla Model S
On air-suspension-equipped cars, raising the suspension is only part of the preparation. Tesla’s Model S manual also calls for Jack Mode to disable automatic self-leveling. Its current procedure specifies the Very High setting.
The all-wheels-off-ground dolly alternative is limited to 35 miles (55 km). Front wheels on dollies are not recommended; Tesla specifies an external steering lock if that arrangement must be used.
Tesla Model X
The Model X instructions also specify Very High and Jack Mode for its self-leveling air suspension. The operator should check those settings before loading, rather than simply raising the car and leaving self-leveling active.
Its wheel-lift-and-dolly distance limit is the same 35 miles (55 km), not a shorter limit than Model S. Tesla likewise discourages front-wheel dollies and specifies an external steering lock when they must be used.
Tesla Cybertruck
Cybertruck’s transporter instructions call for a flatbed at least 21 feet long, with loading capacity checked against the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating. Don’t apply the other models’ 35-mile dolly allowance: Tesla limits Cybertruck dolly use to necessary short repositioning, such as getting out of a tight parking space.
On versions with self-leveling air suspension, the manual specifies Medium ride height and Jack Mode. Its 48V low-voltage system and steer-by-wire need separate attention. Without power, turning the steering wheel won’t turn the road wheels.
Cybertruck bed length (A): at least 21 feet (6.5 meters). Tell dispatch about low-voltage power loss, restricted access and wheel damage when you call.
Tesla Roadside Assistance or a Local Tow?
If your breakdown may be covered, start by checking Tesla Roadside Assistance. Its published coverage includes transport to the nearest Service Center for a warrantable breakdown, subject to its limits. Running out of range is a different case: Tesla can arrange help, but says that service is not financially covered.
You can also arrange a local tow with Geyers. Tell us where you’d like the car taken and ask dispatch to confirm the trip, equipment and price. Don’t assume Tesla will reimburse an independently arranged tow; its manuals say it isn’t responsible for services it did not dispatch.
For a quote, the pickup location, distance and loading conditions matter. See our guide to towing costs for the factors to discuss.
Moving Your Tesla from Maryland to Florida?
A seasonal move is a different booking from a roadside breakdown. For a Tesla that runs and drives, ask about Geyers’ scheduled open-carrier transport. Give the team your model, pickup and delivery locations, and travel dates so they can confirm vehicle fit and route availability.
Geyers does not offer enclosed transport. If that’s the protection you’re looking for, our enclosed car transport guide explains the option. For the route itself, see car transport to Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Tesla
Can you tow a Tesla behind an RV?
A trailer that carries all four tires off the road is the appropriate approach. Do not flat tow a Tesla behind an RV with its wheels turning on the pavement. Check the trailer and tow vehicle ratings before arranging the trip.
Can you tow a Tesla in Neutral?
Neutral is not permission to tow with tires on the road. Use the approved transport method for the model. Tow Mode is for loading or short repositioning once the vehicle is secured, not road travel.
How do you tow a Tesla with no power?
Tell the towing company the screen is unavailable. The operator must follow the model-specific no-power instructions, which may involve restoring low-voltage power or using skates or self-loading dollies for loading. Cybertruck requires a separate procedure.
Will Tesla pay for my tow?
That depends on the reason for the tow and the applicable coverage. Check with Tesla before arranging a separate provider if you expect reimbursement. A covered breakdown and running out of battery range are treated differently.
How soon can a tow truck arrive?
Call Geyers dispatch at (301) 540-1600 for the current estimate at your location. Tell the dispatcher which Tesla you have and whether it has power, wheel damage or restricted access so they can assess the equipment needed.
What if I think the tow damaged my Tesla?
Keep the tow paperwork and any photos of the vehicle before and after loading. Describe what changed to the towing company and arrange a qualified inspection. A warning message alone doesn’t establish what caused the problem.
Maryland towing · 24/7 dispatch
Need a flatbed for your Tesla?
Call Geyers with your location, Tesla model and whether the screen turns on. Dispatch can check the equipment needed and give you a current arrival estimate.
Confirm the destination and price
before the truck is sent.
