Should You Leave a Car in Neutral on a Tow Dolly?

No—do not tow a car on a tow dolly in Neutral. For most setups, put the transmission in Park (automatic) or in gear (manual), release the parking brake, and leave the steering unlocked as appropriate. Neutral is only used briefly while loading or positioning the vehicle. The correct setting depends on the drivetrain and how the car is mounted; following manufacturer guidance prevents drivetrain damage and unsafe handling.

How Tow Dollies Work—and Why Neutral Is Usually Wrong

A tow dolly lifts one axle of the vehicle (two wheels) off the ground while the other axle rolls freely. Because the towed vehicle’s driven axle must not turn while the transmission is connected, the general rule is to get the driven wheels up on the dolly, secure the vehicle, and keep the transmission locked (Park or a gear) with the parking brake released. Neutral is mainly for moving the car onto the dolly—not for highway travel.

Recommended Settings by Drivetrain

The following points summarize safe, common practices used by major rental companies and roadside services; always cross-check with the vehicle’s owner’s manual for model-specific limits and exceptions.

• Front-wheel drive (FWD), front wheels on the dolly: Set Park (automatic) or 1st/Reverse (manual). Release the parking brake. Leave the steering unlocked so the dolly’s swivel and suspension aren’t fighting the column lock.
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD), rear wheels on the dolly: Set Park (automatic) or in gear (manual). Release the parking brake. Leave the steering unlocked so the front wheels can self-track behind the tow vehicle.
• RWD with front wheels on the dolly (rear wheels on the ground): Generally not recommended and can damage the transmission—even in Neutral—unless the driveshaft is disconnected or the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
• All-wheel drive (AWD)/4×4: Most cannot be dolly-towed. Use a flatbed trailer. Some part-time 4x4s with a transfer case “Neutral” may have specific procedures, but this is model-specific.
• Hybrids and EVs: Typically must be flatbed-towed. Spinning an unpowered drive axle can overheat or damage electric motors and gearsets.

These settings keep the driven components stationary, prevent heat buildup inside gearboxes, and avoid brake damage, while allowing the free-rolling axle to track safely.

When Neutral Is Appropriate

Neutral does have a place in the process, but it’s limited and temporary. Here’s where it fits in without risking damage or loss of control.

• Loading/unloading: Shift to Neutral to roll the vehicle onto or off the dolly. Use the parking brake to hold position while you place and tighten straps, then change to Park/in gear before travel.
• Positioning on gradients: Neutral can help with careful repositioning during hookup, but always chock wheels and have a spotter.

Once the vehicle is strapped and ready for the road, switch out of Neutral; tow travel should not be done with the transmission freewheeling unless the manufacturer explicitly requires it for a specific configuration.

Step-by-Step: Safe Tow Dolly Setup

Use this checklist to reduce the risk of strap loosening, brake damage, or drivetrain harm during a tow.

1. Inspect equipment: Verify dolly capacity, tire pressures, lights, safety chains, and that the deck and swivel operate smoothly.
2. Align and load: With the towed vehicle in Neutral, guide the driven axle onto the dolly (FWD: front up; RWD: rear up). Center the tires.
3. Secure tires: Apply the parking brake temporarily. Fit and tighten wheel straps per the dolly’s instructions. Attach safety chains to the towed vehicle’s frame points if provided.
4. Set transmission and brakes: Shift to Park (automatic) or into gear (manual). Release the parking brake fully. Confirm any electronic Auto Hold is off.
5. Steering: Leave the steering unlocked. If the vehicle has a mechanical steering lock, turn the key to the accessory/off position that leaves the column free. Do not rigidly tie the wheel unless the dolly maker instructs it.
6. Final checks: Cross safety chains to the tow vehicle’s hitch, test lights, verify strap tension, and do a pull test at low speed. Recheck straps after the first 5–10 miles.

This sequence keeps the driven axle immobilized and the free axle able to track, while ensuring the vehicle remains firmly fixed to the dolly.

Common Mistakes—and Why They Matter

Avoid these frequent errors that lead to costly repairs or dangerous handling.

• Towing in Neutral: Can let driveline rotate and overheat internals, especially automatics.
• Engaging the parking brake for travel: Will overheat and destroy brakes on the axle left on the ground.
• Putting the wrong axle on the dolly: Leaves the driven wheels on the ground—often a transmission killer.
• Locking the steering when the free wheels are on the ground: Causes tire scrub and instability in turns.
• Ignoring the owner’s manual: Many AWD, hybrids, and EVs prohibit dolly towing entirely.
• Skipping strap rechecks: Straps can settle; re-tension after a few miles and at fuel stops.

Preventing these mistakes protects the towed vehicle’s drivetrain, maintains stable tracking, and reduces the chance of roadside incidents.

Key Takeaways

You generally should not leave a car in Neutral on a tow dolly. Lock the transmission (Park or in gear), release the parking brake, and keep the steering unlocked so the free-rolling wheels can track. Always mount the driven axle on the dolly unless the manufacturer provides a specific alternate procedure—and when in doubt, use a full trailer or flatbed.

Bottom Line

Neutral is for loading, not towing. Correct axle placement, proper transmission setting, and unlocked steering are the pillars of safe dolly towing—backed by the vehicle’s manual and the dolly maker’s instructions.

Summary

Do not tow a car on a dolly in Neutral. For FWD with front wheels on the dolly—or RWD with rear wheels on the dolly—set Park (automatic) or a gear (manual), release the parking brake, and leave the steering unlocked. Avoid dolly-towing AWD, most hybrids, and EVs; use a flatbed instead. Consult the owner’s manual for any exceptions and recheck straps shortly after setting off.

How to tow a car on a car dolly?

To tow a car on a car dolly, ensure the dolly is level and lined up straight with the tow vehicle, then back the vehicle onto the dolly until its front tires reach the wheel stops. Secure the car by strapping its front tires tightly to the dolly, connecting the safety chains to the car’s frame, and securing the steering wheel in a straight position with the ignition off. Finally, perform a thorough check of all connections and safety devices before beginning your journey.
 
1. Prepare the Dolly and Vehicle

• Position the dolly: on level ground and align it directly behind the tow vehicle. 
• Set the parking brake: on the tow vehicle and ensure the vehicle-in-tow’s ignition is off. 
• Remove the platform locking pin: to allow the dolly’s platform to tilt back. 

This video demonstrates how to prepare the dolly and the vehicle before loading: 54sDemco ProductsYouTube · Jul 17, 2015
2. Load the Car

• Drive slowly: up the ramps, with someone guiding you, until the vehicle’s front tires are resting against the wheel stops. 
• Ensure the vehicle is centered: on the dolly, with adequate space between the dolly fenders and the car’s wheel wells. 
• Reinsert the ramp pin: to lock the dolly platform in place. 

This video shows the process of loading a car onto a tow dolly: 46sU-HaulYouTube · Feb 12, 2015
3. Secure the Car

• Secure the steering wheel: by locking it in the straight position. 
• Attach the tire straps: over the tires, ensuring they are flat and centered. 
• Tighten the straps: using the ratchets until the tires are slightly flattened against the tire stops, then secure the ratchet handles. 
• Connect the safety chains: from the dolly to the vehicle’s frame, leaving some slack for suspension movement. 

4. Complete and Check

• Perform a final check to confirm all components are secure, including the hitch connection, safety chains, ramp pin, and tire straps. 
• Before driving, re-check that the steering wheel is locked and the vehicle is in park with the parking brake off. 

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on securing a vehicle with tire straps: 1mGrand Rental Station – Fairview Heights, ILYouTube · Mar 26, 2016
Important Considerations

• Front-wheel-drive: vehicles are ideal for tow dollies. 
• Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles: should have their driveshafts disconnected to avoid potential damage, as the dolly only raises the front tires. Consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic to determine the best towing method for your vehicle. 
• Check straps for wear: regularly and replace them if they show signs of wear. 

When towing a car, do you leave it in neutral?

If the vehicle is on a dolly, put the vehicle in first gear and tow. If all four wheels are on the ground, put the vehicle in neutral and tow. Vehicles with manual transmissions can typically be towed without the car running, with no risk of transmission damage.

Do you put a car in neutral when towing with a tow dolly?

Yes, you generally put a car in neutral when towing with a tow dolly, but you must disconnect the driveshaft for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles to prevent transmission damage. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, which are the primary type of car used with dollies, the car should be in neutral, the steering wheel unlocked, and the parking brake disengaged. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
 
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Cars

1. Transmission: Place the car in neutral. 
2. Steering Wheel: Insert the key and turn the ignition to the “on” position to unlock the steering wheel, but do not start the engine. 
3. Brakes: Disengage the emergency brake. 
4. Loading: Center the vehicle on the dolly ramps and secure the front wheels. 

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Cars 

1. Driveshaft: You must disconnect the driveshaft to prevent the transmission from being damaged. 
2. Transmission: With the driveshaft disconnected, you can leave the transmission in neutral. 
3. Other: Follow the steps for steering wheel and brake release. 

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Cars 

1. Driveshaft: Disconnect the driveshaft to prevent damage.
2. Other: Follow the steps for steering wheel and brake release.

Why it matters

• Automatic Transmissions: Opens in new tabThe internal components of an automatic transmission are not designed to be lubricated by the pump when the engine is off and the driveshaft is rotating. 
• Manual Transmissions: Opens in new tabMost manual transmissions are splash-lubricated and can handle being towed in neutral for a limited time. 
• All-Wheel Drive: Opens in new tabAWD systems can be damaged if the drivetrain is rotating without the engine running. 

Key Considerations

• Consult your owner’s manual: Opens in new tabThis is the most crucial step for determining the correct procedure for your specific vehicle. 
• Secure the car: Opens in new tabEnsure the vehicle is securely fastened to the tow dolly using the provided wheel straps and safety chains. 

Should steering be locked on a tow dolly?

To use a tow dolly, your vehicle must have lockable steering. A tow dolly cannot be used to tow mid- or rear-engine mounted vehicles. Rear-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles must have their drive shaft disconnected and removed.