What happens when a tow truck tows an AWD CX-5

[teradyl]

I live in San Francisco, and even though I've already gone a while without getting towed (knock on wood), I hear a few stories of last minute tow signs being put up and people getting towed in spots that were just yesterday a legitimate spot.

If my car does get towed and the tow truck employee doesn't realize it's an AWD and just tries to pull it away, what happens? There's only one small AWD decal on the trunk, and I'm thinking about getting some stickers to make sure it's more noticeable.

But, since the AWD on the CX-5 is automatically engaged only when needed, is it actually in FWD while parked? If that's the case then nothing bad would happen, but I believe the manual says not to allow that to happen. Anyone have any insight on this?

Thanks

PS - And I suppose while we're on the subject of this, I usually have my parking brake on when parked as well, so I'd assume they'd notice that and put it on dollies or a flatbed, but you never know with city tow guys who are in a hurry...

 

[ROCKETRON]

as you are in the US i would assume that your car is an auto and they shouldn't be towed but as it will be left in Park it wont be moveable anyway. If its a manual then your car can be towed safely but they would need to get the handbrake off, so either way i think that you are safe.

 

[robertmazda]

as you are in the US i would assume that your car is an auto and they shouldn't be towed but as it will be left in Park it wont be moveable anyway. If its a manual then your car can be towed safely but they would need to get the handbrake off, so either way i think that you are safe.

Huh? The vast majority of tows in the US are to automatics in park. The handbreak is also a non-issue. This happens all the time whether by a flatbed tow truck or a single axle lifter. If it was hard, no one would be towed.

 

[erhayes]

I would assume that the owners manual will adress this.

 

[costermonger]

as you are in the US i would assume that your car is an auto and they shouldn't be towed but as it will be left in Park it wont be moveable anyway. If its a manual then your car can be towed safely but they would need to get the handbrake off, so either way i think that you are safe.

I'm guessing flatbed trucks are most common in the UK? In North America, wheel lift trucks are more common. No danger (or difficulty) towing an automatic in park with one of those because the drive wheels are lifted off the ground.

For the OP, from the owner's manual:

From the service manual:

I would've guess it'd be safe to tow an AWD CX-5 by lifting the front wheels, but the owner's manual seems pretty clear (though that towing page probably is probably standard to all Mazda manuals).