When a vehicle is locked, the keys are missing, or the ignition cannot be accessed, getting the car moved can seem complicated. Fortunately, a Towing Service can often tow a vehicle even when no keys are available. However, the towing method depends on the vehicle’s condition, location, drivetrain, parking position, and the equipment available to the towing provider. Understanding how keyless towing works can help vehicle owners avoid unnecessary damage and know what to expect when requesting roadside assistance. Whether your car is parked in a driveway, stuck in a parking lot, or sitting on the side of the road, professional towing technicians have several ways to move it safely. This article explains how vehicles without keys can be towed, what equipment may be used, and what owners should know before requesting assistance.
Can a Vehicle Really Be Towed Without Keys?
Yes, a vehicle can generally be towed without keys. Towing professionals regularly encounter situations where owners have lost their keys, locked them inside the vehicle, or purchased a vehicle that does not currently have an available key. The absence of keys does not necessarily prevent a tow because professional towing equipment can move a vehicle without requiring the engine or ignition to operate.
The exact process depends on whether the vehicle can roll freely and whether its wheels are accessible. A technician may use a flatbed truck, wheel-lift equipment, dollies, or other specialized tools to move the vehicle. These methods allow the towing provider to transport the vehicle without starting the engine.
How Do Tow Trucks Move Cars Without Keys?
A tow truck does not always need access to the ignition to transport a vehicle. Instead, towing technicians can use equipment that supports or lifts the vehicle while keeping it secure. This is especially useful when a car cannot be started because the keys are missing.
One common option is a flatbed tow truck. The vehicle is loaded onto the flat platform using a winch and secured in place before transportation. Because the entire vehicle rests on the flatbed, the engine does not need to run and the wheels do not need to rotate during the trip.
What If the Steering Wheel Is Locked?
A locked steering wheel can make towing more complicated, but it does not necessarily make towing impossible. Many vehicles automatically lock the steering column when the key is removed or when the vehicle is turned off. If the vehicle has no available key, the wheels may remain fixed in one direction.
This can create a problem when the vehicle needs to be pulled or repositioned because the steering wheels cannot freely follow the direction of travel. A towing technician may need to use wheel dollies, a flatbed, or other equipment to prevent the locked wheels from causing damage.
A flatbed is often particularly useful because the vehicle can be completely lifted from the roadway.
Can a Towing Service Tow a Car That Is in Park?
A vehicle being left in Park does not automatically prevent it from being towed. However, the transmission position is an important factor when determining which towing method should be used. Modern vehicles can have different requirements depending on whether they have automatic, manual, all-wheel-drive, or four-wheel-drive systems.
If the vehicle is in Park and the keys are unavailable, the wheels may not rotate normally. Pulling the vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground can potentially cause damage to the transmission or drivetrain. For this reason, towing technicians may choose equipment that keeps the affected wheels off the ground.
Is Flatbed Towing Better for Vehicles Without Keys?
Flatbed towing can be an excellent option when a vehicle has no keys. Since the vehicle is loaded completely onto the truck’s platform, its engine does not need to run and the wheels generally do not need to rotate during transportation.
This approach can be particularly useful for vehicles with locked steering wheels, transmission concerns, damaged tires, or all-wheel-drive systems. Keeping all four wheels off the ground can reduce the risk of drivetrain problems that could occur with certain towing methods.
Loading a keyless vehicle onto a flatbed may require a winch. The technician attaches the appropriate equipment to the vehicle and gradually pulls it onto the platform.
What Happens If the Car Is Locked and the Keys Are Inside?
A locked vehicle with the keys inside can usually still be moved, but the situation is different from simply losing the keys. If the vehicle can be unlocked without causing damage, roadside assistance may first attempt to provide lockout assistance rather than immediately loading the vehicle.
If unlocking the vehicle is not possible or the owner does not have access to the keys, the towing technician can still use appropriate towing equipment. The vehicle may be loaded onto a flatbed or moved using another suitable method.
Can Damaged or Non-Running Vehicles Be Towed Without Keys?
Yes, damaged or non-running vehicles can often be transported without keys. In fact, towing companies frequently move vehicles that cannot start because of mechanical problems, accidents, electrical failures, or missing keys.
The biggest concern is determining how the vehicle can be safely loaded. If the wheels can roll, a winch may be used to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed. If one or more wheels are damaged or unable to rotate, additional equipment may be necessary.
Accident-damaged vehicles require especially careful handling. Bent suspension components, damaged bumpers, flat tires, or leaking fluids can affect how the vehicle should be positioned and secured.
What Information Should You Give the Towing Company?
Providing accurate information before the tow can make the process faster and safer. When requesting a Towing Service, explain that the vehicle has no keys and describe its current condition. This allows the towing provider to determine what equipment may be required.
Give the vehicle’s make, model, and approximate year if known. You should also explain whether the vehicle is running, whether it is in Park, whether the steering wheel is locked, and whether the tires can roll.
The vehicle’s location is equally important. Tell the technician whether it is on a public road, in a parking garage, driveway, residential property, or another restricted area.
Can You Tow a Keyless Vehicle Yourself?
Although some vehicle owners may consider moving a keyless vehicle themselves, using professional towing equipment is generally the safer choice. A vehicle without keys may have locked steering, a transmission that cannot be shifted, or wheels that cannot rotate normally.
Improper towing can place stress on the transmission, suspension, tires, steering components, and other mechanical systems. Dragging a vehicle with its drive wheels on the ground can be particularly problematic for certain vehicles.
Another concern is vehicle stability. Without the correct straps, dollies, winch points, and lifting equipment, a vehicle can shift unexpectedly during movement.
How Much Does Keyless Vehicle Towing Cost?
The cost of towing a vehicle without keys varies depending on several factors. The distance, vehicle type, location, accessibility, towing method, time of service, and condition of the vehicle can all influence the final price.
A straightforward tow from an accessible parking lot may be relatively simple. A vehicle trapped in a narrow space, damaged in an accident, or positioned where standard equipment cannot easily reach it may require additional labor or specialized equipment.
The absence of keys itself does not necessarily determine the entire cost. Instead, the main consideration is usually how much additional work is required to safely move and load the vehicle.
Conclusion
A vehicle can often be towed safely even when the keys are missing, locked inside, or unavailable. Professional towing technicians can use flatbeds, wheel lifts, dollies, winches, and other equipment to move vehicles without relying on the ignition. The safest method depends on factors such as the vehicle’s drivetrain, transmission position, steering-wheel condition, tire condition, damage, and location.
When requesting a Towing Service, provide detailed information about the vehicle and explain that the keys are unavailable. This gives the technician an opportunity to arrive prepared with the right equipment. Avoid dragging or attempting to move a keyless vehicle with improvised methods, as this can cause expensive damage.
For assistance in Naperville, contact Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services at 630-200-2731 to discuss your vehicle’s towing needs.
