Just imagine: Your car breaks down in a busy street of Perth. It won’t start, the keys are lost, or you’re locked out. Now you’re wondering; ‘can a tow truck move a car without keys?’ The answer is yes!
Having the keys makes towing easier. But professional tow truck operators have specialised towing methods to safely tow vehicles without them.
At Kings Car Towing, we often face this situation. Many customers need their cars towed but prefer to keep them locked for security reasons. It can have a challenge, but it’s far from impossible.
In this guide, we’ll explain how keyless towing works, the challenges involved, and the techniques used to ensure your car remains damage-free.
Let’s begin.
Do Tow Trucks Need Your Car Keys?
The answer is no.
Tow trucks don’t always need your car keys to move your vehicle. However, it needs specialised equipment and techniques to do it safely.
That said, here’s an important legal reminder:
Never attempt to tow a vehicle without proper authorisation. If you move a car without permission, you could face serious legal trouble. Always work with a licensed and reputable towing company to ensure everything is done by the book.
Having your keys makes towing easier because:
- The car can be shifted into neutral, allowing for a smooth tow.
- The handbrake can be disengaged, preventing unnecessary strain.
- Steering locks can be disabled, making maneuvering much simpler.
But what if your keys are lost, locked inside, or simply unavailable? No worries. Our professional tow truck operators have the right tools and expertise to handle the job.
Do you know the biggest challenge?
It’s when towing without keys is dealing with the transmission and parking brake.
That’s why towing a car without keys requires advanced techniques and specialized equipment to avoid damage. But here’s the catch; if not done correctly, keyless towing can cause serious damage to your car’s transmission, brakes, and even bodywork.
Let’s explore the risks involved.
The Risks of Towing a Car Without Keys
Towing a locked car without the right precautions can lead to serious damage. If done incorrectly, you could end up with costly repairs. Let’s look at the biggest risks involved:
- Transmission Damage
Automatic cars lock their transmission in ‘Park’ when the engine is off. If a tow truck tries to forcefully move the vehicle, it could damage the transmission system. A repair no one wants to deal with.
For manual cars, the first gear acts as a parking brake. Moving the car without disengaging the gear can put strain on the gearbox and lead to costly issues.
- Locked Steering Wheel
Most modern cars automatically lock the steering wheel when the key is removed from the ignition. This means the wheels won’t turn. This makes it nearly impossible to steer the car during towing. Without special equipment, the tow truck driver won’t be able to maneuver the vehicle safely.
- Parking Brake Issues
If the handbrake is engaged, the wheels won’t roll freely. In this case, the tow truck operator needs specialis ed equipment to lift the vehicle without damaging the braking system.
- Scratched Bodywork & Suspension Damage
Towing a locked car, especially if it’s in a tight parking spot, comes with the risk of:
- Scratched paint and dented bumpers from improper handling.
- Misaligned wheels if the car is dragged forcefully.
- Suspension strain, which can cause long-term damage.
Read more about: Can Towing Damage My Car?
How Do Tow Trucks Unlock Cars?
Most of the time, tow truck drivers have the car keys when towing a vehicle. But when dealing with an abandoned vehicle or when the owner can’t be there in person? No worries. There are several ways we can safely tow or work without the keys.
Here’s how we collect your car keys before towing:
- In Person Hand Over – Meet the tow truck driver and pass the keys. Easy!
- Scheduled Pickup – Return at an arranged time to hand over the keys.
- Depot Drop-off – Leave the keys at our depot before pickup.
- Hidden Spot – Lock the car and hide the keys in a safe place. Just tell us where!
It’s that simple! If you’re uncomfortable leaving your keys with a tow truck driver, just let us know. We’ll find a solution that works for you. But at Kings Car Towing, we guarantee your keys are safe with a tow truck driver.
Now that we’ve covered how we handle keys, let’s talk about how tow trucks can safely tow vehicles without keys when needed.
How Do Tow Trucks Move a Car Without Keys?
When the engine won’t start, we put the car in neutral and disengage the handbrake to roll it onto the truck. But without keys, we need special equipment. Our professional tow truck operators use specialised tools and techniques to safely tow vehicles without key access. Every towing method is carefully chosen based on the vehicle’s condition, location, and challenges involved.
Here’s how it’s done:
1. Flatbed Tow Trucks
It’s the safest and most secure method. A flatbed truck lifts the entire vehicle off the ground using self-loading dollies. Once on the truck, tie-down straps hold the car in place, preventing movement during transport.
2. Wheel Lift Towing
This one is ideal for short distances. A hydraulic lift secures either the front or rear wheels, allowing the other set to roll freely. This method works best for lighter vehicles but isn’t ideal for long hauls.
3. Tow Dollies
Self-loading dollies wrap around the tyres, lifting the vehicle off the ground for easy transport. Smaller dollies are for short-term movement, while larger dollies are safe for road travel.
4. Specialised Winches & Straps
When a car is stuck in a tight spot, winches and straps help move it safely onto the tow truck without damage.
Read more about: Emergency Towing Service | Everything You Need to Know
Is It Legal to Tow a Car Without Keys?
Yes, but strict legal and ethical considerations apply in Perth, Australia. Here’s what you need to know before calling a tow truck:
✅ Proof of Ownership is Required – Reputable towing companies won’t move a car without verifying the owner’s identity.
✅ Illegal Parking or Abandoned Vehicles – In these cases, towing companies must get approval from local authorities before moving the vehicle.
✅ Authorised Towing Only – A professional tow service will always operate within the law, ensuring transparency and customer protection.
Note: Before calling a tow truck, make sure you have the right to tow the car. Even if you know the owner, you need their clear permission. Towing someone else’s car without consent can lead to serious legal trouble. If dealing with an illegally parked vehicle, check the local rules first.
At Kings Car Towing, we follow all legal guidelines to ensure your vehicle is towed responsibly and ethically.
What to Do If You Need a Tow but Don’t Have Your Keys
If you find yourself in a situation where your car needs to be towed without keys, follow these steps to make the process easier:
- Remove Valuables – Always take your personal belongings out before towing.
- Provide Accurate Location Details – Let the towing company know where your car is parked.
- Confirm Ownership – Have your ID and registration ready.
- Lock the Vehicle (If Possible) – If you can’t leave the keys, inform the towing company about any security measures.
- Choose a Trusted Towing Service – Always work with a licensed and experienced company like Kings Car Towing.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and hassle-free towing experience.
Lost your car keys? Need emergency towing in Perth?
Kings Car Towing is here to help!
We specialise in safe and efficient towing, ensuring your vehicle reaches its destination damage-free. Our trained professionals use advanced equipment to move your car safely—24/7, across Perth and surrounding areas.
- Fast & Reliable Towing Service
- Modern Tow Trucks & Advanced Equipment
- Licensed & Trusted Tow Operators
Don’t hesitate to call us at 0450124232, if you need breakdown or accident towing in Perth
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