It’s not something most people think about until it happens: you need to tow a car, but the keys are missing. Maybe you’ve lost them, maybe they’re locked inside the vehicle, or maybe the car’s been abandoned and you’re the property owner dealing with the headache. Whatever the situation, the question comes up a lot—can you tow a car without keys? And is it safe?
The short answer is yes—you can. But how you do it, and whether it’s done safely and correctly, depends on a few important details.
When Does This Situation Happen?
We’ve been in the towing business long enough to know this happens more often than you’d expect. Here are a few real-life examples:
- A customer locked their keys in the car while grabbing groceries—blocking a busy shopping centre lane.
- A landlord needed an abandoned vehicle removed from a rental property after a tenant disappeared.
- A driver left their keys at work and needed their car towed home after hours.
- A car involved in an accident had a damaged ignition, and the keys wouldn’t turn.
Each of these situations is different, but the need is the same: get the car towed without access to the keys, and do it without causing damage.
What’s the Risk?
Towing a car without keys can be risky if it’s not handled by someone who knows what they’re doing. Here’s why:
- Steering Lock: Most modern cars have a steering lock that engages when the keys are removed. This means the front wheels can’t turn freely—making it dangerous to tow the car using a traditional method like a wheel-lift.
- Transmission Damage: Automatic transmission vehicles should not be towed with drive wheels on the ground unless they’re in neutral. Without keys, you can’t shift into neutral in many vehicles.
- Security Systems: Newer vehicles have anti-theft systems that could trigger alarms or lock up components if tampered with.
That’s why using the right towing method matters more than ever when the keys are missing.
Safe Towing Methods Without Keys
1. Flatbed Tow Truck
This is by far the safest and most versatile option for towing a car without keys. The car is winched or pulled onto the flatbed—entirely off the ground—which means no risk of transmission or steering damage.
Even if the steering wheel is locked or the transmission is stuck in park, a trained tow operator can safely load the vehicle without moving parts rolling or dragging.
2. Wheel Lift with Dollies
If a flatbed isn’t available or there’s limited space, a wheel lift combined with tow dollies can be used. Tow dollies raise all four wheels off the ground and allow the car to roll freely—even with a locked transmission or steering.
This setup is more involved and takes a bit longer to rig up, but it’s a solid alternative in tricky spots like tight alleys or underground garages.
A Word About Improvising
Can you rig up a rope to another car and drag it out of your driveway without the keys? Technically, maybe—but it’s not safe, and we don’t recommend it. The risk of damaging your car (or someone else’s) is too high, especially if you don’t know whether the wheels will turn or if the transmission is locked.
We’ve had customers try to DIY a tow using mates and a ute, only to end up needing us anyway after damaging the bumper or shredding the tyres.
Call the Pros—It’s Worth It
A professional towing operator will assess the car, identify whether the wheels are locked or the transmission is stuck, and choose the safest method based on the situation. We’ve got the right equipment, but more importantly, the right experience to avoid doing harm.
If you’re ever in this situation—lost keys, locked vehicle, or even just buying a non-running car with no key—don’t stress. Just call us, explain the scenario, and we’ll sort it out without damaging your vehicle.
Because the last thing you want when you’ve already lost your keys is to lose your peace of mind too.
If you are in Langwarrin, and looking for a tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Tow Trucks
39 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977
(03) 7042 2059