Towing an automatic or manual car – differences
In the case of cars with manual transmission, towing is very simple. All you need to do is connect the two vehicles with a special tow rope and put the towed car in neutral. This process requires two drivers. One of them drives the efficient car, and another takes care of the proper wheel alignment while the second vehicle is being towed.
In the case of automatics, the process is much more complicated. Many manufacturers of cars with automatic transmissions strictly prohibit towing. Information on this can be found in the instructions that come with each car model. Our qualified staff ensures that all activities related to tow truck service near me run smoothly and without any complications. We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, so you can use our services at any time of the day, even late in the evening and at night. Knowing the needs of our customers, we try to adapt to their preferences, which is why we are always ready and can reach the indicated place to our client.
In some vehicles, there are modes that allow you to separate the car’s wheels from the gearbox. Thanks to them, it is possible to tow the automatic without the risk of damaging important components. However, before you do this, check the oil level in the gearbox. If it is too low, it is not possible to tow the vehicle – even for a very short distance.
Why can’t you tow an automatic?
Towing an automatic is sometimes not possible due to the design and operating principle of such a gearbox. In such vehicles, the wheels are always connected to this component. This means that during a possible towing, the gearbox will be forced to work anyway, which can damage it.
What if towing a machine is the only available option?
If, despite the manufacturer’s express prohibition, towing a car with an automatic transmission is the only available solution, it is necessary to set the N mode. It is not completely safe, but it allows to minimize the risk of damaging an important component. In another mode, you can be sure that the gearbox will be destroyed.
Setting the neutral position can be problematic, however. This requires the engine to be running.
Additional rules when towing a machine
Towing an automatic is possible in some cases – in cars with a mode that disconnects the wheels and gearbox. However, during such a process, you need to remember a few rules. These include:
- not exceeding the speed of 30 km/h,
- shortening the towing distance to the necessary minimum – the nearest car repair shop or a place from where the vehicle can be safely picked up by a tow truck,
- not exceeding a distance of 50 km.
Why can’t you tow an automatic with the engine off?
Can you tow an automatic with the engine off? Unfortunately, this is not possible. While driving, it is necessary to constantly lubricate the gearbox. If the drive unit is not working and the wheels are spinning (which happens during towing), this will lead to rapid damage to the component. Then, lubricating fluids do not reach the gearbox, which causes it to seize.
When should you use a tow truck instead of towing your automatic?
A tow truck will always be a better choice than towing an automatic. It allows you to pull even a badly damaged car that is unable to move on its own. This way, the wheels are not involved, so there is no damage to the gearbox.
Tow trucks for transporting cars with automatic transmissions are equipped with special jacks. They lift the drive axle above the road surface. Thanks to this, only the wheels move during the pulling process, without engaging the gearbox. This solution can only be used for cars with one-axle drive. Cars with four-wheel drive will unfortunately be exposed to a momentary load on the gearbox, but such a step is still much less dangerous than towing.
Why is a tow truck a better solution than towing a car?
A tow truck will work better not only because it allows you to avoid having to tow a car with an automatic transmission. Sometimes a collision or accident can damage the entire axle, which is not visible at first glance. In such cases, towing, even in the case of cars with a manual transmission, can cause serious damage. Tow truck services are definitely more expensive, but they provide much greater safety for the vehicle itself.
General rules for towing cars
Towing automatics must also be done in accordance with the general rules that apply to all cars, regardless of the type of drive and gearbox. The towed car must have its lights on – the same as during standard driving. Under no circumstances should hazard warning lights be turned on. They can be confusing for road users driving behind the towed car.
The tow rope should be 4-6 m long. A warning triangle should be placed at the back of the towed car. This method of transporting a disabled car can only be used if its steering system has not been damaged. We offer many services like jump start service near me, roadside assistance service, and many other services at a reasonable price. If you want to get these services then go to our website.
Summary
Towing an automatic is sometimes possible – in the case of cars with a function to separate the wheels from the gearbox. Often, however, it is not possible to activate this mode due to the immobilization of the drive unit. Towing a car with an automatic transmission can cause serious damage to important components. For this reason, such practices should be avoided even if the vehicle manufacturer does not categorically advise against them. The way to safely remove a car with an automatic transmission from the road is to use a tow truck. It allows you to pull the vehicle by lifting its axle. This solution completely prevents damage to the gearbox but is not possible in the case of cars with 4-wheel drive. If you decide to tow a car with an automatic transmission, remember to follow a few rules. The maximum distance covered in this way is 50 km, and the speed – 30 km/h. Exceeding these values may be dangerous for the vehicle’s components.
