Towing a vehicle can be a necessity in various situations whether you’re transporting a car after a breakdown, relocating a vehicle, or moving it long distances.
Many drivers are concerned about potential damage to their car’s automatic transmission during towing. It’s natural to wonder if towing could negatively affect the transmission system, which plays a crucial role in vehicle performance.
In this article, we will explore the potential risks associated with towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission, and how to prevent damage during the towing process.
We’ll also discuss the best drive modes for towing, the most effective methods of towing, and tips to ensure a safe towing experience. Whether you’re experienced or new to towing, understanding best practices is essential for maintaining your vehicle.
Why Towing Could Damage an Automatic Transmission
In an automatic transmission, the gearbox and other components are lubricated by transmission fluid. When a vehicle is being towed, the transmission system of the towed car may still be in operation, even if the car isn’t running.
In normal driving, the fluid circulates due to the engine running and the car moving. However, when towing a vehicle with the engine off, the transmission fluid doesn’t circulate properly. This can lead to the overheating of the transmission, causing damage to the internal parts, such as the gears, clutches, and valves.
The most common mistake is towing a car with its drive wheels on the ground while the engine is off. For instance, if you tow a front-wheel-drive car with the front wheels on the ground and the engine is off, the transmission will continue to rotate. Since the transmission isn’t powered by the engine, the components can quickly overheat and fail.
How to Prevent Damage to the Transmission
To avoid damage to an automatic transmission while towing, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Tow with the Drive Wheels Off the Ground:
The most important tip is to ensure that the car’s drive wheels are off the ground. For front-wheel-drive cars, the rear wheels should be off the ground, and for rear-wheel-drive cars, the front wheels should be lifted. This prevents the transmission from rotating while the car is being towed. - Use a Flatbed Tow Truck:
A flatbed tow truck is often the best method for towing a car. By loading the entire vehicle onto the flatbed, no part of the car’s drivetrain is in motion. This is the safest way to tow a vehicle without worrying about damage to the transmission. - Use a Tow Dolly for Front-Wheel-Drive Cars:
A tow dolly is an excellent option for towing a front-wheel-drive car. It lifts the front wheels of the car off the ground, allowing the car to be towed without rotating the transmission. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the dolly is used correctly. - Check the Owner’s Manual:
Before towing any vehicle, it is always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual. Many manufacturers provide specific instructions for towing, including whether or not the vehicle should be towed with its engine running, or what method of towing is safest for that particular model.
What Drive Mode Is Best for Towing?
When towing a trailer, caravan, or another vehicle, your car’s drive mode settings can make a huge difference in the towing experience. The ideal mode for towing depends on the type of terrain, load, and the vehicle’s drivetrain.
Modern vehicles often have multiple drive modes that adjust various systems, including transmission, suspension, and traction control, to optimize performance for different driving conditions.
Common Drive Modes for Towing
- Towing or Hauling Mode:
Many modern cars, trucks, and SUVs have a designated “Towing” or “Hauling” mode. This mode is specifically designed to improve towing performance by adjusting engine power, transmission shifting patterns, and sometimes even ride height. When towing, the vehicle’s transmission will shift at higher RPMs to handle the extra load more efficiently. This mode can also improve traction when towing on uneven or slippery surfaces. - All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode:
AWD can be useful when towing in adverse conditions such as rain, snow, or rough terrain. The system sends power to both the front and rear wheels, providing more grip and stability. This is particularly helpful if you’re towing in conditions where traction is compromised, such as wet or muddy roads. - Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Low Range:
For heavier towing, especially off-road or in hilly terrain, many vehicles equipped with 4WD have a “Low Range” setting. This setting provides more torque and power to the wheels, which can be helpful when towing large loads or when navigating difficult terrain. It also reduces the strain on the transmission and drivetrain during the towing process. - Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Mode:
Vehicles with rear-wheel drive are often the preferred choice for towing heavier loads, as the rear wheels have the most power and can handle the additional weight. For cars with adjustable drive modes, the rear-wheel-drive mode will typically provide the best towing performance, especially for vehicles with larger trailers or caravans.
When to Use Each Drive Mode
- Use Towing Mode when you’re towing anything from a small utility trailer to a heavy caravan. This mode ensures that the vehicle is set up to optimize both engine and transmission performance for towing.
- Use AWD or 4WD Mode when you’re towing in off-road conditions or in inclement weather like snow or rain. These modes provide more traction and stability, which are crucial when towing in unstable conditions.
- Use RWD when towing heavier loads. This mode will provide better control and balance, especially when towing vehicles or large trailers on highways or city streets.
What Is the Best Way to Tow a Car?
There are several methods for towing a car, and the best method depends on the type of vehicle, the distance being towed, and the terrain involved. Regardless of the method, safety should always be the top priority. Here are the most common ways to tow a car:
1. Flatbed Tow Truck
The flatbed tow truck is considered the safest and most effective way to tow a car. This method involves placing the entire vehicle onto a flatbed truck, ensuring that no part of the car’s drivetrain is in motion.
It’s ideal for long distances or if the car has significant mechanical issues. A flatbed tow is also the best method for towing vehicles with automatic transmissions, as it eliminates any risk of damaging the transmission.
2. Tow Dolly
A tow dolly lifts the front or rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground, depending on whether it’s a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive car. The non-lifted wheels remain on the road, but the car’s transmission is prevented from rotating. Tow dollies are a good option for short-distance towing, but they may not be suitable for long distances or heavier loads.
3. Tow Bar
A tow bar connects the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, allowing the towed car to follow behind on its wheels. This method is common for towing recreational vehicles, including motorhomes or campers. While it’s effective for short distances, long-distance towing with a tow bar should be done with caution, particularly for vehicles with automatic transmissions.
4. Trailer
Using a full car trailer is another excellent option for towing a car. This method involves loading the entire vehicle onto a specialized trailer, which keeps all wheels off the ground.
This method is ideal for moving a vehicle over long distances or towing cars with low ground clearance or automatic transmissions. A trailer provides the safest and most secure towing experience.
5. Buying a Used Car: Check and Inspect
When buying a used car, especially one that may have been towed or used for towing, consider the transmission condition, tire and suspension wear, frame and undercarriage for damage, service history, and the drive type (FWD/RWD/AWD) to assess the impact of towing and the vehicle’s suitability, as well as the maintenance history of the drivetrain and transmission for assurance of the car’s condition.
Professional Towing Services
For peace of mind, consider professional towing services. These experts ensure safe, efficient towing, minimizing risks to your vehicle’s transmission and drivetrain.
Services include flatbed towing, mechanical issue transport, and long-distance car transport, offering a hassle-free solution for various needs.
Professional towing companies also provide Interstate Vehicle Towing in Melbourne,ensuring secure and reliable transport across state lines. Whether for relocation or damaged vehicle transport, they offer safe and efficient long-distance solutions.
Conclusion
When towing a car, whether you’re using a flatbed tow truck, tow dolly, or trailer, the key to preserving the health of your vehicle’s transmission is ensuring that it’s not forced into operation while being towed.
For vehicles with automatic transmissions, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for towing to avoid damaging the transmission.
Additionally, selecting the appropriate drive mode for towing and ensuring that the tow is executed properly will help optimize your car’s performance and safety during the towing process. By being informed and cautious, you can tow your car safely and effectively without causing damage.