Should you tow a car with an automatic transmission?

It is generally illegal to tow a car with an automatic transmission. This is right? Are the owners of such a car doomed to transport a damaged car only on a tow truck? The answer may surprise you!

What will you learn from this post?

• Can you tow a car with an automatic transmission?
• In which case is it better to call a tow truck?
• What safety rules do you need to remember when towing a car?

Shortly speaking

It is risky to tow the “machine gun”, but it is possible. Be sure to start the engine and move the gear lever to the N position, that is, at idle speed. Transportation must be carried out in compliance with all traffic safety rules. For a 4x4 drive, switch to one axis. If this is not possible, a tow truck call will be inevitable.

Towing a car with an automatic transmission

Before towing a car with an automatic transmission (automatic transmission), be sure to read the operating instructions for this car model. It has all the conditions for the safe transportation of a damaged vehicle, such as: permissible machine speed (approx. 40-50 km / h) or maximum towing distance (approx. 50 km)... Compliance with these rules will save you from expensive repairs in the event of even greater damage.

Before transporting the vehicle with the towing rope check the condition of the engine oil in the tank... An insufficient amount or a large overload will cause overheating and, as a result, seizure of the engine and gearbox. To prevent this from happening, be sure to tow the car with the ignition on - the oil pump continues to work, supplying fluid to the most important elements of the drive unit. Place the transmission jack in N when towing.

It is also possible to tow the "automatic" so that the driving axle does not touch the road surface. Indeed, it is necessary to call professional roadside assistance with a special towing bow tie, but the cost of renting such equipment is much lower than the cost of transporting an emergency vehicle by a tow truck.

Towing "automatic" with a 4x4 drive

Towing a car with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive is allowed only with the ability to transfer the drive to one axis. This greatly reduces the likelihood of serious damage to the gearbox and engine. When changing the drive, this is not an option, the risk of failure of the automatic transmission and the central differential is huge, so the most reasonable way out of the situation is to call a tow truck.

Car towing alphabet

When towing any vehicle (regardless of the type of gearbox), you must remember to comply with all safety rules described in Art. 31 of the Road Code. Here they are in brief:

• the drivers of both vehicles must be updated permission to drive a passenger car and (obviously) must not be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants;
• none of the vehicles should have emergency lights on - they do not allow informing other road users of the intention to turn or change lanes; however, dipped beam is required (position possible);
• The owner of the damaged vehicle is obliged to inform other drivers of the malfunction through placing a warning triangle on the back of the vehicle or by placing it on the shaft on the left side;
• the towing line must be visible from a great distance - it is recommended to use a red-white or brightly colored rope and attach triangular flags to it.
• the distance between vehicles must be 3 meters for rigid towing or 4-6 meters for rope towing

It could break ...

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the risk of serious and costly equipment breakdown is associated with improper towing of an automatic vehicle. While calling a tow truck is a last resort for most XNUMXWD vehicle owners, this type of vehicle should be taken seriously.

Ineffective towing of the machine can lead to leakage of engine oil and, as a result, destruction of its tank and seizure of the pump and transmission of the drive unit... The result of insufficient lubrication in the gearbox is its complete chafing. Then all that remains is to repair or replace the entire automatic transmission. The cost of this operation significantly exceeds the cost of transporting a car by a tow truck.

Whether you need or provide assistance on the road, remember the basic principles of safe towing cars and the equipment that will allow you to properly transport your car - warning triangle and towing rope... You can find them at avtotachki.com.

Also check:

Engine oil is the basis of a serviceable car

How to take care of the gearbox and is it really that difficult?

A ticket for a flashing. How NOT to use hazard lights?

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