How to Flat Tow a Manual Transmission Car
Introduction
Flat towing is a great way to transport your manual transmission car behind another vehicle. It’s a simple and relatively inexpensive way to move your car over long distances, and it can be a lot easier than trailering it.
However, there are a few things you need to know before you can flat tow a manual transmission car. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of flat towing, including what you need to do to prepare your car and how to actually tow it.
What You’ll Need
Before you can flat tow your manual transmission car, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:
* A tow bar
* A safety chain
* A magnetic taillight converter
* A brake light switch bypass plug
You can find all of these supplies at your local auto parts store.
Preparing Your Car
Once you have your supplies, you need to prepare your car for towing. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Put your car in neutral. This will allow the wheels to turn freely while you’re towing.
2. Turn off the ignition. This will prevent the car from starting while you’re towing it.
3. Engage the parking brake. This will help to keep the car from rolling while you’re towing it.
4. Connect the tow bar to your car. The tow bar should be attached to the front of your car, and it should be long enough to reach the back of the towing vehicle.
5. Connect the safety chain to your car. The safety chain should be attached to the back of your car, and it should be long enough to reach the back of the towing vehicle.
6. Connect the magnetic taillight converter to your car. The magnetic taillight converter will allow the towing vehicle’s taillights to work while you’re towing your car.
7. Connect the brake light switch bypass plug to your car. The brake light switch bypass plug will prevent the brake lights from coming on while you’re towing your car.
Towing Your Car
Once you have your car prepared, you’re ready to start towing it. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Start the towing vehicle.
2. Put the towing vehicle in gear.
3. Slowly accelerate the towing vehicle.
4. Monitor the towing vehicle’s mirrors to make sure that your car is following behind it.
5. Drive at a safe speed.
6. Be aware of your surroundings.
7. Stop the towing vehicle if you need to make any adjustments.
Tips for Flat Towing
Here are a few tips to help you flat tow your manual transmission car safely:
* Use a tow bar that is rated for the weight of your car.
* Make sure that the safety chain is attached to your car securely.
* Connect the magnetic taillight converter to your car so that the towing vehicle’s taillights will work.
* Connect the brake light switch bypass plug to your car so that the brake lights will not come on while you’re towing your car.
* Drive at a safe speed.
* Be aware of your surroundings.
* Stop the towing vehicle if you need to make any adjustments.
Conclusion
Flat towing a manual transmission car is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to move your car over long distances. By following the steps in this article, you can safely flat tow your car and get it to where you need it to go.