Towing an Automatic Transmission Car: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Flat tires, engine failures, and accidents can all necessitate towing your vehicle. While towing a manual transmission car is relatively straightforward, towing an automatic transmission car requires special care to prevent damage to the transmission. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential steps and precautions to safely tow an automatic transmission car.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Towing
1. Check Your Owner’s Manual:
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific towing instructions and any potential restrictions. Different makes and models may have varying towing procedures.
2. Disable the Ignition and Transmission:
Turn off the ignition and shift the transmission into neutral. This disengages the gears and allows the vehicle to roll freely.
3. Release the Parking Brake:
If your vehicle has an electronic parking brake, press the release button and hold it down until the brake disengages. For mechanical parking brakes, pull up the lever and lower it to the release position.
4. Secure the Steering Wheel:
Use a locking steering wheel device or secure the steering wheel with a bungee cord looped around the steering wheel and attached to the outside of the car. This prevents the steering wheel from turning during towing.
5. Lift the Drive Wheels:
Depending on your vehicle’s design, you may need to lift the drive wheels to allow them to roll freely. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to raise the vehicle safely.
Connecting the Tow Vehicle
6. Choose the Right Tow Vehicle:
Select a tow vehicle that is capable of handling the weight of your automatic transmission car. The towing capacity of the tow vehicle should exceed the weight of the towed vehicle.
7. Use a Towing Hitch:
The tow vehicle must be equipped with a towing hitch. Ensure the hitch is rated for the weight of the towed vehicle.
8. Connect the Tow Bar:
Attach the tow bar to the towing hitch and the towed vehicle’s towing points. Make sure the tow bar is rated for the weight of the towed vehicle.
9. Secure the Safety Chains:
Cross the safety chains under the frame of the towed vehicle and hook them to the tow vehicle’s hitch. The safety chains provide a backup connection in case the tow bar fails.
Towing Techniques
10. Maintain a Safe Speed:
Tow at a moderate speed, typically between 30 and 50 mph. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration.
11. Use the Brakes Gradually:
Apply the brakes gently and gradually to prevent excessive force on the towed vehicle’s transmission and driveline.
12. Avoid Sharp Turns:
Make wide turns to prevent overstressing the towed vehicle’s steering and suspension components.
13. Communicate with the Tow Vehicle:
Use hand signals or a two-way radio to communicate with the tow vehicle driver. This ensures coordinated braking and maneuvering.
Stopping and Unhooking
14. Choose a Safe Stopping Area:
Find a suitable location to stop and unhook the vehicles. Avoid stopping on hills or busy roads.
15. Park on a Level Surface:
Park both vehicles on a level surface to prevent the towed vehicle from rolling.
16. Engage the Parking Brake:
Engage the parking brake on the towed vehicle to prevent it from moving once unhooked.
17. Unhook the Safety Chains:
Disconnect the safety chains from the tow vehicle’s hitch.
18. Unhook the Tow Bar:
Detach the tow bar from the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle.
19. Shift into Park:
Shift the transmission of the towed vehicle into park and remove the keys.
Precautions and Troubleshooting
20. Transmission Damage:
Towing an automatic transmission car without properly disengaging the transmission can cause severe damage to the gears, clutches, and other components.
21. Overheating:
Automatic transmissions generate heat when operating. Prolonged towing can lead to overheating. If you notice smoke or a burning smell, stop and allow the transmission to cool down.
22. Drive Shaft Failure:
Towing a vehicle with a raised drive shaft can strain the drive shaft and cause it to fail.
23. Wheel Damage:
If the drive wheels are not properly lifted, they can become damaged during towing.
Conclusion
Towing an automatic transmission car requires careful preparation and proper techniques to prevent damage to the vehicle. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and efficiently tow your automatic transmission car. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific towing instructions and to always prioritize safety when towing.
