Can Towing a Car Damage the Transmission? What Every Driver Needs to Know

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When your car breaks down, one of the first thoughts is whether to call a towing service and what might happen to your vehicle during the process. Many drivers worry about one big question: Can towing a car damage the transmission? Since the transmission is one of the most expensive parts of a car, it makes sense to understand the risks. At Chavez Towing, we help drivers move their cars safely, and we know how important it is to protect your vehicle’s transmission during towing.

In this guide, you will learn how towing affects the transmission, common mistakes that cause damage, the safest way to tow, and how to avoid issues when your vehicle is being towed.

Why People Worry About Transmission Damage During Towing

Your car’s transmission system is built to move power from the engine to the wheels. When a vehicle is towed the wrong way, the drivetrain and transmission can be forced to spin without the engine running. This can prevent the transmission fluid from moving as it should. When fluid flow is disrupted, heat builds up, which can lead to transmission damage.

This is why the towing method matters. When a car with its drive wheels on the ground is pulled without the engine running, the transmission can overheat or wear out fast. This problem most often occurs in cars with automatic transmissions. Still, even manual transmissions can be affected if the wrong method is used.

What Actually Causes Transmission Damage During Towing

Several things can cause the transmission during towing to fail. The most common reasons include:

1. Improper Towing

If a tow truck pulls the car with the wrong towing method, the wheels might stay on the ground. This can force the transmission to move without the engine running, which can cause the gears and pump to heat up. This kind of towing damage is avoidable when the proper towing practices are used.

2. The Wrong Wheels on the Ground

A Front Wheel Drive car should never be pulled with the front wheels touching the ground. A Rear Wheel Drive car should not be towed with the rear wheels touching the ground. Leaving the drive wheels on the ground can cause damage because the transmission fluid pump will not work.

3. Low or Old Transmission Fluid

When the car is towed and the transmission fluid is already low, the risk of transmission damage increases. Without fluid, parts rub together, generating heat.

4. Cars That Require Flatbed Towing

Some vehicles with automatic transmissions, as well as some luxury cars, require a flatbed tow only. If these cars are moved any other way, damage can occur quickly.

How Towing Really Affects Automatic Transmissions

The biggest concern is with automatic transmission systems. These often rely on a pump that only works when the engine is running. When the vehicle is towed with the car in neutral, people assume it is safe. But the truth is, the pump doesn’t move fluid unless the engine is on. This is why towing the wrong way can quickly damage the transmission even if the car is in neutral.

The safest option is always a flatbed tow truck, where all wheels stay off the ground.

Safe Towing Methods That Protect Your Transmission

The good news is that there are safe, proven ways to tow your vehicle without damaging the transmission.

1. Flatbed Towing

This is the safest way to tow most cars. The car is lifted fully off the ground, keeping all wheels from spinning. If you want to protect your transmission and prevent vehicle damage, this is the top option.

2. Wheel Lift Towing

With this method, the tow truck lifts the wheels that power the car. For example, a front-wheel-drive car is lifted by the front wheels, keeping them from turning. This is safe when done by a professional towing service that knows the proper setup.

3. Using a Tow Dolly

A tow dolly lifts the front wheels, leaving the back wheels on the road. This may be safe for some vehicles, but it depends on the type of transmission and the specific towing instructions recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Flat Towing

Flat towing means all wheels stay on the ground. This is not safe for most modern automatic cars. It can lead to transmission damage unless the car was built for it.

How to Know If Your Vehicle Requires Special Towing

Your owner’s manual often lists the correct type of towing for your car. Some vehicles have clear warnings, such as “Vehicle must be towed with all wheels off the ground.” Others allow two-wheel towing only.

If you are unsure, you can call a tow company and ask. A professional towing team will know that the towing method used should match the type of vehicle to avoid problems.

Does Towing in Neutral Prevent Damage?

Many drivers think that shifting the car into neutral solves the problem. But in most automatic cars, the transmission fluid pump still does not work unless the engine is running. That means the gears spin dry, which increases the risk of transmission damage.

Neutral only helps if the car’s design allows it and only when the right wheels are off the ground.

Signs of Transmission Damage After a Tow

If the towing process was done wrong, you might notice:

Delayed shifting
A burning smell
Hard gear changes
Grinding noises
Transmission slipping

If you see any of these signs, your vehicle’s transmission might need attention right away to prevent further damage.

How to Protect Your Car During Towing

To prevent transmission damage and keep your car safe:

Always choose a professional towing service
Ask if they will use a flatbed tow truck
Make sure the drive wheels will not be on the ground
Tell them your car’s make and model
Ask if your car needs special instructions
Avoid hook and chain towing
Never let the vehicle be towed long distances with the wrong method

Good towing comes down to skill and proper equipment. When done right, your car being towed will stay safe from transmission failure or other car damage.

Final Thoughts

So, can towing a car damage the transmission? The answer is yes, but only when the towing is done the wrong way. With the correct method and the right team, your vehicle stays protected. Chavez Towing offers safe towing and trusted service to drivers in Carrollton, Texas, and ensures your vehicle is treated with care from start to finish.

FAQs

1. How do I protect my transmission while towing?

Use the proper towing method, keep the wheels off the ground, and choose a team that understands safe and proper towing.

2. Can you mess up a car by towing it?

Yes, towing can damage the drivetrain and transmission if done incorrectly.

3. Is towing bad for an automatic transmission?

It can be if a car with an automatic transmission is towed with its drive wheels on the ground. A flatbed tow is the safest option.

4. What is the biggest killer of transmissions?

Heat and lack of transmission fluid flow are the top causes of transmission failure.

5. Does towing damage the transmission?

It can if the wrong method is used. Choosing the right towing vehicle prevents problems.

6. Will towing a car in neutral damage the transmission?

Yes, for many automatic cars, neutral does not allow fluid, which can still cause the transmission to overheat.

7. What is the safest way to tow any vehicle?

A flatbed tow truck is still the most reliable and safest option.

8. Can all vehicles be towed with a tow dolly?

No, some cars require flatbed towing to avoid damage.

Call Chavez Towing for Safe and Professional Towing in Carrollton

If you want a safe and reliable towing experience that keeps your transmission protected, Chavez Towing is here to help. We offer Car Towing, Box Truck Towing, RV Towing, Truck Towing, Flatbed Tow Truck service, Long Distance Towing, Emergency Car Recovery, Motorcycle Transport, Tire Change, Car Lockout, and more. We proudly serve Carrollton, Texas, and nearby areas.

Save our number (214) 731-7327, or call us now for fast help and professional towing done the right way. Contact us at any time; we are open 24/7.