The Rumors Around Towing and Transmission Trouble
Many drivers worry about getting their car towed, thinking that towing means signing up for a new transmission. It’s one of the most persistent fears out there. And while there’s a grain of truth in some of these concerns, a lot of it gets blown way out of proportion. Transmission damage from towing isn’t as common as people think, especially when you work with professionals who know how to handle your vehicle the right way. That’s exactly what we do here at our Rolling Meadows towing service. Let’s clear up the confusion and talk about how towing interacts with transmissions, and what really puts your car at risk.
When Is Towing Actually a Threat to Your Transmission?
Towing can harm a vehicle’s transmission, BUT: only under certain conditions. The key lies in how the vehicle is towed and what kind of transmission it has. Flat towing a car with all four wheels on the ground, for example, can be a bad idea for certain vehicles. Why? Because the drivetrain keeps spinning even when the engine isn’t on, and without engine power, there’s no lubrication. That’s a recipe for overheating and internal damage. But that’s not the whole story.
What Makes a Tow Transmission-Safe?
To prevent damage during a tow, we focus on a few key steps:
- We use flatbed tow trucks or dollies to lift the drive wheels off the ground.
- We check the vehicle’s make and model to determine if flat towing is safe.
- We secure the transmission in neutral only when it’s the manufacturer-recommended method.
- We avoid towing automatic transmission vehicles with the drive wheels down unless specifically approved.
By following these procedures, we make sure our Rolling Meadows towing jobs don’t turn into repair jobs.
Common Misconceptions About Towing Damage
One of the biggest myths we hear? That all towing leads to transmission damage. Here’s the truth:
- Most damage comes from improper towing, not towing itself.
- Vehicles designed to be flat towed, like some SUVs, can handle it with no issue.
- Using a flatbed completely removes the risk of transmission strain.
We don’t cut corners with towing setups. A careless hook-up is where the trouble begins. But done right, towing doesn’t ruin transmissions.
Protecting Your Vehicle From Avoidable Damage
We always encourage drivers to know their vehicle before attempting any tow, especially if they’re using a private trailer or asking a friend for help. The difference between a safe tow and a costly mistake often comes down to a few skipped steps.
Here are a few tips we recommend:
- Check your owner’s manual: It tells you whether your vehicle is flat-towable or requires special steps.
- Avoid towing in park: Doing so can damage the parking mechanism inside your transmission.
- Use a flatbed when unsure: This is the safest option for almost any car.
- Don’t guess—ask: Calling a professional towing company for advice can save you thousands in repairs.
If you’re stuck on the road and not sure what kind of tow your car needs, we’ve got the know-how to make the right call.
North Shore Towing: Trusted for Rolling Meadows Towing and Transmission-Safe Transport
At North Shore Towing, we’ve handled every kind of vehicle and situation over the years. We know how to approach each job with care, especially when it involves transmission-sensitive vehicles. When you call us for Rolling Meadows towing, you’re getting a team that knows how to keep your transmission safe.
We use flatbeds when needed, assess drivetrain layouts, and make sure no detail gets overlooked. We’ve built our Rolling Meadows towing reputation on doing things the right way. That includes protecting what matters most under your hood.
So next time you’re worried about transmission damage, just give us a call. Our Rolling Meadows towing crew will get you back on track without adding any surprises. From short hops to long hauls, Rolling Meadows towing with North Shore Towing is all about doing it smart, doing it safe, and doing it right.
FAQ
Can towing damage an automatic transmission?
Yes, it can if done incorrectly. Towing with the drive wheels on the ground without proper precautions may cause overheating or internal damage to the transmission.
What’s the safest way to tow a car with an automatic transmission?
Using a flatbed tow truck is usually the safest option. It lifts all four wheels off the ground and avoids putting stress on the drivetrain.
Is it okay to tow a car in neutral?
It depends on the vehicle. Some transmissions still circulate fluid in neutral, while others do not. Always check the owner’s manual before towing this way.
Do all-wheel drive vehicles require special towing?
Yes, they often do. All-wheel drive systems can be damaged if towed with any wheels on the ground. Flatbed towing is usually recommended.
Can I tow a car myself without damaging it?
Only if you have the right equipment and knowledge. Using the wrong method or ignoring vehicle-specific requirements can lead to costly repairs.
How do I know if my car can be flat towed?
Look in the owner’s manual under the towing section. It will tell you if flat towing is safe and outline any special steps needed.
