Towing of Cars with Automatic Transmissions: Special Aspects of Towing and How to Do it Right

The need for towing a broken car to the nearest auto repair shop occurs not all that frequently, but as a rule, it happens at the most inappropriate moment. Towing a car with automatic gearbox often becomes a real headache for owners of these cars. Ideally, the broken car equipped with the automatic gearbox should be delivered to the workshop with the help of the vehicle carrier, but it is not always possible.

Unfortunately, many drivers of cars with automatic gearboxes have too little knowledge on this problem and often make fatal mistakes resulting in the gearbox breakdown. In this article, we will consider crucial aspects of towing cars with automatic gearboxes and how to do it without any harm to this important car component.

From a technical point of view

Firstly, it should be noted that currently there are several types of automatic gearboxes which have different design. However, the towing rules applied for these gearboxes are almost identical. So, from a technical point of view, the oil pump distributes ATF among all elements of the gearbox only when the powertrain of the car is operating. Subsequently, if the vehicle engine fails to start, the oil pump won’t work either. Thus, parts of the planetary gear set will rotate without ATF (operate in the “dry” mode) leading to rapid wear of gearbox units. The main difference of the automatic gearbox from the manual gearbox is that in the case with the automatic transmission the whole unit is involved in the operation during the process of towing, as under normal operating conditions. When towing cars with automatic transmissions, gear wheels of the gearbox do not receive any lubrication, therefore the gearbox overheats. The results may be different: at the bare minimum – ATF change, and in the worst case scenario – the expensive repair of the gearbox. That’s why auto experts do not recommend towing cars equipped with automatic transmissions; however there are few exceptions which we will discuss below.

The safest way of transporting a broken car equipped with automatic transmission

Towing of automatic transmission cars

If the car equipped with the automatic gearbox suddenly gets broken in the middle of the road, then the most suitable solution will be to call a vehicle carrier and tow the broken car to the auto workshop. However, if this option is impossible for various reasons, drivers should know how to tow their cars without serious implications for the gearbox.

First of all, it should be noted that the general towing methods for vehicles with automatic gearbox cannot be applied to all-wheel drive (AWD) cars equipped with automatic gearboxes. In case of any malfunctions, such cars should be transported to the workshop only with the help of the vehicle carrier. The thing is that AWD cars with automatic gearboxes actuate the four-wheel drive by means of a special electronic clutch (haldex) which overheats and gets out of order much earlier than the gearbox itself. This part is more expensive than the new gearbox.

Never tow the AWD car this way

In other circumstances, drivers should strictly follow specific rules related to this procedure. Firstly, it is necessary to take a close look at the service book of the car and explore recommendations of the car manufacturer related to the car towing.

General recommendations on towing cars equipped with the automatic gearboxes are the following:

- Check the ATF level (it should be within the normal range). Repair specialists also recommend adding some ATF – it will help to prevent overheating of the gearbox.

- Do not drive more than 30 kilometers without stopping. Stops are necessary to cool the gearbox;

- It is necessary to engage the N gear for towing;

- It is also required to unlock the steering lock;

- Braking should be performed smoothly without jerks;

- The maximum towing distance should not exceed 30-40 kilometers;

- The maximum speed for the towed car equals to 40 km/h;

- Driver of the towed car should not try to start the car on the run;

- There will be no towing restrictions, if the driver of the towed car can start the engine;

- If the car has problems with the brake system or steering, then it should be hitch-towed.

Towing car with automatic transmission

If the automatic gearbox is installed not on the towed, but on the towing car, then the owner of this car also should be extremely careful. It is necessary to look through the service book of the car and to find the information related to the max. permissible weight of the car to be towed by the car with the automatic gearbox. Only after that it is reasonable to give a helping hand to someone who has problems with the car. If the car with the automatic gearbox is used for transportation of the trailer, then it is advised to install an additional radiator cooling system. This measure will help to preserve the gearbox from overheating.

In addition, drivers should consider several simple rules:

- Do not tow a vehicle with the weight which is greater than the weight of the towing car;

- The maximum speed should vary from 30 to 40 km/h;

- Engage only the 1-st or 2-nd gear;

- Do not allow the gearbox overheating – it is better to make stops and to cool transmission components.

The towing car should move smoothly without any abrupt acceleration. During the process of towing, it is better to avoid usage of the kick-down mode and to switch off the overdrive function. The abovementioned conditions point out that excessive loads can have a bad impact on gearbox components.

Few words about a towing rope

One of common problems when towing a car is the rope break. To avoid this problem, both drivers must be in control of acceleration, speed, and braking. During towing, the towing rope should always stay slightly strained, without the rope slacks. Otherwise, a towed car may run over the towing rope and break it. In addition, the towing rope may be broken because of abrupt starts or accelerations. The rope must withstand loads that are 20% above the weight of the towed car. The length of the rope should be from 4 to 6 meters. In case of severe weather conditions (like a slippery road), it is recommended to use a special tow-bar for towing cars.

What could be the consequences of improper towing?

Open disregard of rules on towing cars with automatic gearboxes may have negative implications for the transmission. The oil pump is the first part to fail in case of inaccurate car towing.

Damaged oil pump

But it is not the only soft spot in the automatic gearbox during towing. If the car is towed (or is used for towing) in disregard of the restrictions specified in the vehicle service book, towing distance is too long (more than 40-50 kilometers), and if towing speeds (over 40 km/h) are too high, then drivers should be ready for the following unpleasant news:

- The oil pump cannot be repaired and should be replaced;

- Electronic components of the transmission fail to function (mainly applies to automated transmissions);

- Increased wear of the differential gear teeth;

- Damage of soft internal transmission elements (pulleys in CVTs);

- Wear of needle bearings on clutches and shafts;

- The automatic transmission in the towing car often overheats and wears faster.

It is obvious that the list of potential problems with the automatic gearbox during the car towing is quite substantial. Therefore, it is better not to push your luck and to call a tow truck (if it is possible). Otherwise, drivers of cars with automatic gearboxes should follow the abovementioned rules and certainly follow the instructions on towing specified in the vehicle service book.