Can you tow an automatic by yourself? – Roadside assistance advice

A car breakdown on the road is an unfavorable situation for any driver. In today’s article, we will discuss whether it is possible to tow an automatic car yourself and how to do it. Futuretowing.ca provide many services like jump starter services, roadside assistance services etc. If you want to get these types of services then go to towing companies near me.

How to Tow a Car Yourself – Everything You Need to Know

Cars with automatic transmission, unlike manual vehicles, are known for their reliability. Despite this, they can encounter some problems on the road. If one day we find ourselves in front of a stranded car, we will have to tow it to the nearest garage for repairs and diagnostics.

Can a car with an automatic transmission be towed by yourself?  It is not recommended to tow a car with an automatic transmission by yourself. In such a case, it is necessary to call a professional mechanic who can ensure the correct transport of the car.

Indeed, most types of automatic transmissions are not adapted to be towed independently using a cable or hook, leading to a high risk of failure of various assembly components due to overloads and overheating.

Towing your car yourself – engine on or off?

Whether it is a manual or automatic transmission, all cars can break down, requiring the intervention of a professional.  Automatics require more attention than manual transmissions.

To decide to tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission yourself, you need to consider the vehicle’s torque converter or clutch, which must be constantly supplied with oil. As a rule, the corresponding pumps in the gearbox are driven by the movement of the engine. When the vehicle’s engine is not running, the pump cannot generate the pressure it needs, and the gearbox may start to run dry on some moving parts after a few kilometers. If the engine still starts, you should tow the vehicle at idle speed , which will save you trouble and also minimize the clearly visible damage to the gearbox that occurs when running dry.

How to Tow an Automatic? – Initial Preparations

When towing a car, even with the engine running, it is necessary to engage N (Neutral) gear. This is the only way to tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission. In the case of P( Park ) gear, the transmission remains stationary and blocks the wheels, preventing the vehicle from being safely towed.

Towing a car with an automatic transmission – how?

To tow a car with an automatic transmission, you need a tow rope or a tow bar. In most cars, there is the first of these items, a rope. Its advantage is definitely its low weight and compactness, ensuring the possibility of fitting it in the trunk of a car.

Tow bars, on the other hand, are more practical than smaller tow ropes because the rigid bar ensures a constant, safe distance between the two cars and prevents accidental hitting the person in the back.

Can a car with an automatic transmission be towed by yourself? – Potential risks

Towing a car with an automatic transmission is not an easy task. If the vehicle is in the wrong gear or is towed too far, the gearbox may fail.  These include:

• The torque converter is irreversibly damaged and requires complete replacement;
• The gearbox oil pump broke down due to constant unnecessary operation;
• The electronics may be damaged;
• Gearbox damage (gears, soft elements)

Depending on the make and model, a vehicle with a mechanized transference can be towed on a rope or hook for up to 50 km. For further information, please refer to the vehicle’s owner’s handbook. If the vehicle was towed incorrectly, there is a risk of losing the existing assurance for mend gearbox-related faults.  As is well known, automatic transmission repairs are among the most expensive on the market.

Situations where towing is absolutely prohibited are:

• Excessive amount of ice on road;
• Faulty vehicle brakes;
• Broken steering system.

The above factors can lead to a lack of control of a vehicle that has broken down, thus involving unpredictable consequences that pose a threat to road traffic. Let’s move on to 10 basic rules that should be followed when towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission.

Towing a car with an automatic transmission – 10 steps

1. Before towing, position the towing vehicle as close as possible to the vehicle being towed;
2. First attach the towing equipment ( rope or hook ) to the towing vehicle, then to the towed vehicle;
3. Discuss in advance what route you will choose and at what speed you will be traveling. The route should not be longer than 50 km, as this may result in slow destruction of the dry or idle parts of the other car;
4. Before setting off, release the P gear in the broken-down vehicle and set it to neutral. If possible, activate emergency mode;
5. Turn the keys in the ignition until the indicator lights, such as the oil level light, come on. This way the power steering remains functional and the lock cannot engage;
6. You should have your side lights on, both in the towed vehicle and the pulling vehicle. You can also use your hazard warning lights. It is also advisable to place a warning triangle in the rear window of the emergency vehicle. This way you warn drivers behind you;
7. The slower you drive, the less risk there is of a rear-end collision caused by a towed vehicle. Drive at a low speed of 20-40 km/H;
8. Drivers of the towing vehicle must use hand signals or side indicators to indicate the direction they are traveling at the appropriate time. If there is no passenger, point to the right before turning right;
9. In the towing vehicle, brake carefully but not abruptly;
10. Avoid additional distraction from the radio or music by observing the movements of the affected vehicle in your rear-view mirror.

How to tow a car with an automatic transmission?

A car with an automatic transmission, unlike a manual transmission, requires much greater caution. To the point that most manufacturers recommend calling professional roadside assistance to the scene of the accident.

Indeed, the gear lever is locked in the P position by default. We should know that if the vehicle cannot be started, it is related to the operation of the gearbox oil pump, which does not engage and therefore cannot lubricate your system. In addition, idling or in the opposite direction (in the case of towing the vehicle from behind) can damage the gearbox. Therefore, it is not recommended to tow the car yourself and use a tow truck equipped with a platform.

So if we have the possibility to use a tow truck, it is better to forget about towing. It is much more profitable to load the car onto the platform of a special vehicle, e.g.  FutureTowing roadside assistance service, which has been operating on the roads of Winnipeg and the surrounding area since 2020. Careful and comprehensive help from professionals will ensure the safety of the automatic gearbox, and the tow truck Winnipeg company offer will allow you to save money, because repairing an automatic gearbox is one of the most expensive.