How to tow a car with an automatic transmission so that it does not go sideways

  • Oct 20, 2021
The type of towing of a car with automatic transmission depends on the nature of the breakdown. l Photo - auto.rambler.ru
The type of towing of a car with automatic transmission depends on the nature of the breakdown. l Photo - auto.rambler.ru
The type of towing of a car with automatic transmission depends on the nature of the breakdown. l Photo - auto.rambler.ru

Every year more and more drivers prefer cars with an automatic transmission. This is explained by the simplicity of driving. As with any mechanism, cars with automatic transmission tend to break down. At the most inopportune moment, the battery, braking system or steering system can fail. The engine can also pump up. The driver has a question - how to transport his "swallow" to the service station? Despite the horror stories that are still in use among motorists, a car with an “automatic” can be towed. But if you follow simple rules.

1. Subtleties of automatic transmission

How to tow a car with automatic transmission. l Photo - avtotop.info
How to tow a car with automatic transmission. l Photo - avtotop.info
How to tow a car with automatic transmission. l Photo - avtotop.info

If you do not take into account cars with a manual gearbox, then vehicles with an “automatic” are different. And not only in shape, color or brand. The automatic transmissions themselves differ according to the principle of action (work). Among the automatic transmissions there are hydromechanical, variable, robotic, perselective. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. But the indisputable advantage of automatic transmissions is the simplicity and ease of driving.

instagram viewer

One of the ways to tow a car with automatic transmission is to transport it on a cart. l Photo - autotopik.ru
One of the ways to tow a car with automatic transmission is to transport it on a cart. l Photo - autotopik.ru

At a time when vehicles with an automatic transmission were just beginning to conquer their niche in the car market, a variety of legends, stories and horror stories began to arise around them. Among them were those who explained why a car with an “automatic” cannot be towed. Box breakage was a compelling argument. During the ride "on a tie" mechanisms, units and parts of the automatic transmission came to malfunction. Is it really? Before answering this question, let's touch on one more nuance of towing a car with an automatic transmission.

Among car owners (far from the intricacies of the gearbox device and everything associated with it), it is common judgment that a vehicle with an automatic transmission can only be towed when the engine. This need was explained by the fact that during the operation of the motor, units, systems and parts were less exposed to overheating and wear. Now back to the question - is this really so?

2. What happens when towing a car with automatic transmission

Before starting towing, the selector must be in neutral. l Photo - drivenn.ru
Before starting towing, the selector must be in neutral. l Photo - drivenn.ru

We will not go into the intricacies of what happens under the hood while towing a car with an automatic transmission. Speaking in the language of a common man in the street - when the vehicle moves "on a tie", the box mechanisms still function. This process is independent of whether the engine is running or muted. The point is different.

If the engine is running, the oil supply system is automatically started. Transmission fluid begins to be supplied to all rubbing mechanisms. Both the power steering and the braking system will function (if they are in good working order, of course). But if the breakdown lies in the automatic transmission itself, then a running engine can only aggravate the situation. In order to prevent the occurrence of even more serious breakdowns, it is better to tow a car with an “automatic” with the engine turned off.

The owner of a car with automatic transmission chooses the towing method himself. l Photo - ortunaavto.com
The owner of a car with automatic transmission chooses the towing method himself. l Photo - ortunaavto.com

Another nuance. A car that rides “on a tie” with the engine turned off has mechanisms and assemblies running “dry”. Insufficient lubrication leads to rapid wear of parts. But this problem is easy to fix. Before starting towing, it is advisable to fill the transmission fluid to the upper limit. While riding "on a tie", adhere to the speed limits, control the temperature of the ATP fluid and not neglect the stops (they will help prevent overheating of the box).

3. Simple rules for towing a car with automatic transmission

A soft hitch when towing is possible if the steering wheel and braking system are in good working order. l Photo - infoshiny.ru
A soft hitch when towing is possible if the steering wheel and braking system are in good working order. l Photo - infoshiny.ru

Each vehicle comes with an instruction manual. The manual describes in detail: what and how you can and cannot do with the car. There are very few cars with automatic transmission that cannot be towed at all. Although manufacturers recommend moving a broken car to a service station using a tow truck. But situations are different. And the tow truck is not always available for the owner of the faulty vehicle. In order not to aggravate the situation, and not to supplement the breakdown with other malfunctions, it is better to adhere to the simple rules for towing a car with an automatic transmission.

First of all, you need to switch the selector to neutral - N. You can remove the lock when the engine is turned off by pressing a special button. It is located on the selector box.

If the malfunction is related to the steering or braking system, then it is better to move the car on a rigid hitch or trolley. In other cases, you can use a tow rope.

Optimal towing is to move the vehicle with a tow truck. l Photo - spokoino.ru
Optimal towing is to move the vehicle with a tow truck. l Photo - spokoino.ru

When the engine is turned off, the power steering and braking system will work the same. To control them, the driver will have to put more effort.

The most important thing is speed and distance. The maximum speed at which you can tow a car with an “automatic” should not exceed 50 km / h. Optimal - 30 km / h. The towing range depends on many factors (malfunctions). Within the city limits, riding "on a tie" is unlikely to cause serious damage to the components and mechanisms of a vehicle with an automatic transmission. A completely different matter is a country track. It is better to make stops there every 30-40 km. This is necessary in order to avoid overheating of the transmission fluid.

>>>>Ideas for life | NOVATE.RU<<<<

A rigid hitch when towing is used if the brake system is damaged or the steering column is faulty. l Photo - avtoscepka.by
A rigid hitch when towing is used if the brake system is damaged or the steering column is faulty. l Photo - avtoscepka.by

Summarizing all of the above, a car with an automatic gearbox can be towed in any way available to the driver. The main thing is to follow the simple rules of such transportation.

Share, how do you tow a car with automatic transmission?

IT IS INTERESTING:

1. Why are cardboard and plywood houses being built in American suburbs?

2. Why do American men wear a T-shirt under their shirt?

3. Will the water protect from shots, as shown in the films?