Improving Your Vehicle

Towing an automatic transmission vehicle requires special attention. If not prepared correctly, the transmission can be damaged. To protect an automatic transmission when the car is being towed, you'll have to secure the car so that it cannot engage the transmission while it's being transported. Here are a few things to help you find the best method to tow your car.

Rear-Wheel Drive Cars

Rear-wheel drive cars are best towed with a tow bar. Disconnect the universal joint at the end of the rear drive shaft where it connects to the differential on the axle. To disconnect it, remove the bolts on the joint with a wrench, then lower the drive shaft. Return the bolts to their holes on the differential. Then, pull the drive shaft toward the rear bumper to pull it out. Just make sure you have a hand under the other end so that it doesn't strike the ground when it pulls out of place. Secure the car on the trailer, then connect the chains around the tires to keep everything where it should be.

Front-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive Cars

When towing a car that is all-wheel or front-wheel drive, you need to invest in a tow dolly. Connect the tow dolly to the car by attaching it to the tow hitch. Drive the car straight onto the tow dolly, making sure that it's secure. Then, secure the wheels onto the dolly with the chain that's attached to the dolly. Towing a car in this manner leaves the rear tires on the ground. If you have an all-wheel drive car, you'll want to disconnect the rear drive shaft the same way that you would with a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

Things to Consider

No matter what type of vehicle you're towing, you'll need to ensure that the lights on the trailer or the car work properly. If you're using a tow dolly, there's a wiring harness that attaches your car's wiring to the trailer so that the brake lights and other signals receive input from your car's instrument panel. If you're using a tow bar, you'll need to attach accessory lights.

With the information here, you can better understand how to tow any automatic transmission car. If you aren't comfortable towing the car by yourself, you should reach out to a local towing service, like Parkway Wrecker Service, who can dispatch a flatbed or similar truck to handle the tow for you.