Answer the question: “Is it permissible to tow a car equipped with an automatic transmission?” You can by reading the vehicle's operating instructions. The vehicle manufacturer indicates the possibility of towing, and also describes the features of using a vehicle with an automatic gearbox as a tow vehicle.
Automatic transmission.
Towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission is permitted, but with some restrictions. You need to tow a car with an automatic transmission in neutral. Even in this position, when the machine moves, rotational movements are performed by the entire gearbox mechanism. The transmission is not designed for this kind of load - this will lead to rapid overheating of the unit, and even its failure is possible. Plus, the oil pump servicing the automatic transmission performs its functions only when the power unit is running. If you drag a car with the engine turned off, the elements of the automatic transmission will work without the supply of lubricant mixture, which can lead to premature failure of the device.
Please note that cars equipped with an automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system are best transported using a tow truck; this is often indicated by the manufacturer in the vehicle’s operating instructions. The machine must be moved by lifting the front or rear axle; using a hitch for transportation is not advisable.
It is permissible to use a car equipped with an automatic transmission as a tow vehicle if such a possibility is indicated in the vehicle manual. Many automatic transmissions are not designed for the additional loads that arise when using the car as a towing vehicle.
Transporting the machine without risk
Rigid coupling option. Automatic transmissions on different car models may have certain design features, so the ability to tow a car with an automatic transmission must be carried out taking into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer as set out in the vehicle’s operating instructions. Particular attention should be paid to:
- the distance over which the car is allowed to be towed;
- the speed at which this type of transportation is carried out
For different machine manufacturers, the above parameters may differ significantly.
Vehicles equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission are transported to a maximum distance of 25 km/h at a speed of 40 km/h. It is permissible to drag a vehicle with a four-speed (or more) automatic transmission at a speed of 50 km/h over a distance of 50 km. If you need to cover a longer distance, then every 30 km the car is stopped and the transmission is allowed to cool. Before towing a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, you must perform the following steps:
- Add ATF mixture to the maximum mark to increase the amount of lubricant and protect parts from overheating. After transportation, excess liquid must be drained; to do this, you should use the services of specialists at a service station.
- Switch the selector to neutral position.
- Transportation should be carried out using a rigid hitch.
- If possible, towing should be done with the engine running, then there are no restrictions regarding travel speed and distance. When the car engine is turned off, towing is carried out with certain restrictions.
Compliance with the rules for towing cars with automatic transmission allows you to keep the transmission in working condition. Sudden movement of the vehicle while towing can permanently damage the automatic transmission.
If towing is performed incorrectly, the following consequences may occur:
- torque converter failure;
- failure of the motor pumping oil in the box;
- premature wear of the gears, this situation occurs if you drag the car with the selector engaged in position D.
Towing vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission
A car equipped with an automatic transmission as a tug. How to tow an automatic transmission? When starting transportation, read the manual for the car; it specifies the speed, distance and tonnage with which a car with an automatic transmission can be used as a tug. If it is not possible to read the instructions for the car, follow these recommendations:
- Use a rigid hitch for towing.
- The weight of the towed vehicle must be less than the weight of the vehicle acting as a tow.
- Position D of the automatic transmission selector is unacceptable; manual mode and 2nd or 3rd gear are used. You should not engage in higher gears, as this will create additional loads. At lower speeds, the transmission heats up more slowly.
- The “leading” car must move away slowly and smoothly, move without sudden braking or jerking; any sudden movements can damage the automatic transmission.
Bottom line
A car equipped with an automatic gearbox can be towed in desperate situations when it is not possible to use the services of a tow truck. Towing such cars requires the driver to know the features of his car; before starting transportation, you should read the manual for the car and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the distance over which the vehicle can be towed, as well as the speed of its transportation. Violating the restrictions regarding speed and towing distance can lead to overheating of the automatic transmission and its premature failure.
An automatic transmission is a complex unit, the repair of which can cost the car owner a pretty penny. This is why many owners of cars with automatic transmissions completely refuse to help when it comes to towing even short distances.
Such careful treatment of the car is, of course, commendable, but it reveals a complete lack of understanding by the owner of the reasons for the restrictions set by the manufacturer for towing by cars with automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, on auto forums, to the question: “Is it possible to tow another car with an automatic?”, as a rule, car owners - those who imagine at least in general terms the structure of an automatic transmission - give a positive answer.
ATF cooling system of a car with automatic transmission
When the oil (ATF) heats up, its lubricating properties decrease and friction between automatic transmission parts increases.
The main reason for the special requirements for towing another car with an automatic transmission is the fact that the transmission oil in such a box plays the role of a working fluid that transmits torque from the engine to the transmission. During movement, the oil becomes very hot, as a result of which all its performance characteristics are reduced, including the ability to fully reduce friction between parts.
That is why a radiator must be installed in the oil system circuit to cool the ATF. In addition, modern cars with automatic transmissions have devices for monitoring the oil temperature - at a minimum, a warning lamp warning of overheating of the fluid.
Towing another car with automatic transmission
Incorrect towing. The weight of the towed vehicle must not exceed the weight of the “tractor”.
Supporting experienced car owners, let’s say that with an automatic transmission you can tow another car, but with the following precautions:
- avoid sudden acceleration;
- the weight of the towed vehicle must not exceed the weight of the “tractor”;
- if the design of the gearbox allows for a choice of gears and driving modes, drive in lower gears;
- Monitor the oil temperature in the automatic transmission.
Monitor the oil temperature in the automatic transmission. In modern automatic transmissions, this function is performed by electronics and when the oil overheats, it switches the automatic transmission to a safe operating mode.
In later models of automatic transmissions, the safe operating mode is selected automatically. This became possible thanks to the electronic “stuffing” of modern automatic transmissions, which actively responds to changes in torque and load on the transmission, reducing the load on the planetary gears of the box. The owner of such a car is only required to change the oil in the unit on time.
Is it possible to tow a trailer with an automatic transmission?
Towing a trailer
When towing an automatic transmission with an automatic transmission, you should drive in lower gears and avoid sudden accelerations and difficult road sections.
Towing a loaded trailer or other vehicle using an automatic transmission is, of course, possible, but again you need to remember the features of the automatic transmission lubrication system. After all, transmission oil for automatic transmissions not only lubricates the mechanism, but is also a working fluid that transmits torque and forces associated with gear shifting.
Therefore, as the load on the transmission increases, the fluid heats up faster and it is necessary to select a driving mode so that the oil has time to cool - drive in lower gears (if a choice of driving mode is provided, do not turn on any “Sport”, etc.), avoid sharp accelerations and difficult roads road sections.
The service book of a car with an automatic transmission always indicates the rules for towing a trailer, that is, to answer a possible question from the future owner of the car - “is it possible to tow a trailer with an automatic?” – a positive answer is indirectly given. As a recommendation, if you often drive with a loaded trailer, install an additional oil cooler for ATF. The increased oil volume and cooling surface area will serve as additional insurance.
You can tow another car using an automatic vehicle if the weight of the towed car does not exceed the weight of the “tractor” and the towed car has working brakes and steering.
How to tow another car with an automatic vehicle (and not only with it) is regulated in sufficient detail by traffic rules:
– they are the same for everyone and do not prohibit towing another car with an automatic transmission.
Traffic rules do not prohibit towing an automatic transmission with an automatic transmission.
If you have to “automatically”, then the following can be added to the general rules:
- avoid towing over long distances (over 30 km);
- the driving speed should not exceed 30 – 40 km/h.
When towing over long distances, it is necessary to take breaks in movement to cool the automatic transmission.
Such restrictions are due to the design features of automatic transmissions. In an automatic transmission, when towing with the engine not running, parts (bearings and gears) rotate with virtually no lubrication and can fail if overheated.
If you still have to tow the automatic transmission over long distances, you need to take breaks while driving to cool the automatic transmission.
Those car owners who doubt whether it is possible to tow an automatic transmission can be advised to at least superficially familiarize themselves with the structure of an automatic transmission - common sense will tell you that they will not commit anything “criminal” in relation to the car if they are careful.
Question one:
Can an automatic be towed?
So, something broke in the car and in this car. Can it be towed? Yes, you can! But there are some restrictions, let's figure out what these restrictions are and where they come from.
The fact is that when the wheels in the automatic transmission rotate, some parts begin to rotate through the drive. Inside the box itself there is a hydraulic pump, whose task is to pump oil in the box under pressure. Of course, such a pump only works when the engine is running. Therefore, if it is possible to start the engine in a car with an automatic transmission, then start it and you can safely tow the car with almost no restrictions.
It’s a completely different matter when it’s impossible to start the engine or there’s no way (and it’s precisely these kinds of cars that most often need towing).
There is an instruction manual for the car, and so... it says exactly how to tow a specific car. Some boxes allow towing and some only at a certain speed.
If there are no instructions, then as a last resort you can drag the car with a machine gun in tow. BUT! No more than 50 kilometers and at a speed no higher than 40 km/h. Since when the engine is not running, the oil in the box overheats, which can lead to breakdown of the entire box.
In any case, towing a car with automatic transmission is done when the selector shift gears to position N.
Well, and one more thing... if you disconnect the wheel drives from the box, you can drag your swallow at least at the speed of light)) if the wheels don’t fall off...
How to unlock automatic towing, video:
And the second question:
Automatically drag?
Is it possible to tow a car with an automatic? Here the answer is approximately the same: you can. But just be careful))) In essence, this is the same as driving a heavily loaded car with or with a trailer. Drive carefully and slowly. There is no need to accelerate too much, and when going uphill, let the driver of the towed car run out and push your car so as not to overheat the box.
The basic rule for the driver of a towing car with an automatic transmission is not to overheat the torque converter. This means you need to accelerate smoothly.
In general, under heavy load (trailer, towing), the hydraulic transformer is most stressed. After all, it is he who ensures the transmission of torque from the engine to the gearbox. And if there is severe slipping, the fluid in it can overheat. And the overheated liquid loses its properties and the box begins to work worse and worse.
Video on the topic of towing an automatic transmission:
In general, if you have the opportunity to refuse the tug, refuse, but if the knife at your throat tells you that it is better to help your neighbor, then feel free to help, and you will be happy. Explore
The road prepares many surprises for motorists, including unpleasant ones - breakdowns. It is almost impossible to find out the cause of the malfunction immediately. Therefore, you have to tow the car to the nearest service station. If everything is clear in the case of a manual transmission, then what about the automatic transmission? There are many opinions regarding the prohibition of towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission. To give a clear answer to the question: Why can't you tow a car with an automatic transmission?, let's consider all the arguments in detail.
Towing a car with an automatic transmission: pros and cons
The answer to the above question is contained in the operating book that comes with the car. If it is not at hand at the right time, then remember that towing a car with an automatic transmission can lead to serious damage. Therefore, you need to resort to it in extreme cases.
In this case, you must be guided by the following rules:
- towing a car is allowed from a distance of no more than 40 kilometers;
- the car towing speed should be limited to 30 kilometers per hour;
- avoid sudden movements (there is a risk of breaking the box);
- The automatic transmission lever must be in one position “N”;
- the coupling must be rigid;
- the weight of the towed car must not exceed the weight of the vehicle being pulled;
- low speeds have a better effect on the transmission;
- All-wheel drive vehicles must be towed only with the rear or front axle raised.
Also, do not forget about the possibility of using a tow truck. If you have such an opportunity, then forget about towing. Loading the car onto the platform of a special vehicle is much more profitable than allowing serious damage during improper towing. When calling a tow truck, you should not skimp, because car repairs can cost much more.
Consequences of improper towing of a car
Asking a question: Why can't you tow a car with an automatic transmission?, we mean serious consequences with the car. Indeed, the consequences of improper towing can be dire. The first to be hit is the torque converter. True, in the automatic transmission it is not the only weak link. Having traveled over 50 kilometers in tow, the consequences for the car may be as follows:
- the occurrence of a breakdown of the torque converter, requiring a complete replacement of the unit;
- risk of failure of car electronics;
- wear of the automatic transmission gear (occurs due to the lever being fixed in position “D”);
- destruction of soft elements of the internal parts of the box (more often occurs on CVTs).
Based on the above, we can conclude that the damage from towing a car with an automatic transmission is significant. Therefore, before carrying out any towing manipulations with the vehicle, carefully consider all the pros and cons. Sometimes it’s better to wait for a tow truck than to waste a lot of money on repairing a vehicle at a service station.
Even now, when tow trucks are common, towing a car remains relevant. Many motorists have the appropriate skills in how towing is carried out, but not everyone is familiar with the intricacies of this matter and not everyone knows whether it is possible to tow a car with an automatic transmission. We will talk about this in this material.
Is it possible to tow a car with an automatic transmission?
Despite the fact that towing a car with an automatic transmission is not advisable, even when there is an urgent need, it is also prohibited to slip a car with an automatic transmission. In general, in the operating book that comes with each car, you can read instructions on this matter, that is, it is possible or not, if possible, then what conditions should be created for this purpose. Different parameters are suitable for different vehicle models, so in this matter everything is individual. Towing is strictly prohibited in some cases. And why? You ask.
It's simple. In normal mode, when the gearbox is working, the oil pump also works with it, which, as you already understand, lubricates all parts of the transmission without exception, thanks to which the gearbox works properly. During towing, when the ignition is turned off, the oil pump does not work, but all the mechanisms rotate in the automatic transmission. This does not happen in a manual transmission, where, therefore, only one gear will rotate. So, there is dry friction between the parts inside the unit, which can cause overheating and breakdown.
Rules for towing cars with automatic transmission
There is one very important rule, following which the automatic transmission in a towed car must always be in the neutral position. Otherwise, if the car is in gear, parking, or, let’s say, driving, and so on, the wheels may simply jam, and then the car will not be able to be towed.
Modern foreign cars of different brands always differ in towing methods. Here's an example: a car with a 3-speed automatic transmission can be towed, but the speed cannot exceed 40 km/h, and the maximum towing distance is 25 km. For models with a 4-speed gearbox, the 50/50 rule is suitable, in other words, the speed should be no more than 50 km/h, and the travel range should be no more than 50 km.
From some sources you can find out that the permitted speed can be increased to 70 km/h, and the max. Distance – up to 150 km. This is not correct, because such transportation will certainly have bad consequences for transmission parts. If the car in tow travels more than 50 km, then if there is no lubricant in the box, it will jam, the shafts will stop rotating, and you will not be able to continue towing.
Let’s say you need to tow a car with an automatic transmission over a distance of more than 50 km, then be sure to make at least a half-hour stop every 30 km so that the car cools down and does not overheat.
Cars with a rear-wheel drive system have much better luck in terms of towing. Such models can be towed for as long as you like, and nothing bad will happen. However, before towing, you need to unscrew the driveshaft. Another difficulty is that when the power unit is turned off, the brake boosters do not work and, of course, the steering does not work. The driver requires experience and a lot of effort to put into the steering wheel and brake pedal.
Sometimes after an accident you need a car examination in Moscow; insurance companies check the damage, etc., before paying you compensation. and after their inspection, sometimes disputes arise; in such a situation, experts who do not depend on insurance companies will help you.
All this can be avoided if the reason for towing is in no way related to damage to the power plant, or it is possible to start it.
Valuable advice from experts
- To avoid any problems with the catalyst, you need to start towing exclusively with a cold engine.
- Towing should be carried out primarily using a rigid hitch.
- If possible, the vehicle can be towed with the drive wheels raised.
- Cars equipped with an all-wheel drive system cannot be pulled at all, since 2 drive axles double the rotation in the shaft box, and this leads to severe wear of the part, and they stop working as intended. This will cause the wheels to rotate incorrectly. In such a situation, it is better to transport the car by tow truck. In emergency cases, you can partially load, that is, raise the rear or front axle.
- The entire tractor must be 2 times larger than the towed vehicle.
- When towing, do not perform sudden maneuvers. Any excessively sudden movement can immediately damage the box.
- For those who don’t know: the proper operation of the entire transmission system depends on forced lubrication, as well as increased heat transfer. Before towing, be sure to check the oil level, and you can safely drive if it is normal, but for your own peace of mind, you can add a little. After the car has arrived at the site, excess oil must be drained.
Let's sum it up
Now you know for sure whether it is possible to tow a car with an automatic transmission, and how to do it correctly. Thanks to simple manipulations, you can pull the car back and avoid it from stalling.
