Can the X-Trail be towed if it breaks down?

[ParkerMarie]

The X-Trail cannot be towed because it is equipped with four-wheel drive and must be transported using a flatbed tow truck. Below are the reasons why towing is not allowed and the precautions for towing: Reasons why towing is not allowed: When towing by lifting, only the front wheels can be secured, while the rear two wheels continue to slide along with the towing vehicle. In this situation, the multi-plate clutch rapidly increases its engagement level, and the kinetic energy from the rear wheels of the towed vehicle is transmitted to the central differential. The central differential generates excessive heat due to reverse friction, which can ultimately lead to burnout. Precautions for towing four-wheel-drive vehicles: Four-wheel-drive vehicles should have all four wheels or two specific wheels lifted off the ground as instructed in the Vehicle Owner's Manual. Otherwise, severe damage to the transmission may occur.

[Jared]

I've been driving for 20 years, and once had my X-Trail stall on the highway, so I tried towing it. You need to be extra careful when towing an automatic X-Trail, as the transmission can easily get damaged because the engine isn't running during towing, leading to insufficient internal lubrication. I put it in neutral (N) and slowly towed it at low speed for about a kilometer—luckily, nothing went wrong, but I really don’t recommend doing this. It’s best to check the owner’s manual first, as it provides detailed guidelines, such as keeping the towing speed below 30 km/h. If the vehicle has a CVT transmission, the towing risk is even higher, and it’s better to use a flatbed tow truck to lift the wheels off the ground. Before towing, check the tow hook location under the front bumper and ensure the handbrake is fully released. Don’t cut corners by doing it yourself—hiring a professional towing company is safer and more convenient, as they have the right equipment to avoid additional damage.

[PrestonRose]

Last time my X-Trail broke down, I considered towing it myself, but the risks seemed too high. When towing an automatic transmission vehicle without engine lubrication, it's easy to damage the gearbox, and repairs can be extremely expensive. Checking the owner's manual, it emphasized that long-distance towing is not allowed, only permitting short-distance, low-speed operations. Eventually, I called for roadside assistance—spending a little money but protecting the car. Before towing, it's also crucial to pay attention to safety, setting up the warning triangle and avoiding stopping on curves or slopes. If you lack experience, prioritize personal safety and seek professional help to avoid regrets. The manual is the gold standard—always read it carefully.

[HeidiMarie]

Can the X-Trail be towed if it breaks down? It depends on your car's condition. If it's a manual transmission, just put it in neutral and tow it freely; for automatics, be more cautious. I once made the mistake of towing an automatic X-Trail too fast and nearly ruined the transmission. Remember to shift to N gear when towing, keep the speed under 20-30 km/h, and avoid sudden braking. Safety first—check tire pressure and battery connections. The manual has towing instructions; it's best to follow them. If you're unsure, calling a towing service is the quickest way to avoid trouble.