What Gear Should a Manual Transmission Car Be In When Towed?
2 Answers
When towing a manual transmission car, it should be in neutral gear with the handbrake released. It is important to note that the towing speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour, and the towing distance should not exceed 50 kilometers. A manual transmission refers to a system where the driver manually shifts gears by moving the gear lever to change the gear engagement inside the transmission, thereby altering the gear ratio to achieve speed variation. The steps to start a manual transmission car are: 1. Fully depress the clutch pedal; 2. Move the gear lever to engage the 1st gear as the starting gear; 3. Gently push the turn signal lever downward to activate the left turn signal, indicating the vehicle's intention to move to both front and rear traffic; 4. Press the horn button to alert pedestrians in front of the vehicle of the impending start; 5. Release the vehicle's handbrake; 6. Gradually lift the left foot until the clutch reaches the half-clutch state, causing the vehicle to vibrate slightly; 7. As the vehicle begins to move, release the clutch and gently press the accelerator.
When towing a manual transmission vehicle, I strongly recommend always putting it in neutral. This is because I've encountered similar situations where, if accidentally left in gear like first or second, the rotation of the wheels during towing can drive the transmission gears. This may lead to clutch overheating, internal component damage, or even transmission burnout. Repairs can be a huge hassle, and replacing a new one costs several thousand dollars. So, keeping it in neutral allows the transmission to rotate freely, preventing any accidental damage. Additionally, don't forget to release the handbrake before towing, otherwise it will cause extra wear on the braking system. Safety first—keeping it in neutral reduces accident risks, such as sudden jerks if the vehicle brakes unexpectedly. In short, make it a habit to always confirm neutral gear before towing and check if the dashboard displays correctly. This small step can save you big money.