What gear should an automatic transmission car be in when towed?
3 Answers
When an automatic transmission car is towed, the N (Neutral) gear should be selected. Here are the specific details: Reason for choosing N gear: During towing, the vehicle gains momentum from the towing vehicle. In this situation, the gear must be set to Neutral (N gear). Only in N gear will the transmission cut off all power transfer. If the car is in D (Drive) gear, the towing vehicle not only has to bear the weight of the towed car but also contend with its engine and transmission. As for P (Park) gear, it goes without saying that forcibly towing a car with the transmission locked can cause immeasurable damage to the transmission. Therefore, N gear is the most suitable. Precautions for towing an automatic transmission car: It is best to lift the drive wheels before towing; otherwise, the transmission may be damaged. After a car breaks down, the automatic transmission oil pump cannot operate, and various components lack proper lubrication and cooling. When the drive wheels are on the ground during towing, the transmission is also forced to operate. Thus, towing over a certain distance can damage the transmission.
I've had my car break down a few times before, and when towing, it's essential to shift into N gear, which is the neutral position. This protects the transmission from being damaged during towing because leaving it in P or D gear locks the drivetrain. Forcing the wheels to turn while towing can cause gear wear or oil pump failure. Remember to check the vehicle manual, as some all-wheel-drive models cannot be towed directly and require a flatbed tow truck or towing mode activation. Speed control is also crucial—don't exceed 40 kilometers per hour to avoid increasing friction heat. For safety, I always turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and ensure everything is secure before towing.
When I first bought a car, I didn't know these things. It was only after consulting friends that I learned automatic transmission vehicles must be in neutral (N) gear when towing. The reason is that if left in other gears, towing can cause unnecessary friction among internal transmission components, potentially damaging the equipment over time. You also need to pay attention to the tension of the tow rope - too tight may cause impact during emergency braking. From my personal experience, regularly asking mechanics about towing techniques during maintenance can prevent accidental damage on the road. Maintain low speed during towing, avoid sudden acceleration, and only proceed when everything is confirmed safe.