What gear should an automatic transmission car be in when towing?
2 Answers
Use the N gear. However, the towing speed should not exceed 50 kilometers per hour, and the towing distance in neutral should not be too long. Introduction: Automatic transmission, as the name suggests, means that the driver does not need to shift gears manually. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. Principle of automatic transmission: The engine's power is transmitted through the gearbox, which is also a key factor affecting fuel consumption. Generally, automatic transmissions consume 10% more fuel than manual transmissions. Whether manual or automatic, the more gears there are, the more fuel-efficient the transmission is.
When towing an automatic transmission vehicle, the gear must be in neutral, which is the N position. With decades of driving experience and having towed various vehicles, this lesson is deeply ingrained in my mind—if left in a drive gear like D or R, the tires will rotate the transmission while being towed, but the oil pump won't operate to provide lubrication, leading to overheating, wear, or even complete failure of the gears. Once, I forgot to shift gears when helping a friend tow their car, resulting in strange noises from the transmission and repair costs exceeding ten thousand yuan. Don't risk towing in P gear; locking the wheels in P and towing forcibly can damage the mechanism. Only N gear allows the car to move freely and safely. For long towing distances, check the tire pressure and handbrake settings, and ensure the tow rope is securely connected to avoid accidents. For modern vehicles, some models may require additional steps, such as turning the key to the 'run' position to activate auxiliary systems. The safest approach is to consult the owner's manual to confirm the details.
