Cars with automatic transmissions can be towed. But at the same time, it is imperative to follow certain rules and restrictions established by the manufacturer and due to the design of the gearbox. Failure to comply with these rules and requirements will lead to breakdown and costly repair of the automatic transmission.
Features of the design of automatic boxes
Towing a car with an automatic machine is possible only when the neutral (N) automatic mode is on. The planetary gearshift will not function. But the torque converter will still function and transmit rotational movements to many parts and assemblies of the box. All this leads to increased loads and overheating of the transmission.
When towing a car with the engine off, the automatic transmission oil pump does not work, as it is driven from the power unit. This means that the gearbox is almost lubricated and wears out at a fantastic rate.
The most difficult thing is towing four-wheel drive vehicles equipped with an automatic and non-disconnectable four-wheel drive. In most cases, they cannot be towed. Therefore, you have to move a faulty car on a tow truck or an auto transporter.
Correct towing of a car with an automatic
Each model of an automatic transmission has its own design features. Therefore, each manufacturer has its own restrictions on towing. But they all limit the maximum towing speed and maximum distance. All this is stated in the instruction manual.
If the instruction is missing or unavailable, it is necessary to follow the general rules:
- Tow the vehicle at a speed of no more than 50 km / h for a distance of no more than 50 km. If the car is old and equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission, the towing speed will be 30 km / h, and the distance will be no more than 25 km.
- A vehicle with a suspended drive axle can be towed without restrictions.
- If you need to tow a car with automatic transmission over a long distance (more than 50 km), this should be done intermittently. Every 30 km, you must stop and wait for the box to cool down. But even in this case, 100 km will be the advanced towing range.
- The selector of the machine when towing must be in N (neutral). The engine should, if possible, be kept running.
- It is advisable to use a rigid hitch for towing.
- If possible, add transmission oil to the box up to the upper mark.
These rules apply to all types and types of automatic transmissions: torque converter, variator, robotic, preselective.
Also, experts advise owners of cars with automatic transmissions, whenever possible, not to tow the car, but to use the services of a tow truck. The cost of their services will be tens and hundreds of times lower than the cost of a possible repair of a box that has failed due to improper towing.
