Towing a vehicle often raises a lot of concerns regarding potential transmission damage that is associated with several myths. In fact, car owners experience these myths as a source of stress, especially when one has to weigh options against towing.
In this article, we try to clear up these fallacies and give some sound details about how towing is really affecting our vehicles. The better one understands this subject, the easier it will be to stop worrying and preparing ourselves before any towing activity happens.
Common Misconceptions About Towing and Transmission Damage
It would be vital to throw some light on some of the general myths that surround towing and their effects on transmission. Such misconceptions can only be lessened by clearing them up, allowing all vehicle owners to save themselves from undue stress.
How Towing Affects Our Vehicles
Not All Towing Damages Transmissions: This is a misconception. When towing is done correctly, it does not inherently harm a vehicle’s transmission. Advances in towing techniques and equipment have significantly reduced risks.
There are misconceptions that automatic vehicles can’t be towed without damage. The truth is, towing of an automatic car is very safe if the right methods, such as using a flatbed truck, are applied.
Major Repairs Are Always Required After Towing: This claim is totally wrong. Proper towing practices usually do not require any repairs afterward.
Four-wheel drive vehicles cannot be damaged by towing: This is not true. If proper techniques of towing are not used, then four-wheel drive vehicles also face transmission problems.
All vehicles can be handled by any towing service: This statement is misleading. There may be different types of vehicles that need some special knowledge and equipment for safe towing.
Other Ways Towing Affects Our Vehicles
Towing affects our vehicles in a number of ways, and it is rather instrumental to its proper maintenance.
Type of Vehicle and Drivetrain: The make and model of the vehicle are quite critical when determining the correct way to tow. From front-wheel to rear-wheel, to all-wheel drive, to four-wheel drive-all must be treated with a very specific approach that may potentially cause damage otherwise.
Towing Equipment: The nature of towing equipment is very important. The options vary, with flatbeds, two-wheel tows, and dollies interacting differently with our vehicles and influencing their potential harm.
Towing Duration and Distance: The farther the distance one travels using a car for towing, the possibility of causing damage if not rightly done; in the process, one needs to secure the vehicle well and check on its condition from time to time.
Condition of Vehicle: The current condition of the vehicle will determine how well it can sustain being towed. Some problems, including low tire pressure and problems with mechanical items that could be hidden from view, can increase the risk of damage.
Towing Technique: How we tow greatly determines how our vehicle will endure it. Proper placement on the tow truck and being strapped in will decrease additional stress on components such as the transmission.
Knowing these types of factors will help protect our vehicles in case towing has to be done.
Factors Affecting the Occurrence of Transmission Damage During Towing
Several factors can lead to transmission damage while towing. Of importance are the vehicle’s drive configuration: front, rear, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive, and the technique of towing applied. For example, towing a four-wheel drive car without a flatbed puts tremendous stress on the transmission. With all these facts, we can opt for the safest towing methods that would reduce the possibility of developing problems with the transmission.
Proper Towing Technique to Avoid Transmission Problems
Transmission problems can be avoided when the proper towing technique is adapted. Different types of vehicles require different approaches. For instance, front-wheel-drive cars must be towed with caution.