Busted Myths AboutTowing and Transmission Damage

Towing Without Regret

We understand why car owners often wonder: does towing harm your transmission? It’s a fair concern. Your car is one of your biggest investments, and the idea of something going wrong during a tow can make anyone nervous. No wonder plenty of folks worry about transmission damage when they call us for Roswell emergency towing, especially when they’re already stressed from being stuck on the road. So let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.

Truth or Trouble

The truth is, towing can harm your transmission. But only when it’s done incorrectly! That’s why how the vehicle is towed matters just as much as why. Most automatic transmissions don’t do well when the drive wheels spin while the engine is off. That’s because transmission fluid isn’t circulating, and moving parts aren’t being properly lubricated. In those cases, if a car is towed with the drive wheels on the ground, yes, the transmission can overheat or get damaged. But that’s not how we operate.

Types of Towing and Transmission Risk

We’ve got different towing methods depending on the vehicle’s design. Flatbeds, wheel-lifts, and dollies all serve a specific purpose, and they can protect your transmission when used correctly. So how do you know what’s right?

Flatbed Towing: Best for Protection

This is the gold standard when it comes to transmission safety. The entire vehicle sits on the bed, and nothing spins or drags. It’s perfect for all-wheel drive vehicles and a safe bet for most others too.

Front-Wheel Drive and Wheel-Lift Towing

If the front wheels are the drive wheels, lifting them off the ground does the trick. The rear wheels roll freely and don’t affect the transmission. It’s a simple, clean solution that avoids any risk to your drivetrain.

Rear-Wheel Drive? No Problem

When we tow a rear-wheel drive vehicle, we lift the back wheels—or we use a dolly under them. That way, the transmission isn’t involved at all.

Common Myths 

Even with proper towing, myths tend to stick around. Here are a few we’ve heard while providing Roswell emergency towing:

• “Flatbeds are the only safe method for every vehicle.”
  Not true. Some cars are perfectly fine with a wheel-lift, and it’s often faster in emergency situations.
• “If my transmission is already bad, towing will destroy it.”
  Not necessarily. We’ll adapt the method to make sure your car is stable and doesn’t take further damage.
• “Towing companies don’t care about your car’s condition.”
  Maybe some don’t. But we do, because we’re drivers too.

What You Can Do to Help

While we’re handling the tow, there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother and safer for your vehicle:

1. Tell us the exact make and model. Some cars have specific requirements.
2. Let us know if the vehicle is stuck in gear. This could affect how we hook it up.
3. Share any existing transmission issues. That way, we can take extra care.

Staying informed helps us help you better. When we arrive, we already know the best approach.

Patriot Towing: Trusted for Roswell Emergency Towing

At Patriot Towing, Roswell emergency towing is a responsibility we take seriously. We show up ready to get you out of a jam without making things worse. Transmission-safe towing is part of that. We choose the right method for every Roswell emergency towing situation, and our team knows exactly how to tow without adding damage.

Whether your engine’s dead, your battery’s out, or your car just won’t move, our Roswell emergency towing services are designed to handle it fast and without causing more issues. Flatbeds, wheel-lifts, or dollies… we have the right setup for every vehicle and every scenario.

Need Roswell emergency towing you can count on? Reach out to Patriot Towing. We’ll tow it the right way, the first time: no transmission trouble, no surprises, no shortcuts.

FAQ

Can towing damage a vehicle if it’s in park?

Yes, if the vehicle is towed with the drive wheels on the ground while in park, it can cause internal strain. Using the right towing method prevents this.

Is flatbed towing always better than wheel-lift towing?

Not always. Flatbeds are ideal for many vehicles, but wheel-lift towing is safe and often faster for lighter cars when used correctly.

How do I know what kind of tow my car needs?

The best method depends on whether your car is front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. A professional will choose based on your car’s design.

Does it matter if my car has a manual transmission?

Yes, manual transmission vehicles generally have fewer towing restrictions, but incorrect towing can still cause drivetrain issues if done improperly.

Can I tow a car that’s stuck in gear?

Yes, but it may require special handling. Always inform the tow operator if your car can’t shift or roll so they can prepare accordingly.

Are older cars more likely to be damaged during towing?

Older vehicles can be more vulnerable, especially if they have worn suspension or driveline parts. Proper towing techniques help avoid damage.