Drive wheels must be elevated: Towing a vehicle with its drive wheels on the ground without the engine running prevents transmission lubrication, leading to rapid failure.
AWD vehicles require flatbeds: All-wheel-drive and 4WD vehicles generally require flatbed towing to prevent severe damage to the center differential and drivetrain.
Neutral isn’t always enough: Simply shifting a car into neutral does not disengage the internal transmission components from the wheels in automatic vehicles.
Heat is the enemy: Improper towing generates excessive friction heat inside the transmission, which can warp gears and burn out clutches in minutes.
Professional equipment matters: Makeshift towing methods often lack the necessary dollies or drive shaft disconnects required to protect modern transmissions.

Towing a vehicle incorrectly is the fastest way to turn a minor breakdown into a catastrophic transmission failure that costs thousands of dollars to repair. Understanding the mechanics of safe towing protects your investment and ensures your car arrives at the shop in the same condition it left the road.

1. Towing 2WD Vehicles with Drive Wheels on the Ground

The most common mistake that ruins transmissions is towing a two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicle with its drive wheels rolling on the pavement. When the drive wheels spin, they mechanically rotate components inside the transmission, but because the engine is off, the transmission fluid pump is not operating. Without this pressurized lubrication, the spinning gears and bearings generate immense friction and heat, leading to a complete transmission meltdown often within just a few miles.

For rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars, this happens when you tow them from the front with the rear wheels down. For front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars, it happens if you tow from the rear with the front wheels down. The transmission is designed to be lubricated by a pump driven by the engine’s input shaft. If the wheels turn the output shaft while the engine is dead, metal grinds on metal.

The Solution: Lift the Drive Wheels

To prevent this damage, the drive wheels must be completely off the ground. Professional towing operators use specific equipment to ensure this happens:

For FWD Vehicles: The tow truck lifts the front wheels (wheel-lift) or puts the entire car on a flatbed.
For RWD Vehicles: The operator will either tow from the rear (lifting the drive wheels) or use “dollies” under the rear wheels if towing from the front.
Driveshaft Disconnect: In rare cases where drive wheels must be on the ground, a mechanic must physically disconnect the driveshaft, though this is time-consuming and rarely done for standard tows.

2. Flat Towing Automatic Vehicles Without Release Mechanisms

Flat towing an automatic vehicle—pulling it with all four wheels on the ground—will destroy the transmission unless the vehicle is specifically equipped with a specialized lubrication pump or a drivetrain disconnect. Most modern automatic transmissions are not designed to be “dinghy towed” behind an RV or another truck because the internal clutches and bands will drag and burn out without active hydraulic pressure.

Many drivers assume that putting the gear shifter in “Neutral” disengages the transmission enough for flat towing. This is a dangerous misconception. Neutral disengages the engine from the wheels effectively enough to push the car across a parking lot, but it does not stop the internal transmission components from spinning at highway speeds. If you are planning on hauling a vehicle behind a motorhome, you should spend time reviewing safety guidelines for RVs and trailers to ensure your specific vehicle configuration is safe.

“Neutral is for pushing, not for towing at highway speeds. The difference is the lack of lubrication.”

3. Ignoring the Owner’s Manual Specifics on AWD

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles usually cannot be towed with any wheels on the ground because the interconnected drivetrain forces all wheels to rotate at the same speed, and lifting just one end forces the center differential to absorb the speed difference, causing it to overheat and fail. If you lift the front wheels of a Subaru or Audi and let the rear wheels roll, the viscous coupling or center differential will fight the movement, destroying itself and potentially the transmission.

The owners manual is the ultimate authority on this. It will explicitly state whether “recreational towing” (flat towing) is permitted or if a flatbed is mandatory. In 95% of cases for AWD vehicles, a flatbed is the only safe option.

Comparison: Towing Methods by Drivetrain

Understanding which method matches your vehicle type is essential for preventing damage.

Drivetrain Type	Flat Towing (4 Down)	Dolly Towing (2 Down)	Flatbed Towing (All Up)
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)	Generally No (unless manual)	Yes (Front wheels on dolly)	Best Option
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)	Generally No	No (Unless driveshaft removed)	Best Option
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)	NEVER	NEVER	Mandatory
4WD (with Transfer Case)	Only if Transfer Case in Neutral	No	Best Option

When you need to decide how to move a vehicle, it is often helpful to compare flatbed versus wheel lift towing to see why flatbeds are universally safer for modern AWD systems.

4. Towing in “Park” Instead of Neutral

Attempting to tow a vehicle while the transmission is in “Park” will shear off the parking pawl—a small metal pin that locks the transmission output shaft—causing severe internal damage and potentially allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly later. The parking pawl is designed to hold the weight of the vehicle stationary, not to resist the immense force of a tow truck pulling it.

If a vehicle is dragged while in Park, the tires will skid, and the force will transfer directly to this small pin. Once it snaps, metal fragments can float through the transmission fluid, lodging in valve bodies or gears, requiring a total transmission rebuild. Even if the wheels are on dollies, the transmission should ideally be in Neutral to relieve tension on the drivetrain components.

5. Using Improper or “DIY” Tow Straps

Using a flexible tow strap without a rigid tow bar or proper braking systems results in “shock loading,” where the slack in the strap snaps tight suddenly, sending a violent jolt of force through the vehicle’s frame and drivetrain. This sudden impact acts like a hammer blow to the transmission mounts and internal gears. While this usually damages the frame or bumper first, the shock can crack transmission housings or misalign the driveshaft.

Professional towing services use rigid connections or winches with consistent tension control to avoid shock loading. If you are stuck and considering a DIY rescue with a strap bought at a hardware store, reconsider. The cost of hiring a reputable tow truck service is significantly lower than the cost of repairing a transmission casing cracked by a snapping tow strap.

6. Overloading the Tow Vehicle’s Transmission

If you are the one doing the towing, exceeding your vehicle’s rated towing capacity places extreme stress on your own transmission, causing the fluid to overheat and the clutch bands to slip. Every vehicle has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the maximum allowable weight of the tow vehicle plus the loaded trailer.

When you exceed this limit, the transmission works harder to maintain speed and shift gears. This generates excessive heat. Transmission fluid begins to break down (oxidize) at temperatures above 220°F. Once the fluid degrades, it loses its ability to lubricate and cool, leading to rapid failure of your own truck’s transmission.

Signs Your Transmission is Straining:

Hunting for Gears: The transmission constantly shifts up and down.
Burning Smell: A sweet, acrid smell indicating burnt fluid.
Delayed Engagement: A hesitation when you press the gas before the vehicle moves.
Warning Lights: Transmission temperature warning on the dashboard.

7. Failing to Check Transmission Fluid Levels Before Towing

Towing with low or old transmission fluid deprives the system of the thermal protection it needs to handle the heavy load, leading to immediate overheating. Towing adds significant load to the engine and drivetrain. If the fluid level is low, there is less liquid to absorb the heat generated by the torque converter.

Before towing any load, check the transmission fluid dipstick. The fluid should be bright red and smell sweet. If it is dark brown or smells burnt, change it before attempting to tow. Additionally, if your vehicle is frequently used for towing, consider installing an aftermarket auxiliary transmission cooler to keep temperatures in a safe range.

Practical Steps: What to Do If You Suspect Damage

If your vehicle was towed improperly and you suspect transmission damage, immediate action is required to document the issue and prevent further deterioration.

Do Not Drive Far: If you hear grinding or whining noises immediately after a tow, pull over safely.
Check for Leaks: Look under the vehicle for red fluid, which indicates a cracked housing or blown seal.
Document Everything: Take photos of how the vehicle was hooked up if you see it happening. Save receipts from the tow service.
Get a Professional Inspection: Have a mechanic inspect the parking pawl, differential, and transmission fluid condition.
Contact the Towing Company: Reputable companies like Salt Lake Towing carry insurance for these specific incidents.

At Salt Lake Towing, our operators are trained in manufacturer specifications for every make and model. We know which cars need flatbeds and which can be dollied, ensuring your transmission is never at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can towing a car in neutral damage the transmission?

Yes, towing an automatic car in neutral can damage the transmission if the drive wheels are on the ground. Neutral disengages the engine but does not stop the internal gears from spinning, and since the engine is off, the transmission pump cannot lubricate these spinning parts.

Does towing a 4×4 on the highway ruin the transmission?

Towing a 4×4 vehicle with wheels on the ground can ruin the transmission, transfer case, and center differential. Most 4×4 manufacturers require flatbed towing or the disconnection of the driveshafts to prevent the interconnected drivetrain from binding and breaking.

What is the safest way to tow an automatic car?

The safest way to tow an automatic car is using a flatbed tow truck where all four wheels are lifted off the road. This method isolates the vehicle’s drivetrain completely, preventing any wear or damage to the transmission during transport.

Why does my transmission smell burnt after towing?

A burnt smell after towing usually indicates that the transmission fluid overheated due to excessive friction or heavy loads. This suggests the fluid has broken down and is no longer lubricating effectively, requiring an immediate fluid change and inspection.

Can you tow a car with the parking brake on?

Towing a car with the parking brake on will destroy the rear brakes and tires, and the intense drag can overheat the transmission and differential. The friction generates massive heat that can warp rotors, boil brake fluid, and strain the tow vehicle’s engine.

What happens if you tow a rear-wheel-drive car from the front?

Towing a rear-wheel-drive car from the front with the rear wheels on the ground will spin the driveshaft and transmission without lubrication. This will severely damage the transmission internals within a short distance unless the driveshaft is disconnected.

Conclusion

Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex, precision-engineered system that requires specific care during transport. By avoiding these seven common mistakes—such as towing on drive wheels or ignoring AWD requirements—you can ensure that a simple tow doesn’t turn into a major repair bill. Always rely on certified professionals who understand the technical needs of your specific vehicle.

If you need reliable, damage-free towing in the Salt Lake City area, trust the experts who prioritize your vehicle’s safety. Visit Salt Lake Towing to learn more about our specialized fleet, or call us directly at 801-701-1233 for immediate assistance.

Key Takeaways