To safely tow your rear-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll need to choose between flatbed transport, which is safest, or a tow dolly that lifts the rear wheels. For automatic transmissions, disconnect the driveshaft or use a flatbed to prevent transmission damage from lack of lubrication. If you have a manual transmission, put it in neutral and release the parking brake before towing. Following your vehicle’s specific manufacturer guidelines will help you understand additional critical precautions.
Quick Tips
- Use a flatbed tow truck whenever possible to keep all wheels off the ground, eliminating transmission stress completely.
- Disconnect the driveshaft before towing if using a wheel lift, especially for automatic transmission vehicles.
- Place the transmission in neutral and release the parking brake before attempting any towing method.
- For manual transmission vehicles, flat towing is safer but still requires proper setup and steady speed maintenance.
- Consult vehicle manufacturer guidelines for specific towing instructions, as requirements vary between models and transmission types.
Understanding RWD Transmission Types and Towing Risks
Before attempting to tow a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle, you’ll need to understand how these transmissions work and the risks involved with different towing methods.
RWD systems use either automatic or manual transmissions, which connect the engine’s power to the rear wheels through a driveshaft. The engine positioned at the front of the vehicle provides optimal weight distribution and improved engine cooling when the car is operating normally. A malfunctioning starter motor can also lead to (engine lockup) during towing, causing severe damage to the vehicle.
While automatic transmissions require constant fluid circulation, manual transmissions use splash lubrication, making them slightly less vulnerable during towing.
Essential Precautions Before Towing Your RWD Vehicle
When initiating the task of towing your RWD vehicle, you’ll need to follow several critical safety precautions to protect both your car and other motorists.
First, consult your owner’s manual for specific procedures, then set your transmission in Neutral and release the parking brake. Additionally, it is important to consult manufacturer guidelines to understand any specific restrictions for your vehicle.
You’ll also need to address driveshaft concerns, verify proper equipment setup, and stay within recommended speed and distance limits. For automatic RWD vehicles, the driveshaft must be disconnected before towing to prevent transmission damage.
Flatbed Towing: The Safest Method for RWD Cars
Flatbed towing stands out as the premier choice for safely transporting your rear-wheel drive vehicle. This method keeps all four wheels off the ground, preventing transmission and drivetrain wear. You’ll benefit from enhanced protection against road debris and reduced stress on your car’s suspension system. When selecting a towing service, make certain they’re experienced with RWD vehicles and use proper tie-down equipment. Additionally, ensure they understand the importance of turn signal functionality to communicate effectively during the towing process.
Using a Tow Dolly: Tips and Best Practices
When loading your RWD car onto a tow dolly, you’ll need several essential pieces of equipment, including safety chains, tire straps, and proper lighting connections.
Before driving your vehicle onto the dolly, make certain you’re working on level ground and keep all bystanders at a safe distance of at least 25 feet.
To protect your car’s transmission during the tow, you’ll need to disconnect the driveshaft and place the transmission in neutral, following your vehicle manufacturer’s specific guidelines for dolly towing. Additionally, ensure your vehicle’s battery issues are addressed before the towing process to avoid complications upon arrival.
Dolly Loading Safety Steps
Before attempting to load a vehicle onto a tow dolly, proper safety measures must be established to protect both equipment and personnel.
You’ll need to park on level ground and keep bystanders at least 25 feet away during the loading process.
Center your vehicle carefully on the dolly’s extended ramps, secure the front wheels with tire straps, and lock the steering wheel to prevent movement.
Essential Equipment Requirements
Proper towing equipment serves as the foundation for safely transporting a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
You’ll need a tow dolly with a capacity of at least 2,000 lbs and a compatible 1-7/8″ or 2″ hitch ball.
Important safety items include properly rated chains, tire straps to secure the front wheels, and functional lighting.
Don’t forget about towing mirrors – they’re vital for maintaining visibility throughout your expedition.
Flat Towing Considerations for Manual Vs Automatic Transmissions
When flat towing your rear-wheel drive car, you’ll find that manual transmissions offer much safer towing options compared to automatics, since they don’t require constant lubrication during transport.
If you’re working with an automatic transmission, you’ll need specialized equipment like lubrication pumps or driveshaft decouplers to prevent severe damage to your vehicle’s transmission system.
For manual transmissions, you should remove the rear driveshaft or install a disconnect kit, and don’t forget to use transmission fluid plugs to prevent leaks during the towing process.
Manual Transmission Safety Tips
Safe flat towing of a manual transmission car demands specific precautions that differ considerably from automatic transmission vehicles.
You’ll need to disconnect the driveshaft to prevent internal damage, and always leave the transmission in neutral.
Keep your speed steady and avoid sudden movements.
Remember to engage the parking brake and use proper towing equipment like a sturdy tow bar and secure hitch.
Automatic Transmission Risk Factors
Unlike manual transmissions, automatic transmission vehicles face significant risks during flat towing that you’ll need to understand before attempting to tow.
When your car’s engine isn’t running, the transmission lacks proper lubrication, even in neutral. The moving drive shaft and axles can force transmission components to turn without adequate fluid circulation, potentially causing severe internal damage, especially in CVT transmissions.
Proper Disconnection Methods
Before attempting to flat tow your rear-wheel drive car, you’ll need to understand the essential differences between manual and automatic transmission disconnection methods.
While manual transmissions can typically be flat towed in neutral, automatics usually require driveshaft removal or special lubrication systems to prevent damage.
You’ll need to consult your owner’s manual and consider installing proper aftermarket solutions like driveshaft decouplers for safe towing.
Driveshaft Disconnection Methods and Procedures
Disconnecting a rear-wheel drive vehicle’s driveshaft represents one of the most reliable methods for preventing transmission damage during towing.
You’ll need basic tools like socket wrenches and screwdrivers to complete this task.
Before removal, mark the driveshaft’s position, then carefully remove mounting bolts and tap the flange with a plastic hammer.
Slide the driveshaft out gently while watching for fluid leaks.
Auxiliary Lubrication Systems for Safe Towing
While removing the driveshaft offers one solution for towing, auxiliary lubrication systems provide another reliable method for protecting your vehicle during transport.
These systems, typically installed under the hood, use specialized pumps to circulate transmission fluid when your car’s being towed.
You’ll need to verify if your vehicle requires this setup by checking your manufacturer’s guidelines first.
Speed and Distance Limitations When Towing RWD Cars
When towing a rear-wheel drive car, you’ll need to follow specific speed and distance guidelines to guarantee safe transport and prevent mechanical damage.
Don’t exceed 55 MPH when using a tow dolly, and for short distances under five miles, you can tow with all wheels down at 15 MPH.
For longer trips, using a flatbed trailer is your safest option to protect the transmission.
Emergency Towing Procedures and Short-Distance Solutions
When you’re faced with an emergency towing situation for your RWD car, you’ll need to act quickly while following essential safety protocols, including releasing the parking brake and positioning the transmission in neutral.
For short-distance tows under 55 mph, you can use a properly-rated tow strap while ensuring the steering wheel remains open and the drive wheels are properly secured.
If you’re dealing with longer distances or higher speeds, you’ll want to protect your transmission by either using wheel dollies under the drive wheels or opting for a flatbed tow truck that can completely lift your vehicle off the ground.
Quick Roadside Safety Steps
Before initiating any emergency towing procedures, you’ll need to follow several critical safety steps to protect both yourself and your rear-wheel drive vehicle.
Turn off your engine and shift to neutral, then engage the parking brake.
Make sure to open your vehicle for the tow truck driver’s access, and consult your owner’s manual for model-specific towing instructions.
Limited Distance Towing Methods
Proper towing methods can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and major vehicle damage.
If you need to move your rear-wheel drive car a short distance, you can tow it at speeds under 15 MPH for up to five miles.
However, for longer distances, you’ll need to lift the rear wheels or use a flatbed truck to prevent transmission damage.
Temporary Transmission Protection Tips
Although emergency towing situations can be stressful, implementing the right transmission protection strategies will help safeguard your rear-wheel drive vehicle from costly damage.
Keep your engine running during towing to maintain fluid circulation, and always shift into neutral gear.
If possible, remove the driveshaft before towing, and never tow with the transmission in park position.
Securing Your Vehicle During Transport
When you’re transporting a rear-wheel drive vehicle, securing it properly can mean the difference between a safe voyage and potential disaster.
Use a four-point attachment system with heavy-duty straps that match your vehicle’s weight, placing two at the front and two at the rear.
Center your car on the flatbed, protect contact points with seatbelt protectors, and make certain straps are firm but not overtightened.
Common Transmission Damage Scenarios to Avoid
Because transmission damage can occur swiftly during improper towing, you’ll need to understand the major risks to your vehicle’s drivetrain system.
Towing in “park” instead of “neutral” can destroy your transmission, while improper lubrication leads to overheating.
If you don’t disconnect the driveshaft when necessary or use incorrect equipment, you’ll risk severe mechanical stress and misalignment of essential components.
Manufacturer Guidelines and Vehicle-Specific Requirements
Before attempting to tow your rear-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll need to carefully review your manufacturer’s guidelines, as each make and model has specific towing requirements.
If you have an automatic transmission, you’ll likely need special equipment or a flatbed truck.
For manual transmissions, while there’s more flexibility, you should still check your owner’s manual for proper towing methods and attachment points.
Wrapping Up
When towing your rear-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll need to prioritize protecting the transmission above all else. Choose a flatbed trailer whenever possible, as it’s the safest method. If you must use a tow dolly or flat towing, follow your vehicle’s manual carefully and guarantee proper disconnection of the driveshaft when required. Remember that automatic and manual transmissions have different requirements, and improper towing can lead to costly transmission damage.