What Really Happens to Your Transmission During a Tow
“Don’t let them tow your car, it’ll wreck the transmission.” You might’ve heard this warning before. It’s been passed around for years, and honestly, we get why it sticks. Nobody wants a busted transmission from what’s supposed to be a helpful service. But let’s clear something up: transmission damage isn’t caused by towing itself. It’s caused by towing done the wrong way. In our line of work, we’ve seen firsthand how much confusion surrounds this topic. That’s why we want to walk you through the truth about towing and transmissions, so you know exactly what to expect when you call for our Schertz towing service and the tow truck arrives.
Towing Techniques Matter More Than You Think
Not all towing is created equal. What’s safe for one car might ruin another if you don’t use the right method. The key factor in protecting your transmission is matching the tow truck and approach to the type of vehicle, especially its drivetrain.
We usually can tow front-wheel drive cars with their front wheels off the ground. Rear-wheel drive cars? Those need a different setup. And all-wheel or four-wheel drives? They’re a whole other story. Towing any of these without lifting all four wheels or disconnecting the drivetrain can put your transmission in serious trouble.
That’s why we always start by asking what kind of vehicle you’re driving. It’s the first step in keeping your transmission safe during a Schertz towing job.
Understanding Flatbeds vs Wheel-Lifts
There are two main towing styles most people will run into: flatbeds and wheel-lifts. Each one has its place, but only one guarantees your transmission won’t turn at all during the tow.
Flatbed Tow Trucks
These trucks carry your entire vehicle on a platform. When your car’s completely off the ground, there’s zero strain on your transmission because nothing is spinning or moving internally.
Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks
These lift just two wheels off the ground. They’re great for short distances or quick jobs. But only if we lift the right wheels. Lift the wrong set and you’ll cause internal rotation in the drivetrain, which is what leads to transmission damage.
Here’s a quick rundown of which wheels to lift:
- Front-wheel drive: lift the front wheels
- Rear-wheel drive: lift the rear wheels
- All-wheel/4WD: flatbed only, unless driveshaft is disconnected
Signs That Your Transmission’s in Trouble (From a Bad Tow)
If you’ve had a sketchy tow in the past, or just suspect something’s off, look out for these warning signs:
- Delayed gear shifts or slipping
- Leaking transmission fluid
- A burning smell after driving
- Grinding or whining noises when accelerating
- Dashboard transmission warning lights
Catch these early, and you might be able to avoid a full rebuild. Ignore them, and things get expensive fast.
Mission Wrecker: Safe and Smart Schertz Towing Every Time
At Mission Wrecker, we tow like mechanics, not amateurs. Every Schertz towing job we take on, we complete with your drivetrain, transmission, and long-term repair costs in mind. That means we don’t guess which truck to send, we don’t yank vehicles onto flatbeds, and we don’t cut corners.
We’ve towed just about everything you can imagine across Schertz, TX, and surrounding areas: sedans, pickups, SUVs, even commercial trucks. In each case, our first thought is: what’s the safest way to do this for the vehicle?
Here’s what you can count on from our Schertz towing team:
- Flatbed and wheel-lift trucks available for the right jobs
- Tow operators trained to assess drivetrain needs on the spot
- Transparent service so you know exactly what we’re doing
- A damage-free approach built around protecting your transmission
If your vehicle needs help moving and you don’t want to risk making things worse, call our Schertz towing experts. Mission Wrecker takes Schertz towing seriously.
FAQ
Can towing damage an automatic transmission?
Yes, if done incorrectly. Towing a vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground can cause internal components to spin without lubrication, leading to damage.
Is it safe to tow a car in neutral?
No, putting a car in neutral doesn’t prevent transmission parts from moving. Unless the drive wheels are lifted or the driveshaft is disconnected, damage can still occur.
What’s the best tow method for a four-wheel drive vehicle?
A flatbed tow truck is the safest option. It lifts all four wheels off the ground and prevents drivetrain components from turning.
How do I know if my transmission was damaged during a tow?
Look for delayed shifting, unusual noises, leaking fluid, or warning lights. These are signs the transmission may have been affected.
Do all cars need to be towed the same way?
No. Towing methods should match the drivetrain type. Front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive vehicles each require different setups.
Can improper towing cause long-term damage?
Yes. Even a short tow done the wrong way can lead to overheating, fluid loss, or mechanical wear inside the transmission.
