Let’s Set the Record Straight
Towing horror stories get around fast. Some people say that getting your car towed is basically a death sentence for your transmission. But here’s the truth: modern towing methods are designed to protect your vehicle from the moment we hook up. And if you’re using a reputable Detroit tow truck service, your transmission is in capable hands.
How the Transmission Can Be Affected by Towing and How It’s Prevented
The concern about transmission damage during towing usually comes down to drivetrain layout. Different vehicles are built to transfer power in different ways: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive… and that affects how the wheels interact with the transmission when the car is in motion.
If the drive wheels spin while the engine is off, they can cause parts inside the transmission to move without proper lubrication. That’s when damage happens. But that scenario only applies if the wrong wheels are left on the ground or if the vehicle is pulled incorrectly.
That’s where modern towing practices come in. These days, we don’t just show up and hook a chain to the bumper. We evaluate each vehicle for its drivetrain and clearance, then choose the right equipment to eliminate transmission stress.
Flatbed Tow Trucks: Full Lift, No Rotation
Flatbed tow trucks are one of the safest options for most vehicles. The entire vehicle is pulled up onto the bed using a winch and stays completely stationary for the duration of the transport. Since none of the wheels are in contact with the road, there’s no risk of drivetrain movement or transmission strain. For cars with all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems, flatbeds are usually our first choice.
Wheel-Lift Towing: Safe with the Right Setup
Wheel-lift trucks raise only two wheels off the ground, either front or rear, depending on which ones are connected to the drivetrain. For example, if we’re towing a front-wheel drive car, we’ll lift the front wheels and let the rear ones roll. That keeps the transmission from rotating internally and prevents damage.
For vehicles that need extra support or for all-wheel-drive systems, we may add towing dollies. These devices lift the remaining wheels off the road, ensuring that none of the wheels are spinning during the tow.
Neutral Isn’t Always the Solution
Some people think that shifting into neutral automatically makes towing safe. That’s not always true. In many vehicles, the transmission still connects to the drivetrain even when in neutral. Some systems require power or lubrication to stay safe while in motion. That’s why it’s important for us to determine the best towing method based on your specific vehicle. Not just throw it in neutral and hope for the best.
Detroit Tow Truck Service FAQ: Towing & Your Transmission
1. Can towing really damage my car’s transmission?
Not when it’s done correctly. Transmission damage only happens if the drive wheels spin while the engine is off and not lubricating internal parts. Professional tow operators prevent this by using the right equipment for each drivetrain.
2. Why do drivetrain types matter for towing?
Every drivetrain—front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive—handles power differently. Towing methods are chosen to keep the drive wheels off the road (or supported by dollies) so the transmission stays protected.
3. Is flatbed towing safer for my transmission?
Yes. A flatbed tow truck lifts the entire vehicle off the road, so no wheels spin during transport. This is the go-to option for most AWD and 4×4 vehicles.
4. When is wheel-lift towing appropriate?
Wheel-lift towing is safe for many vehicles when done properly—by lifting the drive wheels. For front-wheel-drive cars, the front wheels are raised. For rear-wheel-drive, the rear wheels are raised. Dollies can be added to keep all wheels off the ground if needed.
5. Does putting a car in neutral make towing safe?
Not always. In many vehicles, parts inside the transmission still rotate in neutral and need lubrication. That’s why professional tow operators decide on the right towing setup instead of relying on neutral alone.
6. How do tow operators decide between flatbed, wheel-lift, or dollies?
They look at:
- Vehicle drivetrain and clearance
- Manufacturer towing guidelines
- The road and recovery conditions
The goal is to prevent drive wheels from rotating unless it’s safe to do so.
7. Can AWD or 4×4 vehicles be towed with two wheels on the ground?
Usually no. Most AWD and 4×4 systems need flatbed transport or a wheel-lift with dollies to keep all wheels off the ground and avoid drivetrain strain.
8. Is it okay to let a friend tow my car with a rope or chain?
No. Improper towing methods can cause serious transmission and suspension damage. Always call a professional Detroit tow truck service that uses proper equipment and techniques.
9. How does Boulevard & Trumbull Towing protect my vehicle’s transmission?
We:
- Identify the drivetrain before dispatch
- Use flatbeds or wheel-lifts with dollies as needed
- Follow manufacturer towing guidelines
- Train our operators on drivetrain-specific best practices
10. What should I tell the dispatcher to ensure the right tow truck is sent?
Share your vehicle make, model, drivetrain type (if known), and the issue (e.g., stuck in gear, flat tire, dead battery). This helps the Detroit tow truck service send the safest and most suitable truck right away.
Boulevard & Trumbull Towing: Your Dependable Detroit Tow Truck Service
Our Detroit tow truck service towed thousands of vehicles, and no two are exactly alike. That’s why we train our team on the differences between drivetrains, towing techniques, and safety procedures. We stay up to date with manufacturer guidelines, so we know which vehicles need a flatbed, which can be towed with a wheel-lift, and when extra equipment is necessary.
When you call a professional Detroit tow truck service, you’re not just getting a truck, you’re getting a team that knows how to protect your vehicle every step of the way. So if your car breaks down and you’re worried about your transmission, don’t be. Our Detroit tow truck service operators got the tools and the knowledge to tow it right.
At Boulevard & Trumbull Towing, we’re proud to provide Detroit drivers with a careful, experienced Detroit tow truck service that keeps vehicles moving, without adding damage to the list. When you need a Detroit tow truck service, call the crew that knows how to do it right.