Automatic and 4x4 — why rope towing can kill the gearbox
In an automatic gearbox the oil pump runs only while the engine runs. Towing with the engine off means moving without lubrication.
Symptoms
- The car has an automatic gearbox
- The vehicle is 4x4 or permanent all wheel drive
- The engine will not start and cannot run while towing
In an automatic gearbox the oil pump is driven by the engine. If the engine is not running while the wheels turn, internal parts move without lubrication. A few kilometres are enough for an expensive repair.
Why 4x4 is even stricter
With permanent all wheel drive every wheel is connected to the transmission. Lifting only one axle means the other keeps turning and drives the differential — which is also unlubricated with the engine off.
What is safe
The only unconditionally safe method for an automatic or a 4x4 is a flatbed — the whole car lifted off the road.
Some automatics allow short distance towing at a limited speed with the lever in neutral. Those figures differ for every model and are read in the manual — never assumed.
On electric and hybrid cars, towing with the wheels turning is almost always forbidden, because the drive motor acts as a generator.
When there is no choice
If the car still has to be moved a few metres — out of a junction, for example — do it slowly, in neutral, and over the shortest possible distance.
For any real distance, ask for a flatbed. The price difference between towing and a flatbed is small next to the price of a gearbox.
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