How to Prevent Transmission Damage During Towing
When your vehicle breaks down, calling a towing company in Fresno is often the safest option to avoid further damage. However, one concern many drivers have is whether towing can harm their car’s transmission. The truth is, improper towing methods can lead to costly repairs—but with the right approach and the help of a professional tow truck service, you can protect your vehicle from unnecessary damage.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to avoid transmission damage during towing and explain how the team at D&G Towing Fresno ensures your car is handled with care every step of the way.
Why Transmission Damage Happens During Towing
Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most critical (and expensive) components. If a car is towed incorrectly—especially with the drive wheels on the ground—it can cause serious wear and tear. For example:
Automatic transmissions rely on fluid circulation. Without the engine running, that fluid doesn’t move, leading to overheating or damage if the drive wheels are turning.
Manual transmissions are more forgiving but can still suffer if gears and shafts are forced to rotate while the vehicle isn’t operating normally.
This is why knowing the right safe towing practices is so important.
Safe Towing Tips to Protect Your Transmission
1. Use the Right Tow Truck for Your Vehicle
Not every tow truck is the same. Wheel-lift towing, flatbed towing, and hook-and-chain towing all have different impacts on your vehicle. For most modern cars, flatbed towing is the safest choice because it keeps all four wheels off the ground, preventing transmission strain.
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2. Know Your Vehicle’s Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Safest when the front wheels are lifted.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Should be towed with the rear wheels raised—or better, on a flatbed.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) / 4x4: Should always be towed on a flatbed to prevent serious transmission or differential damage.
Our trained operators at D&G Towing understand these differences and always use the correct towing method for your car’s make and model.
3. Don’t Skip Neutral Gear and Parking Brake Checks
If your vehicle allows it, placing the car in neutral gear during certain towing setups can reduce stress on the transmission. Never leave the parking brake engaged, as this can cause severe damage when the vehicle is being moved.
4. Consider Using Tow Dollies or Drive Shaft Disconnects
Tow dollies lift the drive wheels off the ground, preventing them from spinning and putting stress on the transmission. In some cases, a drive shaft disconnect may also be recommended to ensure there’s no rotation during transport.
5. Always Call a Professional Towing Company
The easiest way to avoid mistakes is by trusting professionals. Attempting to tow a vehicle on your own—or hiring an unlicensed operator—can lead to more damage than the original breakdown.
At D&G Towing Fresno, we use modern tow trucks and proven techniques to make sure your vehicle, including its transmission, is fully protected. Whether it’s local towing, long-distance transport, or vehicle recovery, our goal is to get your car where it needs to be without adding costly repair bills.
Final Thoughts
Transmission damage during towing is avoidable if you take the right steps. The key is using the proper tow truck, understanding your vehicle’s drivetrain, and working with a reliable towing company in Fresno that knows how to handle cars safely.
At D&G Towing Fresno, we pride ourselves on providing safe, affordable, and professional towing services across the city and surrounding areas. Our team is available 24/7, ready to help with everything from tire changes to jump-start services.
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Don’t risk transmission damage—trust the experts at D&G Towing for safe, stress-free towing in Fresno.
