When a car is in park, it means the transmission is in the P (Park) position. This locks the transmission and prevents the wheels from turning. The parking pawl in the transmission engages to lock the output shaft, immobilizing the drive wheels. This allows the car to sit stationary with the engine running. Park should only be used when the vehicle is completely stopped. In this article we discuss Can A Car Be Towed While In Park?
Is It Possible To Tow A Car While It’s In Park?
Yes, it is possible to tow a car while it is in park, but it is not recommended. The transmission parking pawl is not designed to handle the forces of towing and could be damaged. The owner’s manual for most vehicles advises against towing in park.
Risks Of Towing A Car In Park
Towing a car in park can lead to serious damage to the transmission. The parking pawl may shear or break under the forces exerted during towing. This can lead to costly repairs. Other risks include damage to the tires and drivetrain if the vehicle is towed far while in park. Overheating is also a possibility if the transmission fluid cannot circulate properly.
When Might A Car Need To Be Towed In Park?
There are some exceptions where a vehicle may need to be towed a short distance while in park.
- Getting a vehicle out of a tight parking spot or traffic jam
- Moving a vehicle a very short distance in an emergency situation
- Vehicle will not shift out of park due to a malfunction
- Even in these cases, towing in park should be minimized as much as possible.
Proper Procedure For Towing A Car In Park
If a vehicle must be towed in park, follow these precautions:
- Limit towing distance to a minimum, just enough to get out of an obstruction
- Keep speed very low, under 5 mph
- Use a towing dolly under the drive wheels if possible
- Check transmission fluid level before and after towing
- Towing the vehicle for more than a mile or faster than 5 mph even with these precautions risks transmission damage.
Signs Of Transmission Damage From Towing In Park
Some symptoms that may indicate transmission damage from towing in park include:
- Difficulty shifting out of park
- Grinding noises when shifting
- Transmission slipping
- Delayed gear engagement
- Fluid leaks
- Transmission overheating
- Warning lights on the dash
If any of these issues occur after towing in park, have the transmission inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
How To Tow A Car Safely If Not In Park
The proper method to tow a car if it can be shifted out of park is:
- Shift transmission to neutral
- Release parking brake
- Use towing dollies under the drive wheels
- Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions
- This allows the wheels and transmission to spin freely during towing, minimizing the risk of damage.
Alternatives To Towing In Park
Instead of towing a car in park, consider these options:
- Carefully push the vehicle to move it short distances
- Use a specialized dolly tow truck that lifts the drive wheels
- Flatbed tow truck to lift the entire vehicle
- Unlock the transmission if it is stuck in park
- Call a professional towing service for assistance
When To Avoid Towing In Park
Only tow a vehicle while in park as an absolute last resort. Never tow faster than 5 mph or farther than required to get out of an obstruction. If the transmission is damaged or faulty, towing in park will almost certainly cause further problems. It’s better to explore other options.
Summary
Towing a vehicle while it is in park is risky and can lead to expensive transmission repairs. It should be avoided if at all possible. Only tow in park for very short distances and low speeds when absolutely necessary. Transmission damage may still occur. Always have the vehicle checked by a mechanic after towing in park as a precaution.