Wondering if you can tow a car stuck in “Park”? The answer is yes—but it comes with risks.
Automatic transmissions lock the wheels, and towing without the proper technique can lead to costly damage.
Don’t worry, though. In this guide, we’ll break down the risks, explain safe alternatives, and help you avoid mechanical issues when moving a locked vehicle.
Can You Tow a Car in the Park?
No, towing a car in the park can cause serious transmission damage. Always shift to neutral and follow your owner’s manual for proper towing procedures to avoid costly repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Towing a car in a park is dangerous and can cause transmission and drivetrain damage.
- Flatbed towing is the safest option for moving a locked car.
- Tow dollies can be used for front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive cars but not AWD.
- Never drag a car in Park—it can destroy the transmission and tires.
- Use the shift lock release or troubleshooting steps to move the car out of the park before towing.
- If unsure, call a professional towing service to avoid costly damage.
What Happens When You Tow a Car in Park?
Understanding how the transmission works is key to knowing why towing a car in “Park” is a bad idea.
How the Parking Mechanism Works
In automatic cars, shifting into “Park” engages a parking pawl, a small metal pin that locks the transmission gears, preventing the car from rolling.
In manual cars, “Park” is not an issue because the transmission isn’t locked—only the handbrake might be engaged.
Why Towing a Car in Park Can Be Dangerous
Potential Damage:
Transmission Damage – The locked gears can snap if the wheels are forced to move.
Drivetrain Strain – Attempting to tow in “Park” can break the drive shafts, axles, or differentials.
Flat Spots on Tires – Dragging locked wheels across pavement can damage tires.
If the car won’t shift out of “Park,” forcing it to move without disengaging the parking mechanism can lead to costly repairs.
If you are wondering whether you can tow a car parked in front of your house, I have written a detailed article on this topic.
When Can a Car in Park Be Towed?
There are only a few situations where a car in “Park” can be safely towed, but each requires specific precautions.
Using a Flatbed Tow Truck (Safest Method)
A flatbed tow truck is the safest way to transport a car in “Park” because it lifts the entire vehicle off the ground, avoiding stress on the locked wheels.
- Best option for automatic and all-wheel-drive cars
- Prevents transmission damage
- Ideal for long-distance towing
Using Dollies Under the Wheels
If a flatbed isn’t available, tow dollies can be used to lift the drive wheels off the ground, preventing them from dragging.
- Works for front-wheel drive (lift front wheels)
- Works for rear-wheel drive (lift rear wheels)
- Not recommended for all-wheel drive (AWD) without special modifications
Towing a Manual Transmission Car
Manual cars can be towed in gear (though neutral is better). Since they don’t have a parking pawl, they won’t lock the wheels. However, the parking brake must still be disengaged. This is especially important when handling vehicles from locations like the Fort Lauderdale Copart location, where proper towing procedures help prevent damage during transport.
Can be towed with wheels rolling—best to shift into neutral to prevent damage. These are the kinds of details buyers often consider when checking vehicles at a subasta de autos en Copart Dallas TX, where many cars have unique towing and handling needs.
If you are looking for the best towing company in Arizona, Long Distance Towing is here to help you out. Not only that, but we also transport vehicles from Copart Auction Dallas and Orlando Copart as well.
How to Move a Car Stuck in Park Before Towing
If your car is stuck in “Park” and won’t shift, try these steps before calling a tow truck.
Check the Brake Pedal
Some cars won’t shift out of “Park” unless you press the brake firmly. Try stepping harder on the pedal while shifting.
Look for the Shift Lock Release
Most automatic cars have a shift lock override button near the gear shifter. Remove the plastic cover near the shifter.
Insert a key or screwdriver into the shift lock release. Press and hold while shifting to neutral.
Start the Car and Turn the Steering Wheel
If the car won’t come out of “Park,” the steering wheel lock might be stuck. Turn the ignition on and wiggle the steering wheel left and right while trying to shift.
Check the Parking Brake
If the parking brake is engaged, it might be causing the car to stay locked in “Park.” Release it before towing.
Check for Transmission Issues
If none of these steps work, there might be a deeper mechanical issue preventing the car from shifting. In this case, a professional tow truck is necessary.
Why You Should Never Drag a Car in Park
Dragging a car in “Park” without lifting the wheels off the ground is one of the worst things you can do to a vehicle.
It Can Destroy the Transmission
The parking pawl inside the transmission is not designed to handle force. Dragging the car in “Park” can snap the pawl, leading to costly transmission repairs.
Damage to the Drivetrain
The axles, differential, and driveshaft can suffer severe damage if the drive wheels are forced to turn while locked.
Possible Tire Damage
Dragging locked wheels can grind down the rubber, causing flat spots or even tire blowouts. If a car is stuck in the park, always use a flatbed tow truck or tow dollies. Never drag it!
When Should You Call a Professional Towing Service?
If you can’t get the car out of “Park” and don’t have the right towing equipment, it’s best to call a professional towing company.
Situations Where You Need a Tow Truck:
- The car is completely stuck in Park and won’t shift.
- No shift lock release is available.
- The handbrake is stuck and prevents movement.
- The vehicle has transmission damage preventing it from rolling.
- You don’t have access to a flatbed tow truck or tow dollies.
Professional tow truck drivers know how to handle locked vehicles safely, preventing costly damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you push a car in the park?
No, a car in Park cannot be pushed because the transmission locks the wheels. You must shift it into neutral or use a flatbed tow truck to move it.
2. Can you tow a car in the Park with a tow rope?
No, towing a car in Park with a tow rope will damage the transmission and drivetrain. Always use proper towing equipment like a flatbed or tow dolly.
3. What happens if you tow a car in the Park?
Towing a car in Park can snap the transmission’s parking pawl, damage axles, and cause tire wear. Always use a safe towing method to prevent costly repairs.
Conclusion
Towing a car that’s stuck in “Park” requires the right method to avoid serious mechanical damage.
The safest way is to use a flatbed tow truck so the car doesn’t move at all. If a flatbed isn’t available, tow dollies can lift the drive wheels to prevent transmission strain.
Never attempt to tow or drag a car into Park without lifting the drive wheels! Doing so can lead to expensive transmission failure and safety hazards.
If you’re ever in doubt, calling a professional towing service is the best option. They have the right equipment and experience to safely move a locked car without causing damage.
By understanding the risks and using the right towing techniques, you can protect your vehicle and avoid unnecessary repairs.