Automatic cars

[GrumpyPom]

why is it bad practice to tow or freewheel an automatic car?

[phizzy]

hi grumpy - i think it wrecks the gearbox, must always have some sort of continuous 'in gear' system i guess, but front wheel drive autos are usually towed with front wheels on a 'trolley' type hook-up quite easily, rear wheel drive autos can be treated same way (rear wheels on the trolly type hook-up)but i think i would be scared of any effect this might have on the steering, and i believe some breakdown co's won't tow autos. brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrm phizzy

[carlton23]

The one and only time my Ford Scorp Ultima auto broke down it had to be hoisted up on to a truck, and that was about eight years ago, and it ain`t broke down since.` P` Reg and still as good as new, but only worth �500 now, or �2000 part exchange for a new car. Don`t make sense to me. Why the hell should I want to?

[dot.haukes]

i dunno and i have driven autos since 1974. I think it is what was said about the geerbox, sometimes. especially in traffic, the auto gear change can get stuck and the car jolts forward as it engages. After 35 years of driving autos i have no idea why they can't be push started if they don't turn over ; (

[chas2008]

its because the drive is by fluid tranfer rather than direct drive through gears...that why i cant be push started and i assume towing it would wreck the pump & seals etc.