breakdown - RWD

3ps

My car is RWD. My understanding is that if it is towed, it must have the rear wheels lifted up. i.e. towed backwards.

What happens if I break down on the motorway? Does a crane have to lift it onto a flatbed?

Are you allowed to push start a RWD? Why can't you tow it with the front wheels up anyway?

Blue850

you should have no problems towing or bump starting a rwd unless its an automatic.

3ps

ah perhaps I was getting confused.

mustang68

Is it not possible to tow a RWD automatic as long as its in neutral? then you won't build up pressure in the thingymejig?

8~)

An autobox car, regardless if FWD or RWD, shouldn't be towed for too long or at too high a speed with the driving wheels on the ground. 10 or 20 miles at up to 30mph should be fine in general with the 'box in neutral, but no manufacturer will recommend it.

Itsfixed

I've always assumed you can't push start an automatic, RWD or not?

I had a BMW 2002 auto one time and I certainly couldn't do this. The clutch pedal is essential for excuting a push start. Am I wrong?

MercMad

You cant puch start automatics unless its one of the 60's era Mercedes that employ a fluid coupling instead of a torque converter. These actuallky can't be push started either, but they can be tow started, however you have to tow for about 2 miles to get the coupling to lock up sufficiently !

Blue850

I have a Mercedes W114 handbook at home which has instructions for towing and bump starting automatics.