How to Tow a Car in Park with the Parking and Emergency Brakes Activated

Towing a car that is in park with the emergency brake engaged can be a challenging task. However, there are various methods that can be used to ensure the vehicle is towed safely and efficiently. This guide will provide you with the necessary steps and techniques to tow a parked car, ensuring both the vehicle and the towing process remain safe.

Disengaging the Parking Brake

Before towing a car in park, it is essential to disengage the parking brake. Here are a few methods to accomplish this:

Manual Release

If your vehicle has a manual release mechanism for the parking brake, this is the preferred method. This involves opening the lever or button located in or near the driver's side footwell to release the parking brake. It is crucial to ensure that the vehicle is not on a sloping surface when you release the brake to avoid unwanted movement.

Override Mechanisms

For vehicles equipped with an override system, you might need to perform a specific sequence of actions to release the parking brake even if the ignition is off. This usually involves pressing a key or following a set of instructions provided in the owner's manual or by the manufacturer.

Flatbed Towing and Winching

When a car is too difficult to move or the parking brake is completely disengaging is not possible, the safest method for towing is to use a flatbed tow truck. Here are the steps involved:

Flatbed Towing

A flatbed tow truck can lift the entire vehicle and place it onto a flatbed trailer. This method ensures that the wheels do not need to be moved, making the towing process easier and safer. The vehicle is then securely fastened to the flatbed to prevent any movement during transit.

Winching

If the car is in park and the wheels are locked, a tow truck may use a winch to pull the vehicle onto the flatbed. This method bypasses the need to release the parking brake and can be a useful alternative in tight situations.

Using Wheel Dollies

For cars with front-wheel drive, wheel dollies can be used to lift the rear wheels off the ground. This allows the car to be towed without moving the locked rear wheels. Here are the steps to use wheel dollies:

Dollies for Rear Wheels

Place the wheel dollies underneath the rear wheels of a front-wheel drive car. Securely attach the car to the dollies and the dollies to the flatbed tow truck. This method works well for cars that cannot be driven onto a flatbed.

Dollies for All Wheels

If your car is all-wheel drive, wheel dollies can be used under all four wheels. This can be more cumbersome but ensures that the vehicle is lifted uniformly and safely during the towing process.

Manual Towing with a Tow Strap

While not recommended, some may attempt to tow an immobilized car using a tow strap. However, this method can be risky and is not advisable for several reasons:

It may cause damage to the transmission and other components if the car is in gear. The towing force might force the vehicle to shift gears, leading to potential engine damage.

As a general rule, manual towing is not recommended, and professional assistance should be sought whenever possible.

Professional Assistance

If the car is immobilized and cannot be easily moved, the best course of action is to call a professional towing service. These services have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely tow vehicles without causing any damage.

Safety Considerations

Ensure that the vehicle is securely attached to the tow truck to prevent accidents. Always check that the vehicle is on a flat surface to avoid unexpected movement when disconnecting the parking brake or using dollies.

In summary, while towing a car that is in park and has the emergency brake engaged can be complex, there are several methods that can be used to ensure a safe and efficient towing process. Whether it's using a flatbed tow truck, winching, or wheel dollies, each method has its own set of procedures that must be followed to ensure both the vehicle and the towing process remain safe.

Key Takeaways:

Use the manual release lever or button to disengage the parking brake if possible. Override systems can be used if the manual method is unavailable. Flatbed towing and winching are the safest methods for vehicles that cannot be moved easily. Wheel dollies can be used to lift the rear or all wheels off the ground. Manual towing with a tow strap is not recommended and should be avoided. Always call a professional towing service if the car is immobile.