Towing Your Car in Neutral: Does It Add Miles to Your Odometer?
Towing your car in neutral is a common practice, but it can have varying effects on the odometer reading. Understanding how your car's odometer works and the potential impact of towing in neutral is important for vehicle maintenance and accurate mileage tracking.
The Mechanics of Odometer Function
The odometer in most cars is connected to the transmission and receives its input from the gearbox output shaft. When the wheels turn, the odometer records the distance traveled. This connection is a fundamental aspect of how odometers work, and it's crucial to understand this mechanics to determine the impact of towing a car in neutral.
Automated vs. Manual Odometers
The type of odometer your car has can influence how towing affects mileage. For older cars with cable-driven odometers, towing can indeed add miles to the odometer. However, modern cars with digital odometers typically do not record mileage when the ignition is off, even if the steering lock is engaged. In these cases, towing the car in neutral will not add to the mileage unless the ignition is on.
Types of Towing
Lift and Tow Vehicles with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD/AWD)
When towing a car with a FWD or RWD/AWD using a tow dolly or a flat-bed trailer, the driven wheels remain on the ground. In this scenario, the odometer will continue to record miles, assuming the ignition is on and the steering lock is off.
Front-Wheel Drive Cars on a Tow Dolly
Towing a front-wheel drive car using a tow dolly will not add miles to the odometer as long as the front wheels remain off the ground. This practice is safer for the transmission as it prevents the engine from turning, which could burn up the transmission clutch bands.
Rear-Wheel Drive/All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Towing a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle requires a tow dolly with all four wheels, ensuring the driven wheels are off the ground. This method is recommended to prevent damage to the transmission.
Engagement of the Ignition
Regardless of the type of towing, the ignition must be on and the steering lock off for the odometer to record the distance. This ensures that the connection between the transmission and the odometer functions correctly, adding miles to the odometer reading.
Consequences of Towing in Neutral
Towing a car with the transmission in neutral poses risks to the transmission and the overall vehicle. For most modern cars with automatic transmissions, towing in neutral can lead to significant transmission damage.
It is recommended to use a tow dolly to lift the driven wheels off the ground, which will save the transmission and prevent potential damage. This practice is particularly important for vehicles with manual transmissions, where towing in neutral is safer but still risky.
Specific Considerations for Different Makes and Models
Not all vehicles are the same, and the effect of towing in neutral can vary depending on the specific design of the car. For instance, towing an old Volkswagen Bug from the rear can actually take miles off the odometer due to its cable-driven system. Additionally, manual transmission vehicles in neutral may not add miles to the odometer if the wheels are not turning.
The best practice is to consult the owner's manual for specific guidance on towing and its effects on the odometer. This will ensure that you avoid any potential damage to your vehicle and maintain accurate mileage tracking.
Conclusion
Towing your car in neutral can result in increased mileage readings, provided the ignition is on and the steering lock is off. However, it is crucial to consider the potential risks to the transmission and overall vehicle performance. Using a tow dolly to lift the driven wheels off the ground is the safest and most effective method to avoid both mileage inaccuracies and transmission damage.
Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific advice on towing and its impact on the odometer. This will help you make informed decisions and keep your vehicle in optimal condition.