Should I Call a Tow Truck or Try to Drive? What to Do When Your Transmission Fails

A sudden transmission failure—stuck in gear, no drive, or violent vibration—turns any commute into an emergency. Deciding whether to limp home or call for a tow can mean the difference between a simple repair and a totally destroyed gearbox.

Quick Answer

If your car has no drive, slips badly, leaks fluid, or vibrates above 30 mph, stop and call a tow truck. Driving risks catastrophic damage that can triple your repair bill.

When You Must Tow Immediately

Symptom	Why Driving Is Dangerous	Typical Tow Cost (Lakewood)	Potential Repair Savings
No forward or reverse gear	Internal failure—spinning parts overheat rapidly	$100–$150 (ask about our free towing)	Saves $1,500–$3,000 in extra damage
Fluid pouring out	Transmission will run dry within minutes	$100–$150	Prevents gear seizure and case cracking
Violent vibration over 30 mph	Possible broken driveshaft or torque-converter failure	$100–$150	Avoids collateral damage to exhaust, mounts, and sensors
Loud bang, then grinding	Broken gear or snapped input shaft	$100–$150	Stops metal shards from ruining the valve body
Burning smell and smoke	Clutches overheating; fluid near ignition point	$100–$150	Prevents potential fire and full rebuild costs

Situations Where a Short, Low-Speed Drive Might Be Safe

Small Fluid Drip: Top off ATF, drive < 5 miles at < 25 mph straight to a shop.
Mild Slip Only on Hills: Stay on flat roads, low RPM, and avoid traffic.
Single, Brief Warning Light: If shifts still feel normal, a careful 2–3 mile drive is often safe—but scan codes ASAP.

Free Tow Offer: Within 12 miles of Lakewood or Westminster, we’ll cover your tow to our shop with any approved transmission repair. Call our shops for details.

Why Driving on a Failing Transmission Costs More

Delay	Added Damage	Extra Cost
15 minutes	Overheated clutch packs	+$400 parts
1 hour	Damaged valve body & pump	+$900 parts/labor
1 day	Cracked case, contaminated cooling lines	+$1,500 – $2,000

What to Expect When the Tow Arrives

Flatbed Load: Prevents further drivetrain rotation.
Visual Leak Check: Driver notes fluid loss for the shop.
After-Hours Drop-Off: Key-drop box and online intake form where available.
Next-Day Diagnostic Call: Estimate with code scan and fluid analysis.

FAQs: Transmission Failure & Towing

Q: Can I tow an AWD vehicle with two wheels on the ground?
A: No. AWD cars must be flat-bedded; otherwise the differential can burn out in minutes.

Q: Will roadside ATF top-offs get me home?
A: Only if the leak is minor and you keep adding fluid every few miles. Continuous leaks need immediate repairs.

Q: How far can I drive on a slipping transmission?
A: Sometimes less than a mile before total failure. Heat builds exponentially—don’t risk it.

Q: Does insurance pay for towing after a breakdown?
A: Many policies include roadside assistance, but even without it, our free towing for major transmission repairs covers the first 12 miles.

Q: What if my transmission fails in the mountains?
A: Pull off safely, call for a flatbed, and set wheel chocks. Gravity and steep grades can accelerate fluid loss.