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Writer's pictureAlan Pfeuffer

Electronic shift stuck in park? No problem!

How Heavy Metal Towing Safely Tows Cars Stuck in Park

Delaware Ohio Towing

At Heavy Metal Towing, based in Delaware, Ohio, we understand how stressful it can be when your vehicle is stuck in park and won’t budge. Whether it’s a mechanical issue or an emergency situation, towing a car stuck in park requires a delicate touch to ensure no further damage occurs. We specialize in safely towing vehicles that are stuck in park, using industry-leading techniques and equipment to get you back on track without damaging your car.


Why Cars Get Stuck in Park

Before diving into our towing process, it helps to know why a car might get stuck in park. Common reasons include:

  • Brake System Failures: Some cars won't shift out of park if there’s a problem with the brake system.

  • Transmission Issues: If the transmission linkage or the electronic system malfunctions, the vehicle can become locked in park.

  • Electrical issues: Most modern cars are now equipt with over complicated electrical systems that often automatically diagnose an issue that renders the vehicle unable to shift out of park. These systems typically are unable to by bypassed without a scanner loaded with dealer software.


No matter the reason, Heavy Metal Towing is equipped to handle the situation safely and efficiently.


Our Process for Towing Cars Stuck in Park

When a vehicle is stuck in park, it’s important to follow the right procedures to prevent damage to the transmission, drivetrain, or brakes. Here’s how we do it:


1. Assessing the Situation

Every towing job begins with a careful inspection of the vehicle. When we arrive, we first evaluate the situation:

  • Checking the parking brake: We verify whether the parking brake is engaged and ensure it’s released.

  • Vehicle terrain: We assess whether the vehicle is on a flat surface or incline, which helps us determine the safest towing method.


2. Using the Shift Lock Release

Most modern vehicles are equipped with a shift lock release, a feature designed for situations where the car won’t shift out of park. Our trained technicians will:

  • Locate the shift lock release mechanism (usually near the shifter) and manually override the lock.

  • Shift the vehicle into neutral, allowing us to tow the vehicle without causing harm to the transmission.


3. Manual Transmission Disengagement

If the shift lock release does not work, we have other methods to safely disengage the transmission. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, we may access the transmission manually to release it from park. This can involve removing the center console or using specialized tools.


4. Using Dolly Wheels for Safe Towing

When we are unable to shift the car out of park, or if disengaging the transmission isn't advisable, we use dolly wheels. Dolly wheels allow us to lift the drive wheels (the wheels responsible for moving the vehicle) off the ground, preventing transmission or drivetrain damage during towing.

  • Front-wheel drive cars: We place dolly wheels under the front tires to safely tow the vehicle.

  • Rear-wheel drive cars: We lift the rear wheels and place them on the dollies.

  • All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles: We make sure all four wheels are on dolly wheels, as improper towing of AWD vehicles can lead to costly drivetrain repairs.


5. Flatbed Towing: The Safest Option

For cars stuck in park, flatbed towing is often the safest method. We load the entire vehicle onto our flatbed tow truck using a powerful winch system and "skates" to break the surface tension from the road surface and tires. This eliminates any risk of damage to the transmission or wheels, as none of the vehicle’s tires are in contact with the road during transport.


With flatbed towing, we ensure that the car arrives at its destination in the same condition we found it—safe and sound.


Why Choose Heavy Metal Towing?

At Heavy Metal Towing, we pride ourselves on our ability to handle any situation that comes our way. Here’s why Delaware, Ohio, residents trust us when their vehicles are stuck in park:

  • Experienced Team: Our team is fully trained to handle even the toughest towing challenges, with years of experience safely towing vehicles stuck in park.

  • Top-of-the-line Equipment: From flatbed trucks to dollies, we use the best equipment in the industry to ensure that every vehicle is towed without a scratch.

  • 24/7 Availability: Whether you're stuck in park during rush hour or late at night, Heavy Metal Towing is available 24/7 to assist you.

  • Customer-first Approach: We treat every vehicle like it’s our own, with the utmost care and attention to detail.


Conclusion

If you ever find yourself with a car stuck in park, don’t panic—Heavy Metal Towing is just a phone call away. With our expertise, specialized tools, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we’ll tow your car without any damage and get you back on the road quickly.

If you need towing assistance, call Heavy Metal Towing at 614-622-9617, or visit our website at heavymetaltowingllc.com for more information on our services. We’re here to help, Delaware, Ohio!

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