I have an AWD car and I had left it in gear and with parking brake on and car locked. It was legally parked, but the apartment complex was doing some work and so they towed it about 0.25 miles. I saw no flatbed for the truck, just regular tow truck. When I found it, the car was parked facing into the spot where they left it. I could not get the key into the ignition. I had to put the car in neutral and let it roll a bit to 'unlock' the ignition. Then it started and it drove. But I'm afraid they damaged the car. What kind of damage should I look for and what should I do???
2007-06-27 08:38:18 · 11 answers · asked by L T 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
No, folks, there was no notificiation. If I'd been notified I wouldn't have parked there!!!
2007-06-27 09:22:44 · update #1
Oh yeah- it's a manual.
2007-06-27 09:31:17 · update #2
OH GOD YES IT CAN.
AWD has to either have all 4 wheels on the ground or no wheels on the ground. Even a quarter mile could be enough to destroy your center differential (the part that allows front and rear wheels to turn at slightly different speeds for a little while....except in this case it's at VERY different speeds, for a long damn time)
If you DIDN'T get proper notice of this, the apartment complex or the towing company could be on the hook for many thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you know you didn't have any notice, and can prove it, get that proof together. If you can't, find someone who can back you up.
Get your car checked out. It could be VERY ****** up. Then you're probably going to need a lawyer.
2007-06-27 08:50:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definately have it checked out before driving it too much. I know for a fact that a 4wheel drive vehicle is in big trouble if it is towed leaving any of the wheels on the ground. It should be on a flat bed trailer. I'm pretty sure that AWD vehicles are the same, with regards to towing.
2007-06-27 15:45:46 · answer #2 · answered by Funny Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On cars like that, the tow truck will have dollies that they can put the car on to keep the wheels from turning. I don't know if they did this or not, but that is the common method for moving them. good luck.
2007-06-27 15:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just bought a Subaru this week and the salesman said it had to be towed with a flatbed, so you might have problems, but what? i don't know. Call a Subaru dealer.
2007-06-27 15:42:23 · answer #4 · answered by greenfrogs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any damage would be to the transmission if it is an
automatic. But no farther than it was moved I think you
are OK. Still you might need to take it to a mechanic just to
be on the safe side.
good luck.
2007-06-27 15:50:45 · answer #5 · answered by wayne g 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A quarter mile isnt going to hurt your car. The part that would be damaged the most would be the drivetrain, not the engine if its damaged which it probably isnt.
2007-06-27 15:42:09 · answer #6 · answered by timssterling 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If there were no skidmarks from the car being dragged, you have no damage. If there are, look for transmission damage. Since you have driven the car and it shows no signs of trouble, there probably isn't any. And I agree with the person who says with notification of intent, your responsible.
2007-06-27 15:52:20 · answer #7 · answered by Wisdom 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Talk to the service dept of the make of the car.
2007-06-27 15:41:18 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
call the dealer / your favorite shop and pay the $100 for them to check it out.
2007-06-27 15:40:49 · answer #9 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
listen for wheel sounds like grinding or clicking might have possiably messed up wheel bearings or u joints
2007-06-27 15:41:10 · answer #10 · answered by chillwill4679 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋