Towing a Nissan Figaro
If your Figaro breaks down and requires recovery, be mindful of the way it is collected. As the car has an automatic gearbox connected to the front wheel, extensive damage can occur if the car is towed. We recommend using a flatbed breakdown recovery lorry which means the car can be pulled at a low speed onto the top of the lorry. If this is not available the next option is to make sure they use a dolly (see below) which means the front wheels are kept clear of rotating. The last option is to tow the car with a rope but be very careful to not exceed 30km/h and be mindful to not go tow for too long as this could damage the gearbox.
RECOMMENDED – FLATBED BREAKDOWN VEHICLE
How to prepare your car and make sure it is safe during transit.
- Place the select/shift lever into the N position (If the shift lever cannot be moved to N then click the Shift Lock Release Button which is found just in front of the base of the lever).
- Ensure the handbrake is off
- Remove the blanking grommet located above the front and attach the tow hook to the front of the car. See here
- The breakdown company will now winch the car onto the lorry
- Apply Handbrake
- Place the select/shift lever into the P position (If the shift lever cannot be moved to N then click the Shift Lock Release Button which is found just in front of the base of the lever).
OPTION – BREAKDOWN VEHICLE USING A DOLLY
If a flatbed lorry is not available, this is the next option but be aware the rear wheels will be in contact with the ground and rotate at speed.
- Place the select/shift lever into the N position (If the shift lever cannot be moved to N then click the Shift Lock Release Button which is found just in front of the base of the lever).
- Ensure you release the handbrake and check doors and windows.
CAUTION – CAR TO CAR USING A TOW ROPE
The Hayes Nissan Micra Manual (same engine) states that vehicles with an automatic gearbox should never be towed with the front (driven) wheels on the ground, as this can cause serious damage to the transmission. If you have no choice but to get the car recovered using a tow rope, please ensure you follow the following strict procedures. This is the least good way to tow the car so be very careful not to exceed the speed limit.
- Place the select/shift lever into the N position (If the shift lever cannot be moved to N then click the Shift Lock Release Button which is found just in front of the base of the lever).
- Ensure the handbrake is off
- Remove the blanking grommet located above the front and attach the tow hook to the front of the car. See here
- Using tow rope on longer than 2.5m, keep this on the same side for both vehicles
- Do not exceed 30km/h at any time*
- Do not exceed 30kms distance
*The Figaro uses an automatic gearbox for its transmission. Even with N selected if you exceed 30km/s this could damage the gearbox. Also towing a long distance could put undue wear on the gearbox. This is because the engine needs to be running to circulate oil through the transmission. The pump in the transmission that keeps the transmission fluid (which is a lubricant) flowing over the parts, does not pump when the engine is not running. However, many of the parts in the transmission do spin when being towed in neutral. What this means is that you are grinding metal against metal with no lubricant, and this causes massive wear on those parts and possibly the destruction of the parts involved.
