Why you Shouldn’t Rock your Car

Posted December 22, 2015

When you’re stuck in the snow, it’s tempting to do anything to avoid getting out in the cold or waiting for a tow. But before you start rocking your car, consider the impact it can have.

This advice has been around for a long time, but rarely do you hear about the consequence it can have. The principle behind it is simple: By rocking your vehicle back and forth between reverse and drive, you may be able to create enough of a trench to get unstuck.

But there are other more likely, and more costly, effects.

Every car has between two and six transmission mounts holding the engine and transmission tightly into the frame of the car. As you rock your vehicle back and forth, it puts a lot of strain and torque on these parts to keep the engine in place.

But they are not designed for this kind of extended torque. The metal and rubber components will begin to weaken and tear. If they break, the part alone costs around $500 on average.

Even if they don’t break, worn and torn areas can lead to other damage. If the engine can shift, even slightly, other components may be damaged. Under the hood, fans can break, radiator can be crushed, hoses can tear, electrical wires can become exposed… the list goes on.

Pulling your transmission in and out of gear can also test the limits of its system, as it heavily uses the clutch and transmission as you shift, brake, forward, reverse, accelerate, stop.

Learn more about the dangers of rocking your car (and an alternative solution) in this video by the Monday Morning Mechanic:

If you find yourself stuck in the snow, stop! Before you rock your vehicle, remember the damage it can cause and instead call a trusted mechanic or AAA approved facility, like Chase Automotive. Our team at 303.344.4670 will help you get back safely on the road in Aurora.

Categories: Auto Repair Aurora

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