Towing a car without putting it in neutral is generally not advisable and can cause significant damage to the vehicle’s transmission. When a car is in gear, the drivetrain is engaged, and the engine, transmission, and other components are subjected to unnecessary stress during towing. This can lead to overheating, damage to the transmission, or even cause the wheels to lock up if it’s a manual transmission. For automatic transmissions, it’s even more crucial to have the car in neutral because the transmission relies on fluid circulation that only occurs when the car is in neutral or park. Towing without neutral can compromise the vehicle’s internal components. Always check the owner’s manual for specific towing instructions, as some cars may have specific recommendations for safe towing. In general, using a flatbed tow truck or putting the car in neutral is the safest way to tow.