A professional tow truck driver revealed a little-known feature that can help drivers move a disabled vehicle to safety.
A professional tow truck driver has revealed a little-known feature found in many vehicles that could help drivers avoid a serious headache during an emergency.
The tip was shared on TikTok by @towtruckwags, who regularly posts videos about the towing business. The clip quickly went viral.
In the video, the driver demonstrates the trick on a disabled car equipped with an automatic transmission. The vehicle has lost all electrical power, the engine won't start, and the electronic gear selector is locked in Park. With the car unable to shift normally, loading it onto a tow truck becomes a challenge.
"Let me tell you a little secret that most cars have hidden away. Almost every car has this. This car I'm supposed to tow won't start. The wheels are locked, and I can't shift it into neutral because the electronics aren't responding. So what do you do?"
The tow truck driver then demonstrates a simple workaround. Using a small screwdriver or, on some models, a mechanical key, he carefully removes a small plastic cover near the gear selector. He refers to the spot as the "magic spot."
With the cover removed, he inserts the tool into the exposed opening and presses the mechanism underneath. While holding it down, he moves the gear selector into Neutral with his other hand.
The shift allows the wheels to roll freely, making it possible to move the disabled vehicle or winch it onto a tow truck's flatbed without forcing the transmission.
The feature is officially known as the Shift Lock Release. It allows the gear selector to be moved out of Park under certain conditions when the vehicle's normal electronic controls aren't working.
Knowing where this release is located can be useful when a car loses power and needs to be moved. A disabled vehicle blocking an intersection or sitting in another dangerous location can create a serious hazard, and being able to shift into Neutral may help get it out of the way.
However, the location and operation of the release vary by vehicle. Drivers should consult their owner's manual to find the correct procedure for their specific model rather than assuming every car works the same way.
As the tow truck driver demonstrates, accessing the release may require a narrow tool to remove the plastic cover. Keeping a small screwdriver or another suitable tool in the glove compartment can help drivers prepare for this situation.