Can an automatic transmission car be towed with a tow rope?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car can be towed with a tow rope. Nowadays, many professional tow trucks come with auxiliary wheels that lift the car's tires off the ground, making it possible to tow vehicles regardless of whether they are manual transmission, automatic transmission, or four-wheel drive. The tow truck should have a bright color: It is best to use a highly visible body color that serves as a warning. Reflective strips should be added during nighttime towing to alert passing vehicles. Maintain good communication during towing: Close coordination between the two vehicles is essential to avoid significant damage to the cars, especially when going uphill or making turns. Communication should be established in advance. Control the safe distance: The tow rope should not be too short. Since the towed car is already experiencing issues, a short tow rope increases the risk of rear-end collisions during sudden braking.
I have experience driving automatic transmission cars and often hear friends asking about tow ropes. Generally, automatic transmission cars are not suitable for towing directly with a tow rope, as this can damage the transmission—without the engine running, there's no lubrication, and the components wear out as soon as the wheels turn. I recommend prioritizing professional roadside assistance, as they use flatbed tow trucks or specialized equipment, which is both safe and hassle-free. If you absolutely must do it yourself, such as in an emergency, you can only tow in neutral at low speed for a short distance—for example, within 50 meters at speeds below 15 km/h—but the risk remains high, and you could end up with repair costs in the thousands. Regularly checking your vehicle's fluids and tires can reduce the chances of a breakdown. In short, don't take risks to save a little money; safety first is the golden rule.