Yes, you can tow an automatic car, but doing it incorrectly is a surefire way to cause catastrophic and expensive damage to the transmission. The correct method depends entirely on your car's specific drivetrain. The safest rule is to always use a flatbed truck, which lifts all four wheels off the ground. If a flatbed isn't an option, you must follow the precise towing guidelines in your vehicle's owner's manual.
The primary risk is towing with the drive wheels on the pavement. In an automatic transmission, the engine pumps fluid to lubricate and cool the internal components when it's running. If the engine is off and the drive wheels are turning, the transmission isn't being properly lubricated. This can cause overheating and rapid wear, destroying gears and clutches in a very short distance.
For most front-wheel-drive cars, the solution is to use a dolly under the front (drive) wheels, leaving the rear wheels on the road. For rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles, a flatbed is almost always mandatory because lifting only one axle still causes the other driven wheels to spin the transmission.
Some modern automatics have a neutral towing provision, often called a "tow mode" or requiring a specific sequence to disengage the drivetrain. This is an exception, not the rule. Never assume your car has this.
| Towing Method | Suitable For | Key Risk | Recommended Maximum Distance |
|---|
| Flatbed Trailer | All Vehicles (FWD, RWD, AWD) | None (All wheels off ground) | Unlimited |
| Dolly (Front Wheels Up) | Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) | Potential brake/steering wear on rear wheels | Check owner's manual |
| Dolly (Rear Wheels Up) | Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) | Transmission Damage (if FWD/AWD) | Do Not Use for FWD/AWD |
| All Four Wheels Down | Specific vehicles with neutral tow option | Severe Transmission Damage if not approved | Only if specified in manual |
The bottom line is simple: when in doubt, use a flatbed. The cost of a proper tow is insignificant compared to the cost of a new transmission.
