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can you tow an automatic front wheel drive car

2 Answers

LandonAnn

12/24/25 9:19pm

Yes, you can tow an automatic front-wheel drive (FWD) car, but the method is critical. The only universally safe way to tow it long-distance is on a flatbed trailer or a car dolly that lifts the front wheels completely off the ground. Towing it with the front drive wheels down can cause severe and expensive damage to the transmission.

An automatic transmission relies on its internal pump, which is driven by the engine, to circulate fluid for lubrication and cooling. When the engine is off and the car is towed with the drive wheels on the pavement, the transmission's output shaft is spinning, but the pump isn't working. This creates friction and heat without lubrication, leading to rapid wear or complete failure of internal components.

For very short distances at low speeds (like moving a disabled car out of an intersection), some owner's manuals permit "dinghy towing" with all four wheels down if you follow specific procedures, such as placing the transmission in neutral. However, this is the exception, not the rule. Always prioritize the flatbed method to eliminate risk.

The following table compares common towing methods for an automatic FWD car, based on general automotive guidelines. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the definitive answer for your specific model.

Towing Method	Description	Risk Level	Recommended Distance
Flatbed Trailer	Entire car is loaded onto a trailer.	None	Any distance
Front-Wheel Lift Dolly	Front (drive) wheels are lifted; rear wheels roll.	Low	Any distance
Rear-Wheel Lift (Standard Tow Truck)	Rear wheels are lifted; front (drive) wheels roll.	Very High	Avoid completely
All-Four-Wheels-Down (Dinghy Towing)	Car is towed like a trailer with all wheels rolling.	High	Only if explicitly approved in manual for short distances

The cost of a flatbed tow is insignificant compared to the average cost of rebuilding or replacing a damaged automatic transmission, which can easily run from $3,000 to $7,000+. When in doubt, always request a flatbed.

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OSophie

01/01/26 11:18am

My buddy learned this the hard way after a breakdown. The tow truck driver hooked it up by the rear wheels, and the front ones were just dragging on the pavement for about 15 miles. By the time they got to the shop, the transmission was toast. The repair bill was a nightmare. The mechanic said the rule is simple: if it's front-wheel drive, the front tires can't be touching the road when it's being towed. Just ask for a flatbed. It’s not worth the gamble.

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