These days, most Australians drive automatic cars, so it makes sense that we get asked this question a lot. Unfortunately, there’s no single answer for all vehicles, so the short answer it “maybe”.
The only way to know if you can tow your automatic vehicle for sure is to either check your owner’s manual or call your local dealership for clarification.
In this guide, we’ll get into some of the details around why it’s important, how it’s different to towing a manual car and some of the options available for you either way.
Why Towing an Automatic Car Is Different
Automatic transmissions rely heavily on fluid pumps driven by the car’s engine to circulate lubricant throughout the transmission system. When the engine isn’t running, this crucial lubrication doesn’t happen. So, if the vehicle’s drive wheels spin freely on the road during towing, friction and heat rapidly build up, potentially causing severe damage to the transmission’s internal components.
Some serious risks associated with incorrect towing practices include:
- Overheating and irreversible damage to transmission parts
- Internal gears and bearings becoming warped or destroyed
- Costly repairs or the complete replacement of your transmission
- Possible voiding of vehicle warranty
Always Check Your Owner’s Manual Before Towing Your Vehicle
It’s essential to realise that towing recommendations aren’t universal—they vary significantly between car manufacturers and even across different models and years. Just because you successfully towed your automatic Toyota Camry five years ago doesn’t mean you can safely tow your brand-new Jeep the same way today.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the most reliable and definitive resource for safe towing instructions. Manufacturers provide explicit guidelines about whether and how their cars can be safely towed. Ignoring these guidelines isn’t just risky—it could invalidate your vehicle’s warranty and lead to significant repair costs.
In some cases, the owner’s manual will give you specific directions around how to tow your vehicle. In this case, make sure you follow those steps to the letter to avoid destroying your transmission. Even if the advice seems redundant or unnecessary, it’s in there for a reason and could save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Safe Methods for Towing Automatic Vehicles
Flatbed towing remains the gold standard for towing automatic cars. With flatbed towing, your car’s wheels don’t touch the road, eliminating the risk of transmission damage entirely.
Dolly towing, where two wheels are elevated off the road, might be an acceptable method for some automatics—but only if the wheels connected to the transmission remain completely off the ground.
Flat towing—pulling the vehicle with all wheels on the ground—is generally unsuitable for automatic transmissions unless the vehicle manufacturer specifically approves it in the owner’s manual. Even when allowed, manufacturers typically provide strict limits on towing distance and speed.
If you’re uncertain, it’s safest to opt for flatbed towing or call in professionals like WeTow to eliminate risk.
Can You Tow an Automatic Car Yourself?
While DIY towing might seem cost-effective and straightforward, the risks of towing automatic vehicles without professional help are considerable. Without appropriate equipment, experience, and detailed knowledge, towing your automatic car yourself can lead to severe damage or even legal consequences if something goes wrong on the road.
Professional towing operators possess specialised tools, vehicles, and extensive training to handle automatic transmissions safely. They understand precisely how to secure and transport your car to avoid unnecessary damage.
If you’re in a position where you must tow your own vehicle, take the time to rent a car trailer (often available at a servo nearby) and read the owner’s manual carefully.
How WeTow Handles Automatic Cars
At WeTow, we go the extra mile to ensure the safety and integrity of automatic vehicles:
- In most cases, we’ll use a flatbed tow truck to get the job done
- Our expert operators are highly trained in securing and transporting vehicles with automatic transmissions safely
- Our team are all trained professionally on just how to transport your car correctly, from positioning to loading, securing and transport.
Final Thoughts
Towing an automatic vehicle safely requires careful attention, specific equipment, and strict adherence to your vehicle’s manual. Shortcuts can be extremely costly, leading to significant transmission damage.
At WeTow, we regularly handle the safe, reliable, and professional towing of automatic vehicles across Brisbane and beyond. Our trained professionals are ready 24/7, offering peace of mind and expert service whenever you need assistance.
Contact WeTow today—and ensure your automatic vehicle stays safe, no matter where you need to go.
FAQ: Towing An Automatic Car
No. Neutral doesn’t guarantee adequate lubrication for the transmission, risking severe internal damage.
While putting your transmission in neutral could be one of the correct steps for towing your vehicle, always check your owner’s manual before towing.
Yes. Incorrect towing methods can cause severe and expensive damage to transmission components.
In extreme cases, you risk writing your vehicle off. Complete transmission failure during a long and/or high speed tow (think flat towing behind an motorhome from Cairns to Melbourne) can potentially damage other parts of your driveline and more. This is something that must be taken seriously!
Automatic transmissions depend on engine-driven lubrication pumps. Without lubrication, internal damage occurs rapidly.
Some automatic vehicles can be safely flat towed when following the manufacturers recommendations. If you’re unsure, check your owners manual or call your local dealership for advice.
Flatbed towing is always the safest and most recommended method for automatics, eliminating the risk of damage entirely.
This is often a job that’s better left to the professionals. That $99 tow could potentially save you thousands in mechanical repairs!
Distances and speeds permitted for towing automatics vary widely. Always consult your owner’s manual first, but generally, very short distances at very low speeds might be allowable.