When your automatic car refuses to start, it can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. Knowing how to tow an automatic car that won’t start is crucial for preventing further damage and ensuring safety for everyone involved. Unlike manual transmissions, automatic cars have specific requirements for towing due to their complex internal mechanisms, which can be severely damaged if towed improperly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary precautions, methods, and step-by-step instructions to safely move your disabled automatic vehicle, offering peace of mind during a stressful breakdown.
Understanding the Risks of Towing an Automatic Car
Towing an automatic car improperly can lead to significant and costly damage to its transmission. Automatic transmissions rely on internal lubrication and cooling systems that depend on the engine running. When the engine is off, these systems are inactive. If the drive wheels are allowed to spin while the transmission is engaged (even in neutral) without proper lubrication, extreme friction and heat can build up, leading to component wear, overheating, and eventual failure. This critical difference is why standard “flat towing” (towing with all four wheels on the ground) is often a high-risk procedure for automatic vehicles.
Why Automatic Transmissions Are Sensitive
Automatic transmissions are intricate systems filled with gears, clutches, and hydraulic fluids, all designed to operate under specific conditions. The transmission fluid not only lubricates but also cools these components. A fluid pump, driven by the engine, circulates this fluid. When the engine is off and the vehicle is being towed with the drive wheels on the ground, the output shaft of the transmission still rotates, but the pump does not, leading to a lack of lubrication and cooling where it’s desperately needed. This can quickly cause damage, especially to sensitive components like planetary gear sets and torque converters.
Potential Damage to Transmission
The lack of proper lubrication during towing can cause several types of damage. Overheating is the most immediate concern, which can warp or burn clutch plates and seals. Bearings can seize, and metal shavings can contaminate the transmission fluid, causing further wear throughout the system. Repairing or replacing an automatic transmission is one of the most expensive car repairs, often costing thousands of dollars. Therefore, understanding these risks is paramount when considering how to tow an automatic car that won’t start.
Assessing Your Situation: When Not to Tow Yourself
Before attempting any towing, it’s vital to assess the situation and understand when professional help is indispensable. Attempting to tow a vehicle when it’s unsafe or beyond your capability can lead to accidents or further damage.
Signs of Serious Issues
If your car won’t start due to severe mechanical failure, such as a seized engine, major transmission problems (e.g., fluid leaks, grinding noises), or significant accident damage, self-towing is likely not appropriate. These conditions often require specialized recovery equipment and expertise. If the car has been involved in a collision and components like axles or steering are compromised, towing it yourself could be extremely hazardous.
When to Call Professional Towing Services
In many scenarios, especially for automatic cars, calling a professional towing service is the safest and most recommended option. This is particularly true for long distances, high speeds, or if you lack the proper equipment and experience. Professional tow truck operators have the right tools (such as flatbed trucks or wheel-lift dollies) and expertise to transport your vehicle without risking transmission damage. For maximum safety and to protect your vehicle’s delicate automatic transmission, consider contacting maxmotorsmissouri.com for reliable local towing referrals or expert advice on vehicle recovery. Their expertise ensures your vehicle is handled with the utmost care. They can guide you on services available in your area.
Essential Equipment for Towing a Disabled Automatic Car
If you determine that self-towing is feasible for your specific situation (e.g., short distance, low speed, or using a tow dolly/flatbed you’ve rented), having the correct equipment is critical for safety and preventing vehicle damage.
Tow Strap/Chain vs. Tow Bar
A tow strap or chain is suitable for emergency, short-distance towing. Ensure it’s rated for your vehicle’s weight and made of durable material. A tow chain is stronger but less flexible and can cause jerky movements. A heavy-duty tow strap with some elasticity can provide a smoother pull. A tow bar, which rigidly connects the two vehicles, is generally safer than a strap or chain for emergency towing of a disabled vehicle, as it prevents the towed car from colliding with the towing car during braking. However, it still requires the towed car’s wheels to be on the ground, which comes with transmission risks for automatics.
Tow Lights, Safety Flags, and Owner’s Manual
Tow lights or a magnetic light bar are essential to ensure the towed vehicle’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights are operational and visible to other drivers, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. Safety flags (typically red or orange) should be attached to the tow strap or chain to make it more visible. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual before towing. It contains specific instructions and warnings from the manufacturer regarding towing procedures for your particular model, including limitations on speed, distance, and permissible towing methods. This document is your primary source for safe towing guidance.
Methods for Towing an Automatic Car That Won’t Start
Given the sensitivity of automatic transmissions, specific towing methods are recommended to prevent damage. The choice of method largely depends on the type of drive system your car has (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive) and the available equipment.
Flatbed Towing: The Safest Method
Flatbed towing is unequivocally the safest method for transporting an automatic car that won’t start. With this method, the entire vehicle is loaded onto the back of a truck, ensuring all four wheels are off the ground. This completely eliminates any rotation of the transmission’s internal components, thus preventing heat buildup and lubrication issues. It’s the preferred choice for all automatic vehicles, especially for long distances or when the vehicle is valuable, has an all-wheel-drive system, or if there’s any suspicion of transmission damage.
Dolly Towing: A Viable Alternative
Tow dollies are a good alternative when a flatbed isn’t available or is too expensive. A tow dolly lifts two of the vehicle’s wheels off the ground, typically the drive wheels.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Considerations: For FWD automatic cars, the front wheels are the drive wheels. These should be placed on the tow dolly, lifting them off the ground. The rear wheels can remain on the ground.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Considerations: For RWD automatic cars, the rear wheels are the drive wheels. These should be placed on the tow dolly, lifting them off the ground. This means the car must be loaded backward onto the dolly, which might present some logistical challenges but is necessary to protect the transmission.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Considerations: AWD vehicles typically require all four wheels to be off the ground (flatbed towing) because their drivetrain sends power to both the front and rear axles. Towing an AWD vehicle with only two wheels on a dolly can still cause damage to the differentials or transfer case. If a flatbed isn’t an option, some AWD vehicles might allow for dolly towing with specific procedures (e.g., disconnecting a driveshaft), but this should only be done if explicitly stated as permissible in the owner’s manual and ideally by a professional.
Emergency Towing (Last Resort, with Extreme Caution)
Towing an automatic car with all four wheels on the ground (often called “flat towing” or “dinghy towing”) should be considered an absolute last resort for automatic cars that won’t start. If this is your only option for a very short distance and at extremely low speeds, it must be approached with extreme caution.
- Short Distances, Very Low Speeds: Manufacturers often specify a maximum distance (e.g., 10-15 miles) and speed (e.g., 20-35 mph) for such emergency towing, if allowed at all. Exceeding these limits significantly increases the risk of transmission damage.
- Neutral Gear (If Accessible and Safe): If the car’s electrical system allows, place the transmission in Neutral (N). However, even in Neutral, the output shaft of an automatic transmission still spins, potentially generating heat without proper lubrication. If you cannot shift into Neutral due to a dead battery or a locked shifter, this method is not viable and could cause immediate damage if towed.
- Lubrication Considerations for Transmission: Some older or specific automatic transmissions might have recommendations for adding extra fluid or disconnecting a driveshaft before flat towing. Again, consult your owner’s manual for any model-specific guidance. For most modern automatic transmissions, flat towing with the drive wheels on the ground is simply not recommended.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Towing Your Automatic Car
If you have chosen a suitable towing method (preferably flatbed or dolly) and have the necessary equipment, follow these steps meticulously to ensure a safe tow for an automatic car that won’t start.
Preparation Before Towing
Thorough preparation is the foundation of a safe towing operation. Always start by reading your owner’s manual for specific towing instructions relevant to your vehicle model. Gather all required equipment, including your tow strap or dolly, safety lights, and flags. Ensure both the towing vehicle and the disabled car are accessible and on a relatively flat surface if possible. If you anticipate crossing state lines or traveling on major highways, it is wise to check local towing regulations as they can vary. Confirm that the towing vehicle is heavy enough and has sufficient power to safely pull the disabled vehicle.
Connecting the Towing Vehicles
Securely connect the tow strap, chain, or dolly to the designated towing points on both vehicles. These points are usually reinforced sections of the chassis designed for towing or recovery. Avoid attaching to bumpers or suspension components not intended for towing, as this can cause severe structural damage. Double-check all connections to ensure they are tight and properly secured. If using a tow strap, ensure there is minimal slack but not excessive tension to prevent jerky movements during the initial pull.
Setting Up the Disabled Automatic Car
Once the vehicles are connected, prepare the automatic car that won’t start. If the electrical system has some power, turn the ignition key to the “ACC” or “ON” position (without starting the engine) to unlock the steering wheel. This is essential for controlling the direction of the towed vehicle. Place the gear selector in Neutral (N) if possible. It is critical to reiterate: if the car cannot be shifted into Neutral, or if the owner’s manual prohibits even emergency towing in neutral, do not proceed with ground towing. Release the parking brake completely. Ensure all passengers are out of the disabled vehicle before towing commences.
Executing the Tow Safely
Begin the tow by having the towing vehicle start slowly and smoothly, taking up the slack in the tow strap or chain gently. Avoid sudden accelerations or braking, which can put excessive strain on the tow connection and both vehicles. Maintain a steady, low speed throughout the tow, well below typical road speeds. Constant communication between the drivers of both vehicles is paramount, especially when turning, stopping, or encountering obstacles. This can be done via hand signals, two-way radios, or mobile phones. Regularly monitor the towed vehicle for any signs of trouble, such as smoke, unusual noises, or shifting loads.
Important Precautions and Best Practices
To reiterate and add to the safe towing guidelines, remember these critical precautions. Adhering to these will minimize risks and protect your vehicle.
Maximum Towing Speed and Distance
Strictly adhere to the maximum towing speed and distance recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If no specific guidelines are given for flat towing an automatic, assume a conservative limit of no more than 10-15 miles at speeds not exceeding 20-25 mph. These limits are in place to prevent transmission damage from heat buildup.
Checking Fluid Levels (Especially Transmission)
Before embarking on a tow, if feasible, check all fluid levels, particularly the transmission fluid. Low fluid levels can exacerbate the risk of damage during towing due to insufficient lubrication. If the car won’t start, checking the level might be challenging, but any observable leaks should be a red flag.
Understanding Local Towing Laws
Towing laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. Be aware of local requirements regarding tow vehicle weight, trailer brakes, safety chain usage, visible lighting, and maximum tow length. Some areas may require specific permits or restrict towing on certain roads. Ignorance of these laws can lead to fines or safety hazards.
What to Do If the Car Starts During Towing
In the rare event that the automatic car starts while being towed, it is generally recommended to stop towing immediately. Safely pull over, disconnect the tow, and then attempt to drive the car under its own power. Do not drive the car with the tow equipment still attached, as this can be dangerous.
When to Call a Professional Towing Service
Even with all this knowledge, there are situations where calling a professional is not just recommended, but essential.
Complex Electrical Issues
If your car’s electrical system is completely dead, preventing you from shifting into Neutral or unlocking the steering column, professional towing is required. Forcing these components can cause further damage.
Transmission Damage Suspected
Any suspicion of existing transmission damage, such as grinding noises before it stopped starting, fluid leaks, or difficulty shifting, mandates professional flatbed towing. Attempting to tow a car with a compromised transmission will almost certainly worsen the problem.
Heavy Vehicle
Heavier vehicles require more robust towing equipment and a more powerful towing vehicle. If your car is a large SUV, truck, or a particularly heavy sedan, it might exceed the capabilities of a standard home towing setup. Professionals have specialized heavy-duty tow trucks designed for these loads.
Long Distances or High Speeds Needed
For any tow beyond a very short, emergency distance, or if highway speeds are required, a professional towing service with a flatbed truck is the only safe and reliable option for an automatic car. The risks of transmission damage and accidents increase exponentially with distance and speed when not using the correct equipment.
In conclusion, understanding how to tow an automatic car that won’t start is critical, but it’s equally important to recognize the limitations and significant risks involved. While emergency towing with dollies or a very short, low-speed ground tow might be possible in specific circumstances, the safest and most recommended method for any automatic vehicle is flatbed towing. Always prioritize safety, consult your owner’s manual, and when in doubt, call a professional towing service to protect your vehicle’s sensitive transmission and ensure a secure transport.
Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Cristian Steven
