When You Should Never Tow With an Automatic Car or Drive With a Trailer

Cars with automatic transmissions have become a common sight on the roads. More and more manufacturers are abandoning manuals in favor of comfort and convenience. In the city, an automatic feels like the perfect choice — smooth driving and no fatigue in traffic. But automatics also come with their own weak spots. And one of the most debated questions is whether towing is safe with such a car.

Even automakers don’t agree on the answer. Some models allow limited towing, while others strictly forbid it. Drivers are just as divided: some insist there’s no danger, while others warn of serious risks. To understand why, you need to look inside the transmission.

An automatic transmission is made up of many moving parts, all of which require lubrication and cooling. This job is handled by the transmission fluid (ATF), which is circulated by a pump. The fluid reduces friction, removes heat, and keeps the system working properly.

Here’s the catch: the pump only runs when the engine is on. If the engine is off, circulation stops, leaving parts without protection. Even at idle, the pressure is too low to fully cool and lubricate the system. That’s why towing an automatic with the engine off can be so damaging.

If a car with an automatic won’t start, getting it home without a tow truck is nearly impossible. The only exception is a very short move — slowly, and no farther than half a mile. Any longer, and the transmission risks overheating, turning a “money-saving” decision into a costly repair.

The safest way to move an automatic is by lifting the drive wheels. On front-wheel drive cars, that means raising the front wheels; on rear-wheel drive cars, the rear wheels. The free-rolling wheels don’t stress the transmission.

With the engine running, the pump circulates fluid, which makes towing possible — but still under strict limits: don’t exceed 25 mph, and don’t go farther than about 12 miles. Even then, lubrication is weak at low RPMs, and some parts remain vulnerable. That’s why you should always check the owner’s manual for your specific model before attempting it.

As for using an automatic car to tow a trailer or even another vehicle — in most cases, that’s allowed. But you need to be careful: it’s best to use manual mode, avoid hard acceleration, and go easy on long uphill climbs, especially if the car has a CVT. With calm driving, the transmission usually handles towing just fine.