Can you flat tow an automatic car?
Most automatic cars should not be flat-towed. Without engine-driven lubrication, the transmission can suffer damage when towed four wheels down. Always consult the owner's manual or the manufacturer's towing guide before attempting any four-down towing.
Understanding flat towing and automatic transmissions
What flat towing means
Flat towing, or four-down towing, describes pulling a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground while the engine is off. The method is popular for recreational vehicle travel, but not all drivetrains tolerate it.
How automatics differ from manuals
Manual transmissions and some four-wheel-drive systems have more forgiving lubrication paths when towed with the engine off, while many automatics rely on lubrication pumps powered by the engine. This is the core reason for the caution around flat towing automatics.
Can you flat tow an automatic car?
The short answer is that most automatics should not be flat-towed. The ability to tow four-down depends on the specific model, transmission, and whether the manufacturer publishes a flat-towable rating. If a vehicle is not explicitly listed as flat-towable by its maker, flat towing can void the warranty or cause transmission failure.
Why the guidance matters
Manufacturers publish towing guidelines based on the internal lubrication pathways, torque converter behavior, and electrical systems. Even if a car is older and seems similar to a flat-towable model, the differences in gear ratios and lubrication can make it unsafe.
Safer towing options and practical steps
When you need to tow an automatic, you have a few established options, but they depend on the vehicle's manual guidance. The following are common, but always verify for your exact model.
- Use a flatbed tow truck so the vehicle never sits on the ground with the transmission full of lubricant not being driven by the engine.
- Use a tow dolly for front-wheel-drive cars if the owner's manual allows towing with the rear wheels on the road; ensure the manufacturer specifies that the transmission can be neutral and not require engine running to lubricate while towed.
- Install a driveshaft disconnect kit or hire a professional for a safe, vehicle-specific towing setup if the manufacturer approves it and a certified installer performs the work.
- Consider professional towing services that specialize in RV-to-vehicle recovery and can confirm the correct method for your model.
Before listing the options, here's a note: the best approach is to transport the vehicle on a flatbed when possible, or use a tow dolly only if the manual confirms it's safe and you follow the specified method.
In practice, many automatics will require either a flatbed or a special, model-specific setup. If your model lacks a manufacturer-approved 4-down option, do not tow it four wheels down; use a flatbed or dolly as recommended by the manufacturer.
How to verify for your vehicle
To determine whether your specific automatic is flat-towable, follow these steps:
- Check the owner's manual's "Towing" section for "Flat-tow" or "four-down" guidance.
- Look up the maker's official towing guide or the vehicle's model-year-specific towing database online.
- Contact the dealership or the manufacturer's customer service for a definitive answer and any required equipment or procedures.
- If the vehicle is approved for towing, follow the exact steps, including transmission neutral position, engine running status, and any speed or distance limits.
- Document the guidance for future use and ensure your towing team is aware of the model's requirements.
Regardless of the method chosen, never assume automatic transmissions are flat-towable without explicit confirmation from the manufacturer.
Summary
Flat-towing an automatic car is not universally permitted. The safest approach is to rely on the owner's manual and the manufacturer's towing guide. If the vehicle is not explicitly listed as flat-towable, use a flatbed or a tow dolly as recommended. Always confirm with a dealer or service center before attempting to tow.
