Can I Tow an Automatic Car? Or Should I Call a Recovery Truck?
A Real-World Answer From a Car Recovery Expert
The question “Can I tow an automatic car?” usually comes at the worst possible time. Your car has broken down unexpectedly, stress levels are high, and you’re forced to make a quick decision without breakdown cover or clear guidance.
I’ve been in that exact situation myself, standing next to a silent automatic car, weighing up whether towing it myself would save money or end up causing serious and expensive damage.
Can I Tow an Automatic Car?
Yes, you can tow an automatic car, but in most real-world situations, you shouldn’t. Automatic transmissions rely on engine-driven fluid circulation to stay lubricated, and when the engine is off, that lubrication stops. If the driven wheels are still turning on the road, internal components can overheat, leading to damage that often doesn’t show immediately.
Because of this design, most manufacturers recommend professional recovery rather than traditional towing. Using a flatbed or wheel-lift system keeps the driven wheels off the ground and eliminates the risk of gearbox damage, making it the safest and most reliable option.
First Things First: Is It Safe to Move the Car?
Before even thinking about towing methods, the most important question I asked myself was whether I was actually safe where the car had broken down. Location matters more than people realise, especially when traffic speed and visibility are involved.
If a breakdown happens on a motorway, a busy dual carriageway, or anywhere with fast-moving traffic, attempting to tow the vehicle yourself can be dangerous and, in some cases, illegal. UK guidance makes it clear that breakdowns in high-risk areas should be handled by professional recovery services. 👉 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-drivers-and-motorcyclists-89-to-102
When safety is in doubt, recovery isn’t a convenience — it’s the correct response.
Why Automatic Cars Are Different When Towing
Automatic cars are engineered very differently from manual vehicles, and that difference matters when towing. Unlike manual gearboxes, automatic transmissions depend on hydraulic pressure and continuous fluid movement generated by a running engine.
When the engine is switched off, lubrication stops, but drivetrain components may still rotate if the car is being pulled. This creates heat, friction, and wear inside the gearbox, often leading to seal failure or internal damage that can appear days or weeks after the tow. From a recovery expert’s point of view, this risk alone is enough to avoid casual towing in most situations.
Option 1: Towing an Automatic Car Yourself
In theory, towing an automatic car yourself is possible, but only under very specific and controlled conditions. The road needs to be quiet, the car must be able to steer and brake properly, the distance should be short, and the manufacturer must explicitly allow limited towing.
In real-world breakdowns, these conditions rarely align at the same time. When drivers attempt self-towing to save money, it often results in transmission damage, safety risks, or insurance complications that cost far more than professional recovery. This is why self-towing is generally the exception, not the rule.
Option 2: Calling a Professional Recovery Truck
Many drivers assume recovery isn’t an option without breakdown cover, but that’s not the case. Most UK recovery operators offer pay-as-you-go services, meaning there’s no membership, no annual fee, and no commitment beyond the call-out.
Professional recovery trucks use flatbeds or wheel-lift systems that keep driven wheels off the road, protecting the transmission entirely. This method removes mechanical risk and allows the vehicle to be transported safely, regardless of road conditions or traffic levels.
Why Recovery Is Usually the Better Choice
When I compared towing the car myself with calling a recovery truck, the answer became clear. Professional recovery is safer for both the driver and other road users, and it’s legal in all road environments.
It’s also mechanically correct for automatic vehicles and widely accepted by insurers. Most importantly, it removes stress at a moment when drivers are already dealing with a breakdown, preventing secondary damage that can turn a minor issue into a financial headache.
How Much Does Recovery Cost Without Breakdown Cover?
Cost is often the biggest concern, but recovery is usually more affordable than people expect. When compared to the potential cost of automatic gearbox repairs, accident risks, insurance disputes, or fines, recovery often becomes the cheapest long-term option.
Short-distance recoveries, especially when arranged locally, can be far less expensive than the damage caused by incorrect towing. In many cases, paying for recovery once is far better than paying for repairs later.
Final Expert Advice
If you’re asking, “Can I tow an automatic car?”, the honest professional answer is yes — but most of the time, you shouldn’t. Automatic vehicles are not designed for traditional towing, and attempting it incorrectly can cause serious damage.
Recovery trucks exist to protect your car, your safety, your finances, and other road users. When an automatic car breaks down, calling a recovery truck isn’t the expensive choice — it’s the correct one.
