How to Tow a Car with Automatic Transmission

Towing a car with an automatic transmission is a bit more complicated than towing a car with a manual transmission, but it’s still possible to do it safely and without damaging your car.

Before You Start

Before you start towing your car, you’ll need to gather a few things:

• A tow bar or tow rope
• A safety chain or cable
• A pair of gloves
• A helper to drive the tow vehicle

Once you have your equipment, you’ll need to prepare your car for towing.

Preparing Your Car

1. Put the car in neutral. This will disengage the transmission and allow the wheels to roll freely.
2. Set the parking brake. This will help to prevent the car from rolling while it’s being towed.
3. Unlock the steering wheel. This will allow the helper to steer the car while it’s being towed.
4. Connect the tow bar or tow rope to the car. Make sure that the tow bar or tow rope is securely attached to both the car and the tow vehicle.
5. Connect the safety chain or cable to the car. This will help to prevent the tow bar or tow rope from breaking in the event of an accident.
6. Put on your gloves. This will help to protect your hands from the tow bar or tow rope.

Towing the Car

1. Start the tow vehicle. The helper will need to start the tow vehicle and put it in gear.
2. Slowly release the parking brake. The helper will need to slowly release the parking brake so that the car can start rolling.
3. Follow the tow vehicle. You will need to follow the tow vehicle closely and be prepared to stop if the helper needs to brake.
4. Be aware of your surroundings. You will need to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react to any potential hazards.
5. Stop when the helper stops. The helper will need to stop the tow vehicle when you reach your destination.

Unhooking the Car

1. Put the car in park. This will engage the transmission and prevent the car from rolling.
2. Set the parking brake. This will help to prevent the car from rolling while it’s being unhooked.
3. Disconnect the safety chain or cable.
4. Disconnect the tow bar or tow rope.
5. Remove your gloves.

Once the car is unhooked, you can drive it away.

Tips

• Never tow a car with an automatic transmission for more than 50 miles.
• Never tow a car with an automatic transmission at speeds greater than 50 mph.
• If you need to tow a car with an automatic transmission for a long distance, you should have it towed by a professional.

Warnings

• Do not tow a car with an automatic transmission if the transmission is damaged.
• Do not tow a car with an automatic transmission if the wheels are locked.