If your car breaks down and you drive an automatic, you might wonder whether it’s safe — or even possible — to tow it. The short answer is: yes, but with caution. Towing an automatic car incorrectly can lead to serious and costly transmission damage. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to tow an automatic vehicle safely in Ireland.
Why Is Towing an Automatic Car Tricky?
Automatic transmissions rely on fluid pressure to operate. When the engine is off (as in a breakdown situation), this pressure stops — and towing the car with the drive wheels on the ground can cause internal parts of the gearbox to overheat or grind.
✅ When Can You Tow an Automatic Car?
You can tow an automatic car if:
- The manufacturer says it’s okay (check your owner’s manual).
- The drive wheels are off the ground (i.e. using a tow dolly or flatbed).
- You tow it only a short distance and at low speeds (less than 30 km and under 50 km/h).
Some modern automatics may also have a “neutral tow” or “flat tow” mode that disengages the transmission — but this is rare.
❌ When You Shouldn’t Tow an Automatic
Avoid towing if:
- You don’t know whether the transmission is disengaged.
- The drive wheels are touching the road (e.g., towing a front-wheel-drive car with the front wheels down).
- The car is damaged in a way that affects the gearbox or drivetrain.
Safe Towing Options for Automatic Cars
If you need to tow an automatic car in Ireland, consider these safer options:
- Flatbed Tow Truck
Best option — keeps all wheels off the ground. - Tow Dolly (for front-wheel-drive cars)
Lifts front wheels; safer for short distances. - Car Transport Trailer
Ideal if you need to move the car longer distances.
What Happens If You Tow It Wrong?
Improper towing can cause:
- Transmission overheating
- Gearbox seizure
- Expensive repair bills (upwards of €1,500+)
Need Towing Help in Ireland?
At Morin Recovery, we offer 24/7 vehicle recovery with the proper equipment to safely tow automatic and manual cars across Kildare and surrounding counties. Whether you’ve broken down or need a car moved, give us a call — we’ve got you covered.
