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Home > What to do in an emergency > Towing > Emergency towing

Emergency towing

Front
Rear

Operation

  1. Open the tool case which is located inside the luggage area and remove the towing hook from the tool case.

  2. Remove the hole cover pressing the lower part of the cover on the bumper.

  3. Install the towing hook by turning it clockwise into the hole until it is fully secured.

  4. Remove the towing hook and install the cover after use.

Notice

Open the tool case which is located inside the luggage area and remove the towing hook from the tool case

Using a tow strap

Operation

  1. Use a towing strap less than 5 m (16 feet) long. Attach a white or red cloth (about 30 cm (12 inches) wide) in the middle of the strap for easy visibility.

  2. Drive carefully so that the towing strap is not loosened during towing.

  3. The driver must be in the vehicle for steering and braking operations when the vehicle is towed and passengers other than the driver must not be allowed to be on board.

Notice

Towing in this manner may be done only on hard-surfaced roads for a short distance and at low speed. Also, the wheels, axles, power train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.

  • If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by an authorised Kia dealer or a commercial tow truck service. If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing hook under the front (or rear) of the vehicle. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.

  • Do not use the tow hooks to pull a vehicle out of mud, sand or other conditions from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power.

  • Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the vehicle doing the towing.

  • The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other frequently.

  • Before emergency towing, check if the hook is not broken or damaged.

  • Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.

  • Do not jerk the hook. Apply it steadily and with even force.

  • To avoid damaging the hook, do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead.

  • Turn the ignition switch or the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ACC position so the steering wheel is not locked.

  • Change the gear to N (Neutral).

  • Release the parking bake.

  • The vehicle should be towed at a speed of 25 km/h (15 mph) or less within the distance of 20 km (12 miles). (for Manual transmission vehicle)

  • To avoid serious damage to the automatic transmission/dual clutch transmission, limit the vehicle speed to 15 km/h (10 mph) and drive less than 1.5 km (1 mile) when towing. (for automatic transmission/dual clutch transmission)

  • Press the brake pedal with more force than normal since you will have reduced brake performance.

  • More steering effort will be required because the power steering system will be disabled.

  • If you are driving down a long hill, the brakes may overheat and brake performance will be reduced. Stop often and let the brakes cool off.

  • The driver must be in the vehicle for steering and braking operations when the vehicle is towed and passengers other than the driver must not be allowed to be on board.

Warning

Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.

  • Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving manoeuvres which would place excessive stress on the emergency towing hook and towing cable or chain. The hook and towing cable or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.

  • If the disabled vehicle is unable to be moved, do not forcibly continue the towing. We recommend that you contact an authorised Kia dealer or a commercial tow truck service for assistance.

  • Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.

  • Keep away from the vehicle during towing.

Caution
  • Attach a towing strap to the tow hook.

  • Using a portion of the vehicle other than the tow hooks for towing may damage the body of your vehicle.

  • Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing hook provided.

  • Accelerate or decelerate the vehicle in a slow and gradual manner whilst maintaining tension on the tow rope or chain to start or drive the vehicle, otherwise tow hooks and the vehicle may be damaged.

  • If the car is being towed with all four wheels on the ground, it can be towed only from the front. Be sure that the transmission is in neutral. Be sure the steering is unlocked by placing the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button in the ACC position. A driver must be in the towed vehicle to operate the steering and brakes.

  • Before towing, check the transmission for fluid leaks under your vehicle. If the transmission fluid is leaking, flatbed equipment or a towing dolly must be used.