Towing a Disabled Vehicle

To transport a malfunctioning vehicle to a service center, contact a specialized vehicle towing service. Do not tow a malfunctioning vehicle with another vehicle using a flexible tow rope. This is very dangerous.

For vehicles with two driven wheels, three methods of transporting a malfunctioning vehicle are used in practice.

Transporting a malfunctioning vehicle on a flatbed tow truck - The vehicle is loaded with all four wheels off the ground and secured to the platform of a specialized tow truck. This method is the best for your vehicle.

Towing a malfunctioning vehicle with partial loading - The vehicle is raised by its two front wheels onto the lifting supports of the tow truck. The two rear wheels rest on the road surface. This towing method is permitted for your vehicle.

Towing a malfunctioning vehicle with cables - The malfunctioning vehicle is attached to the tow vehicle with metal cables with hooks. The cables are hooked around suspension or frame components of the vehicle. The front or rear of the vehicle is lifted by these cables. This will seriously damage the suspension or vehicle body. Therefore, this transport method is not acceptable for your vehicle.

If transporting the vehicle fully loaded on a flatbed tow truck is not possible, tow it with the rear wheels on the road surface. Only if this is not possible (for example, due to damage received) is the vehicle towed with the front wheels on the road surface.

Perform the following:

Manual transmission

• Move the gear shift lever to the Neutral position.

• Turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering does not lock.

• Release the parking brake.

Automatic transmission

• Start the engine.

• Select range D for 5 seconds, then range N.

• Stop the engine.

• Turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock.

• Release the parking brake.

Failure to follow the above instructions for preparing the vehicle for towing will result in transmission failure. Follow the instructions exactly. If you cannot move the gear selector lever to the Neutral position or start the engine on a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the malfunctioning vehicle must be transported only on the flatbed of a tow truck.

It is not recommended to tow a malfunctioning vehicle with the front wheels on the road surface for more than 80 km. The maximum allowable towing speed of the vehicle is 55 km/h.

Lifting the vehicle or towing it by the front bumper may damage the vehicle. The bumper is not capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle.

Tow cables must not be positioned at an angle where they may contact the front bumper. To prevent damage, protect the front bumper with tape.

If you decide to tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the road surface, use a properly designed and securely attached rigid tow bar. Prepare the vehicle for towing as described above, and leave the ignition key in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel is not locked. To prevent battery discharge, turn off the audio system and other auxiliary electrical loads.

Locking of the steering shaft during vehicle towing may damage the steering system. Before towing, turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (I) position (auxiliary electrical loads) and make sure the steered wheels can turn freely.

For all-wheel-drive vehicles: The only safe way to transport your vehicle is on the flatbed of a tow truck. In this case, your vehicle must be loaded with all four wheels on the platform of a specialized car carrier.

Any other method of transporting your vehicle will damage its drivetrain. Therefore, when calling roadside assistance, advise them that you need a flatbed tow truck.

Towing the vehicle with two of its wheels on the road surface may damage the all-wheel-drive system.

Transport your vehicle only by loading it onto a flatbed or into a truck bed.