Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Tow-starting and towing

Notes on tow-starting

In this manual: Tow-starting and towing
Vehicle exterior — 4Vehicle interior — 8Instrument cluster — 14Before setting off — 14Opening and closing — 35Sitting correctly and safely — 46Lights and vision — 26Transporting items — 29Practical equipment — 20Starting the engine, changing gear and parking — 34Driver assist systems — 18Air conditioning system — 8At the filling station — 14In the engine compartment — 24Vehicle care and maintenance — 66Practical tips — 2In an emergency — 5Manual opening and closing — 6Vehicle toolkit — 4Hubcaps — 4Changing a wheel — 9Breakdown set — 7Fuses — 4Changing a bulb — 13Starting the engine with jump leads — 4Tow-starting and towing — 7
~1min read
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Use jump leads to start the engine instead .

For technical reasons, the following vehicles cannot be tow-started:

  • Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
  • If the vehicle battery has discharged, the engine control units will not function properly.

However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started (manual gearbox):

  • Engage second or third gear.
  • Keep the clutch pressed down.
  • Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
  • Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
  • As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing vehicle.

NOTICE

When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Polo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.