Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Tow-starting and towing

Notes on towing

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
~2min read
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Tow rope or tow bar

It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.

The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.

Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.

Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must only use tow bars that are specially designed to fit a ball coupling .

When a vehicle with a manual gearbox has to be towed:

Check whether the vehicle can be towed

  • Move the gear stick to neutral .
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h.
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.

When a vehicle with an automatic gearbox has to be towed:

Check whether the vehicle can be towed

  • Move the selector lever to N.
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h.
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
  • If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels raised.

When should your vehicle not be towed?

  • If, due to damage, the vehicle gearbox no longer contains any lubricant.
  • If the distance to be towed is further than 50 km - applies to vehicles with an automatic gearbox only.
  • If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured, e.g. after an accident.

Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:

  • Comply with legal regulations.
  • Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.

The vehicle can only be towed when the handbrake and steering lock are not engaged.

Test yourself

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