If and when

Notes on towing

~1min 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.

A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading 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 be towed only with a tow-bar that is specially designed for fitting to a ball coupling .

Towing vehicles which have an automatic gearbox

Observe the following points for the towed vehicle:

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

When should you not tow-start the vehicle?

The vehicle may not be towed and must be transported on a special transporter or trailer when the following conditions apply:

  • 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.

Test yourself

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