Emergency towing

OMV083037L_2

Operation

  1. Remove the hole cover by pressing the lower part of the cover on the bumper.

  2. Install the towing hook by screwing it clockwise into the hole until it is fully secured.

  3. After use, remove the towing hook and reinstall the cover.

TIP

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.

  • 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.

  • Press the EV button to the ACC position so the steering wheel is not locked.

  • Shift the gear to N (Neutral).

  • Release the parking bake.

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

  • 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.

WARNING

Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.

  • Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers 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 authorized 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 while maintaining tension on the tow rope or chain to start or drive the vehicle, otherwise tow hooks and the vehicle may be damaged.