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Towing without wheel dollies when using a towing service

When towing your vehicle in an emergency without wheel dollies:

  1. Set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to ACC position.

  2. Place the shifter dial in N (Neutral).

  3. Release the parking brake.

2WD vehicle (front wheel drive)
CAUTION

  • Towing gear position

    Failure to shift to N (Neutral) may cause internal damage to the vehicle.

  • If any of the loaded wheels or suspension components are damaged or the vehicle is being towed with the driven wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly under the driven wheels.

  • Do not tow the vehicle backwards with the driven wheels on the ground, as this may cause damage to the transmission.

    2WD vehicle (front wheel drive)

  • Attaching straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the body can cause damage.

  • Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment.

  • Do not tow the vehicle with four wheels in contact with the ground if it is the vehicle equipped with Dual clutch transmission. Otherwise, the transmission will be seriously damaged. Also, make sure not to tow the vehicle connecting it with other vehicles including camper vans.

  • 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.

WARNING

  • If you tow the vehicle while the driven wheels are touching the ground, the vehicle motor may generate electricity and the motor components may be damaged or a fire may occur.

  • When a vehicle fire occurs due to the battery, there is a risk of a second fire. Contact the fire department when towing the vehicle.

Emergency towing

Front
Rear

If towing is necessary, we recommend you have it done by an authorized Kia dealer or a commercial tow truck service.

If a towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing hook at the front (or rear) of the vehicle.

Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle with a cable or chain. A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.

Towing in this manner may be done only on hard-surfaced roads for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, power train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.

Always follow these emergency towing precautions:

  • Place the ignition switch in the ACC position so the steering wheel is not locked.

  • Place the shift button in N (Neutral).

  • Release the parking brake.

  • Depress the brake pedal with more force than normal as you will have reduced braking performance.

  • More steering effort will be required because the power steering system will be disabled.

  • Use a vehicle heavier than your own to tow your vehicle.

  • The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other frequently.

  • Before emergency towing, check that the hook is not broken or damaged.

  • Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.

  • Do not jerk the hook. Apply steady and even force.

  • Use a towing cable or chain less than 5 m (16 ft) long. Attach a white or red cloth (about 30 cm (12 in) wide) in the middle of the cable or chain for easy visibility.

  • Drive carefully so the towing cable or chain remains tight during towing.

  • Before towing, check the dual clutch transmission for fluid leaks under your vehicle. If the dual clutch transmission fluid is leaking, flatbed equipment or a towing dolly must be used.

  • The driver must be in the vehicle for steering and braking operations when the vehicle is towed and passengers other than the driver must not be allowed to be on board.

  • To avoid serious damage to the dual clutch transmission, limit the vehicle speed to 15 km/h (10 mph) and drive less than 1.5 km (1 mile) when towing. (for Dual Clutch Transmission vehicle)

NOTICE

To avoid damage to your vehicle and vehicle components when towing:

  • Always pull straight ahead when using the towing hooks. Do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle.

  • Do not use the towing hooks to pull a vehicle out of mud, sand or other conditions from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power.