Some experience is required to tow or tow-start a vehicle, especially
when using a tow-rope. Both drivers should be familiar with the technique
required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow-start
or tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid
jerking the tow-rope. When towing off-road, there is always a risk that
the anchorage points may be overloaded.
Tow-bar / tow-rope
It is easier and safer to tow the vehicle with a tow-bar. You should
only use a tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar. It is advisable
to use a tow-rope made of elastic synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Notes on towing vehicles
The vehicle can be towed with a tow-bar or tow-rope. When the engine
is not running, the gearbox will not be adequately lubricated if
the following speed/distance restrictions are not observed:
- The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
- The vehicle must not be towed further than 50 km.
Additional notes on towing by breakdown truck
If one of the axles has to be raised in order to tow the vehicle,
please refer to the following table to determine the appropriate
axle for your gearbox/drive combination:
| Front-wheel
drive |
Four-wheel
drive |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Manual gearbox |
Front or
rear axle |
Front or
rear axle |
|
Automatic gearbox |
Front axle |
--- |
Four-wheel drive: If the vehicle
is to be towed with one of the axles raised, the ignition must be
switched off; otherwise the drive train can be damaged.
Notes on tow-starting
Automatic gearbox: For technical
reasons, your vehicle must not be tow-started.
WARNING!
There is a high risk of accidents when towing/tow-starting, as the towed
vehicle can easily be driven into the towing vehicle.
- If it is not possible to tow the vehicle as described above (e.g. due to a gearbox failure or if the vehicle has to be towed further than 50 km), it must be transported on a special car transporter or trailer.
- Towing a vehicle with the wrong axle raised can cause serious damage to the gearbox.
Note
- Automatic gearbox: It is not possible to move the selector lever out of position P if the electrical power supply fails. Before the vehicle can be recovered/manoeuvred you must manually release the selector lever Link.
- Please observe the relevant regulations when towing or tow-starting.