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
|
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
Applies to: vehicles with automatic gearbox
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be tow-started.
Applies to: vehicles with manual gearbox
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
- (Applies to vehicles with 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 local regulations when towing or tow-starting.