Table of contents: Preparing for towing ↓ Towing for engine starting purposes ↓ Towing a damaged vehicle ↓
Please note the following limitations:
- Towing without lifting the drive wheels off the ground is prohibited if there is no oil in the gearbox or if the gearbox is damaged;
- Towing all-wheel drive models by partially loading them onto a tow truck is prohibited (when only the front or rear axle is raised);
- Models with automatic transmission may be towed without lifting the drive wheels off the ground only in extreme cases, only in the "N" position, only at a speed of no more than 50 km/h and for a distance of no more than 50 km (otherwise, the AT may be damaged, since the oil pump does not work in the neutral position).
The safest way to transport a damaged vehicle on a tow truck is to fully load the damaged vehicle onto the tow truck platform. When transporting a vehicle with air suspension on a car carrier, ferry or train, secure the vehicle only by the tread of the tires (around the circumference). Do not attach to suspension parts or towing eyes, as under certain conditions the air suspension pressure may change, resulting in insufficient vehicle mount reliability.
Preparing for towing
Note: Remember to comply with legal requirements to turn on external lighting devices on both the towing and towed vehicles.
Removable towing eye (with left-hand thread) it is part of the on-board tool kit and, if necessary, can be screwed into the front or rear bumper.
The towing eye opening is covered by a plug/grill on the right side of the corresponding bumper.
- To remove the air intake grille under the front right turn signal from the front bumper, squeeze its tabs (1 in illustration 10a) and pull in the direction of the arrow (2).
10a. Removing the air intake grille from the front bumper.
- To remove the plug from the rear bumper, press its outer edge sharply and firmly (see illustration 11a).
11a. Removing the plug from the rear bumper.
Screw the eyelet firmly into the hole located behind the plug/grate (see illustrations 10b and 11b) For this purpose, it is convenient to insert a wheel brace into the eye.
10b. Screwing the towing eye into the front bumper.
11b. Screwing the towing eye into the rear bumper.
Once towing is complete, the eye should be unscrewed, cleaned, placed in the on-board tool kit and the plug/grate should be installed in place.
Caution: Do not use towing eyes for other purposes (when transverse forces act on them), for example, to lift a car.
Before towing, make sure the steering column lock is released, the transmission is in neutral and the parking brake is released. The ignition must be on so that the steering wheel is not locked and the brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers and horn are working.
Note: If the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the brake booster and power steering will also not work. Therefore, you will have to press the brake pedal and turn the steering wheel with more force than would be required with the engine running. When the hazard warning lights are on, they are automatically switched off while the direction indicators are on.
The most sensible way to tow is with a rigid hitch, but in this case the towing eyes on both vehicles must be installed on the same side. If this condition is not met, the vehicle will be subject to lateral forces, and when cornering, the towing bar may damage the body. When towing with a flexible hitch, use only an elastic rope specifically designed for this purpose. The cable must not be twisted to avoid the risk of the towing eye spontaneously unscrewing.
Before starting to move, drivers of both vehicles (towing and towed) the route should be agreed upon among themselves.
Towing for engine starting purposes
Starting the engine of AT models by towing or pushing is not possible. For emergency engine starting, use an auxiliary battery (see section below).
Towing a damaged vehicle
Note: Please note the limitations listed at the beginning of this section "Transportation of a damaged vehicle" (see above).
The driver of the towing vehicle should try to move as smoothly as possible, releasing the clutch smoothly when changing gears and, especially, when starting off.
When driving a towed vehicle, ensure that the cable remains taut throughout the movement; try to avoid sudden jerks and running over a slack cable.
Movement must be carried out along the shortest route. Observe traffic rules, avoid sudden braking, acceleration and excessive maneuvering. Remember that when towing a vehicle along the edge of a dirt road, there is always a risk of it sliding off the road.
The original source of the article can be found on the website: audimanual