Kia Picanto: Towing / Emergency towing. Emergency towing precautions

Figure 1. Front

Figure 2. Rear

If the Kia Picanto needs to be towed, Kia recommends using an authorised Kia dealer or a commercial towing service.

If professional towing is unavailable during an emergency, the vehicle may be towed temporarily using a cable or chain attached to the emergency towing hook at the front or rear. Use extreme care. A driver must remain in the towed vehicle to steer and operate the brakes.

This method is suitable only for short distances at low speeds on hard-surfaced roads. The wheels, axles, powertrain, steering and brakes must all be in good condition before towing.

• Do not use the towing hooks to pull the vehicle out of mud, sand or any other surface from which it cannot drive away under its own power.

• Do not tow a vehicle that is heavier than the towing vehicle.

• The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other frequently throughout the towing process.

  CAUTION

  • Attach the towing strap to the designated towing hook.

  • Using any part of the vehicle other than the towing hooks may damage the body.

  • Use only a cable or chain designed specifically for vehicle towing, and fasten it securely to the supplied towing hook.

  • When starting or moving the vehicle, accelerate and decelerate slowly and smoothly, keeping the towing cable or chain taut. Sudden force may damage the towing hooks or the vehicle.

• Before 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 force steadily and evenly.

• To avoid damaging the hook, do not pull sideways or at an upward or downward angle. Keep the pull straight ahead.

WARNING

Use extreme caution when towing the Kia Picanto.

• Avoid sudden starts and erratic driving that could place excessive strain on the emergency towing hook, cable or chain. These components may break and cause serious injury or vehicle damage.

• If the disabled vehicle cannot be moved, do not continue towing by force. Contact an authorised Kia dealer or commercial towing service for assistance.

• Keep the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle aligned as straight as possible.

• Keep a safe distance from the vehicles while towing.

• Use a towing strap shorter than 5 m (16 ft). For visibility, attach a white or red cloth about 30 cm (12 in) wide to the middle of the strap.

• Drive carefully and keep the towing strap from becoming slack while the vehicles are moving.

• The driver must remain in the towed vehicle to steer and brake. Do not allow any passengers to ride in it.

Emergency towing precautions

• Turn the ignition switch to ACC so the steering wheel remains unlocked.

• Move the transmission shift lever to N (Neutral).

• Release the parking brake.

• Press the brake pedal with more force than usual because braking performance will be reduced.

• Steering will require more effort because the power steering system will not operate.

• If towing downhill over a long distance, the brakes may overheat and braking performance may decrease. Stop regularly and allow the brakes to cool.

• Tow the vehicle at no more than 25 km/h (15 mph) and for no more than 20 km (12 miles).

CAUTION

Automatic transmission

• If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, it must be towed from the front only. Make sure the transmission is in N (Neutral) and the steering is unlocked by turning the ignition switch to ACC. A driver must remain in the towed vehicle to operate the steering and brakes.

• To prevent serious damage to the automatic transmission, do not exceed 15 km/h (10 mph) and keep the towing distance below 1.5 km (1 mile).

• Before towing, check beneath the vehicle for automatic transmission fluid leaks. If fluid is leaking, use a flatbed tow truck or towing dolly.