Kia Picanto: Towing / Towing service. Removable towing hook

Towing service

Wheel dollies

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

Use the correct lifting and towing method to avoid damaging the vehicle. A flatbed truck or wheel dollies (1) are recommended.

WARNING

Side and curtain airbags (if equipped)

If your vehicle has side and curtain airbags, set the vehicle to ACC while it is being towed.

The side and curtain airbags may deploy if the vehicle is in the ON position and the rollover sensor, if equipped, detects a rollover situation.

NOTE

• Select N (Neutral) when towing the vehicle with its tyres on the ground. For further instructions, refer to the section for your vehicle’s manual, automated manual or automatic transmission.

• If the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) does not release normally, Kia recommends transporting the vehicle on a flatbed tow truck to an authorised Kia dealer or service partner for inspection.

When flatbed is unavailable

A two-wheel-drive vehicle may be towed with the non-driven wheels on the ground, without dollies, provided the parking brake is released before the vehicle is switched off.

If the vehicle must be towed with only two wheels on the ground, raise the driven wheels off the ground.

CAUTION

• If a wheel or suspension component is damaged, or if the vehicle must be towed with its driven wheels on the ground, place a towing dolly under the driven wheels.

• Do not use sling-type towing equipment. Use a wheel-lift or flatbed towing system.

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

Precautions for using towing hooks for short-distance movement before towing the vehicle

If you need to move the Kia Picanto to load it onto a tow truck or position it for towing, travel no faster than 5 km/h (3 mph) and no farther than 10 m (32 ft).

For this short movement, select N (Neutral) and release the parking brake. If the transmission or parking brake is not working, raise all the vehicle’s wheels using a towing dolly or tyre skates.

Removable towing hook

1. Open the tailgate and take the towing hook out of the tool case.

2. Remove the cover from the bumper opening by pressing its upper, front edge.

3. Insert the towing hook into the opening and turn it clockwise until it is securely fastened.

4. After use, remove the towing hook and refit the cover.

Figure 1. Front