Emergency Towing
There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle :
Flat - bed Equipment - The operator loads the vehicle on the back of truck. This is best way of transporting the vehicle.
Wheel Lift Equipment - The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lift them off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the ground.
Sling type Equipment - The tow truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of the frame or suspension, and the cables lift that end of the vehicle off the ground. The vehicle's suspension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted.
If the vehicle cannot be transported by flat-bed, if should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If due to damage, the vehicle must be toward with the front wheels on the ground, do the following:
Manual Transmission
- Release the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission to neutral
Automatic Transmission
- Release the parking brake.
- Start the engine.
- Shift to [D] position, then [N] position.
- Turn off the engine.CAUTION:
- Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine (automatic transmission), your vehicle must be transported on a flat bed.
- It is the best to tow vehicle no farther than 19 miles (30 km), and keep the speed below 30 mph (50 km/h).
- Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle's weight.