If emergency towing is necessary, we recommend having it done by an authorized Kia dealer or a commercial tow-truck service. Proper lifting and towing procedures are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle. The use of wheel dollies or flatbed equipment is recommended.

For trailer towing guidelines information, refer to section 5 “Driving Tips”.

It is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground (without dollies) and the front wheels off the ground.

When being towed by a commercial tow truck and wheel dollies are not used, the front of the vehicle should always be lifted, not the rear.

NOTICE
• Do not tow the vehicle backwards with the front wheels on the ground as this may cause damage to the vehicle.

• Do not tow with sling-type equipment.

Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment.

When towing your vehicle in an emergency without wheel dollies :
1. Set the ignition switch in the ACC position.

2. Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).

3. Release the parking brake.

NOTICE
Failure to place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral) may cause internal damage to the transaxle.

Tie-down hook
(for flatbed towing)

CAUTION
Do not use the hooks under the front of the vehicle for towing purposes.

These hooks are designed ONLY for transport tie-down. If the tie-down hooks are used for towing, the tie-down hooks will be damaged and this could lead to serious injury.

Front towing hook
1. Open the trunk lid or rear hatch, and remove the towing hook from the tool bag.

2. Remove the hole cover pressing the lower part of the cover on the front bumper (1).

3. Install the towing hook by turning it clockwise into the hole until it is fully secured (2).

4. Remove the towing hook and install the cover after use.

Towing with a vehicle other than a tow truck
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by an authorized Kia dealer or a commercial tow truck service.

If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing hook under the front or rear of the vehicle. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.

A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.

Towing in this manner may be done only on hard-surfaced roads for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, power train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.

• Do not use the tow hooks to pull a vehicle out of mud, sand or other conditions from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power.

• Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the vehicle doing the towing.

• The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other frequently.

NOTICE
• Attach a towing strap to the tow hook.

• Using a portion of the vehicle other than the tow hooks for towing may damage the body of your vehicle.

• Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles.

Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing hook provided.

• Before emergency 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 steady and even force.

• To avoid damaging the hook, do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle.

Always pull straight ahead.

CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.

• Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place excessive stress on the emergency towing hook and towing cable or chain. The hook and towing cable or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.

• If the towing vehicle does not move easily, do not forcibly continue the towing. Contact an authorized Kia dealer or a commercial tow truck service for assistance.

• Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.

• Keep away from the vehicle during towing.

• Use a towing strap less than 5m (16 feet) long. Attach a white or red cloth (about 30cm (12 inches) wide) in the middle of the strap for easy visibility.

• Drive carefully so that the towing strap is not loosened during towing.

When your vehicle is being towed by another vehicle other than a tow truck (in case of an emergency) • Turn the ignition switch to ACC so the steering wheel isn’t locked.

• Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).

• Release the parking bake.

• Vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles should not exceed 45 km/h (28 mph) and should not be towed more than 80 km (50 miles).

• Vehicles equipped with manual transaxle should not be towed in excess of 88 km/h (55 mph) and should not be towed more than 645 km (400 miles).

• Press the brake pedal with more force than normal since you will have reduced brake performance.

• More steering effort will be required because the power steering system will be disabled.

• If you are driving down a long hill, the brakes may overheat and brake performance will be reduced. Stop often and let the brakes cool off.

NOTICE
To prevent internal damage to the transaxle, never tow your vehicle from the rear (backwards) with all four tires in contact with the surface.

CAUTION - Automatic
transaxle
• If the car is being towed with all four wheels on the ground, it can be towed only from the front. Be sure that the transaxle is in neutral.

Be sure the steering is
unlocked by placing the ignition switch in the ACC position. A driver must be in the towed vehicle to operate the steering and brakes.

• To avoid serious damage to the automatic transaxle, limit the vehicle speed to 15 km/h (10 mph) and drive less than 1.5 km (1 mile) when towing.

Tips for towing a stuck vehicle The following methods are effective when your vehicle is stuck in mud, sand or similar substances that prevent the vehicle from being driven out under its own power.

• Remove the soil and sand, etc. from the front and the back of the tires.

• Place a stone or wood under the tires.