Kia Sportage: Towing / Emergency towing

■ Front

■ Rear

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 speed. 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.

CAUTION

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

• Attach a towing strap to the tow hook.
• 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 if the hook is not broken or damaged.
• Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.
• Do not jerk the hook. Apply it steadily and with even force.
• To avoid damaging the hook, do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead.

WARNING - Emergency Towing Precautions

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 disabled vehicle is unable to be moved, do not forcibly continue the towing. We recommend that you 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 16 feet (5 m) long. Attach a white or red cloth (about 12 inches (30 cm) wide) in the middle of the strap for easy visibility.
• Drive carefully so that the towing strap is not loosened during towing.

• Emergency towing precautions