Kia Optima: Towing

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. State and local laws applicable to towing vehicles must be followed. As a general rule, towed vehicles should be pulled with the driving wheels off the ground. If excessive damage or other conditions prevent towing the vehicle with the driving wheels of the ground, use wheel dollies.

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

✽ NOTICE

Do not tow the vehicle backwards with the front wheel on the ground as this may cause damage to the transaxle.

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 neutral may cause internal damage to the transaxle.

• Tie-down hooks (for flatbed towing)
• Towing with a vehicle other than a tow truck
• When Your Vehicle Is Being Towed By Another Vehicle Other Than a Tow Truck (in case of an emergency)
• Tips for towing a stuck vehicle