Kia Optima: 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. 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 hardsurfaced 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 try to tow your vehicle when the wheels are stuck in mud, sand or
similar substances that prevent the vehicle from being 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.
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 can hardly move, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
CAUTION
Do not use the tie-down hooks for towing purposes. The hooks are designed ONLY
for transport tie-down. If the tie-down hooks are used for towing, the tie-down
hooks will be damaged ...
Turn the ignition switch to ACC so the steering wheel isn’t locked.
Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
Vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles should not exceed 28 mph and
s ...
See also:
Manual transaxle
...
Inspection
1.
Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2.
Disconnect the OTS connector.
3.
Remove the OTS.
4.
After immersing the thermistor of the ...
Side Airbag
Your vehicle is equipped with a side airbag in each front seat. The purpose of
the airbag is to provide the vehicle’s driver and/or the front passenger with additional
protection other than that ...