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.