Get What to do in an emergency -> Towing Guide for Kia Picanto 4 Door First Generation (2004-2010)

What to do in an emergency

TOWING

It is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the

rear wheels on the ground (without dol-

lies) and the front wheels off the ground.

If any of the loaded wheels or suspen-

sion components are damaged or the

vehicle is being towed with the front

wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly

under the front wheels.

OPA067016

When being towed by a commercial tow

truck and wheel dollies are not used, the

front of the vehicle should always be lift-

ed, not the rear.

dolly

OPA067017

OPA067015

F080100AUN

Towing service

CAUTION

If emergency towing is necessary, we

recommend having it done by an author-

ized 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 is recommended.

• Do not tow the vehicle backwards

with the front wheels on the

ground as this may cause dam-

age to the vehicle.

• Do not tow with sling-type equip-

ment. Use a wheel lift or flatbed

equipment.

For trailer towing guidelines information,

refer to “Trailer towing” in section 5.

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What to do in an emergency

When towing your vehicle in an emer-

gency without wheel dollies :

1. Set the ignition switch in the ACC posi-

tion.

2. Place the transaxle shift lever in N

(Neutral).

3. Release the parking brake.

OSA067028

OSA067030

CAUTION

Failure to place the transaxle shift

lever in N (Neutral) may cause inter-

nal damage to the transaxle.

OSA067029

OSA067031

F080400AUN

F080200APA

Tie-down hook

(for flatbed towing) (if equipped)

Removable towing hook (front)

(if equipped)

1. Open the tailgate, and remove the tow-

ing hook from the tool case.

CAUTION

Do not use the hooks under the

front and rear of the vehicle for tow-

ing 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.

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.

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What to do in an emergency

Front

If towing service is not available in an

emergency, your vehicle may be tem-

porarily 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.

CAUTION

• Attach a towing strap to the tow

hook.

• Using a portion of the vehicle

other than the tow hooks for tow-

ing may damage the body of your

vehicle.

Towing in this manner may be done only

on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis-

tance and at low speed. Also, the wheels,

axles, power train, steering and brakes

must all be in good condition.

• Use only a cable or chain specifi-

cally intended for use in towing

vehicles. Securely fasten the

cable or chain to the towing hook

provided.

OSA067032

Rear

• Do not use the tow hooks to pull a vehi-

cle out of mud, sand or other condi-

tions from which the vehicle cannot be

driven out under its own power.

• Before emergency towing, check if the

hook is not broken or damaged.

• Fasten the towing cable or chain

securely to the hook.

• Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the

vehicle doing the towing.

• The drivers of both vehicles should

communicate with each other frequent-

ly.

• 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.

OSA067033

F080300ASA

Emergency towing

If towing is necessary, we recommend

you to have it done by an authorized

KIA dealer or a commercial tow truck

service.

6 26

What to do in an emergency

• More steering effort will be required

because the power steering system

will be disabled.

WARNING

Use extreme caution when towing

the vehicle.

• If you are driving down a long hill, the

brakes may overheat and brake per-

formance will be reduced. Stop often

and let the brakes cool off.

• Avoid sudden starts or erratic

driving maneuvers which would

place excessive stress on the

emergency towing hook and tow-

ing cable or chain. The hook and

towing cable or chain may break

and cause serious injury or dam-

age.

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 neu-

tral. Be sure the steering is

unlocked by placing the ignition

switch in the ACC position. A

driver must be in the towed vehi-

cle to operate the steering and

brakes.

OPA067014

• If the disabled vehicle is unable

to move, do not forcibly continue

the towing. Contact an authorized

KIA dealer or a commercial tow

truck service for assistance.

• Use a towing strap less than 5 m (16

feet) long. Attach a white or red cloth

(about 30 cm (12 inches) wide) in the

middle of the strap for easy visibility.

• Drive carefully so that the towing strap

does not get loose during towing.

• Tow the vehicle as straight ahead

as possible.

• Keep away from the vehicle dur-

ing towing.

F080301AUN

• 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.

Emergency towing precautions

• 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.

• Before towing, check the level of

the automatic transaxle fluid. If it

is below the "HOT" range on the

dipstick, add fluid. If you cannot

add fluid, a towing dolly must be

used.

• Press the brake pedal with more force

than normal since you will have

reduced brake performance.

6 27

What to do in an emergency -> Towing for Your Kia Picanto 4 Door First Generation (2004-2010)

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