Kia Soul: Emergency towing - Towing - What to do in an emergencyKia Soul: Emergency towing

Kia Soul 2009-2013 AM Owner's Manual / What to do in an emergency / Towing / Emergency towing

Front

Front

Rear

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 speeds. 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.
  • 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.
  • Only use 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 that 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.

  • 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 loose during 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.
  • Press the brake pedal with more force than usual since you will have reduced brake performance.
  • More steering effort will be required because the power steering system will be disabled.
  • If you are driving down a long hill, the brakes may overheat and brake performance will be reduced. Stop often and let the brakes cool off.
  • 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 neutral. Be sure the steering is unlocked by placing the ignition switch in the ACC position. A driver must be in the towed vehicle to operate the steering and brakes.

CAUTION - Automatic transaxle

  • 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.
  • 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.
    Removable towing hook (front)
    1. Remove the towing hook from the tool case. 2. Remove the hole cover pressing the lower part of the cover on the front bumper. 3. Install the towing hook by turning it clockwise into the hole ...

    Tie-down hook (for flatbed towing)
    CAUTION - Tie-down hooks Do not use the hooks under the rear of the vehicle for towing purposes. These hooks are designed ONLY for transport tiedown. If the tie-down hooks are used for towing, ...

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