Skoda RAPID Owner's Manual page 109

Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed with a tow bar, using a
tow rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the au-
tomatic gearbox is damaged! If possible, the vehicle should be towed with the
engine running or at least with the ignition on.
Driver of the tow vehicle
›
Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
Only then approach correctly when the rope is taut.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
General information for the towing process
Both drivers should be familiar with possible problems when towing a vehicle.
Unskilled drivers should not attempt to tow in another vehicle or to be towed
in.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your vehicle
must only be towed with the front axle raised clear of the ground or on a spe-
cial breakdown vehicle or trailer.
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a
similarly elastic material.
Attach the tow rope or tow bar to the towing eye
» page 108.
» page 107 and/or
WARNING
Exercise extra caution when towing.
■
Do not use a spiral tow rope for towing
■
unscrew from the vehicle - there is the risk of an accident.
The tow rope should not be twisted - there is the risk of an accident.
■
CAUTION
Do not start the engine by towing – there is a risk of damaging the engine
■
parts. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid
» page 106, Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle.
There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
■
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Notice
We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories, which is
available from a ŠKODA Partner.
Front towing eye
Fig. 88 Removing the cap/installing the towing eye

Read and observe and
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cap in the direction of arrow
›
Remove the cap in the direction of arrow
›
After unscrewing the cap of the towing eye, insert the cap in arrow area
and then press the opposite side of the cap.
The cap must engage firmly.
» fig. 87- , the towing eye could
on page 107 first.
» fig. 88.
1
.
2
Emergency equipment and self-help
1

107