Kia Optima 2017 Owner's Manual page 583

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.
Towing in this manner may be done on‐
ly on hard-surfaced roads for a short
distance and at low speed. 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 fre‐
quently.
CAUTION
• Attach a towing strap to the tow
hook.
(Continued)
(Continued)
• Using a portion of the vehicle oth‐
er than the tow hooks for towing
may damage the body of your ve‐
hicle.
• Use only a cable or chain specifi‐
cally intended for use in towing
vehicles. Securely fasten the cable
or chain to the towing hook provi‐
ded.
• Before emergency towing, check if
the hook is not broken or damaged.
• Fasten the towing cable or chain se‐
curely 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 an‐
gle. Always pull straight ahead.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when towing
the vehicle.
(Continued)
(Continued)
• Avoid sudden starts or erratic driv‐
ing 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 seri‐
ous injury or damage.
• If the disabled vehicle is unable to
be moved, do not forcibly continue
the towing. We recommend that
you 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.
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