Skoda Rapid 2013 Owner's Manual page 137

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More force is required to steer the vehicle because the power steering does not
work when the engine is not running.
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For information and instructions also consult the manual for the towing vehicle.
Driver of the towing vehicle
›
Use extra care and caution when accelerating. Avoid sudden driving manoeu-
vres.
›
Brake earlier than usual, but with gentle pedal pressure.
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For information and instructions also consult the manual for the towed vehicle.
If your vehicle has to be towed (manual gearbox):
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select 2nd or 3rd gear;
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keep the clutch depressed;
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switch on the ignition system and the hazard warning lights;
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when both vehicles are moving, release the clutch;
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once the engine has started, depress the clutch and take the vehicle out of gear
to avoid running into the towing vehicle.
Towing vehicles with automatic gearbox
Observe the following for the towed vehicle:
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shift the selector lever to N position;
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do not tow at speeds above 50 km/h (30 mph);
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do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles);
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a tow truck must only tow the vehicle with the vehicle's front wheels raised.
When am I not permitted to tow the vehicle?
You are not permitted to tow the vehicle under the following circumstances; in
this case, the vehicle must be transported by a special transporter or trailer.
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If the vehicle's gearbox no longer contains any lubricant due to gearbox dam-
age.
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If the towing distance for vehicles with automatic transmission is longer than
50 km (30 miles).
WARNING
Never tow a vehicle without power.
Never remove the ignition key from the ignition lock. Otherwise, the steer-
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ing lock could suddenly engage. The vehicle cannot be steered in this case.
This can cause accidents, serious injuries and loss of control over the vehicle.
WARNING
When a vehicle is towed, its driving behaviour and braking performance are
substantially impaired. To reduce the risk of an accident, or serious injury, ob-
serve the following:
As the driver of the towed vehicle:
■
The pedal force required for braking is substantially higher because the
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brake booster is not working. Pay attention at all times to avoid running into
the towing vehicle.
More force is required to steer the vehicle because the power steering
■
does not work when the engine is not running.
As the driver of the towing vehicle:
■
Use extra care and caution when accelerating.
■
Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
■
Brake earlier than usual, but with less pedal pressure.
■
CAUTION
Carefully remove and fit the cover and towing eye to avoid damage to the vehi-
■
cle, e.g. to the paint.
Unburned fuel may enter into and damage the catalytic converter during tow-
■
ing.
Notice
Tow rope or tow bar
A tow bar provides the safest approach to towing and is more gentle on the ve-
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hicles involved. You should only use a tow rope, if a tow bar is not available.
The tow rope must be elastic to protect the vehicle. Use a plastic fibre rope or
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one made of a similarly elastic material.
Attach the tow rope or tow bar to the eyes intended for towing only.
■
Notice
You can only tow the vehicle if the handbrake and steering lock have been re-
leased.
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135
Do-it-yourself