Emergency Towing - Honda Civic Coupe 1998 Online Reference Owner's Manual

If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or,
if you belong to one, an organization
that provides roadside assistance.
Never tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle with just a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous.
There are three popular types of
professional towing equipment.
Flat-bed Equipment - The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. This is the best way to
transport your Honda.
Wheel-Lift Equipment - The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground.
This is an acceptable way to tow
your Honda.
Sling-type Equipment - The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the vehicle
off the ground. Your vehicle's
suspension and body can be seriously
damaged. This method of towing is
unacceptable.
If your Honda cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lift equipment with the front
wheels off the ground. If, due to
damage, your vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels on the ground,
do the following.
5-speed Manual Transmission
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Automatic Transmission
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shift to D , then to N.
4
Turn off the engine.

Emergency Towing

NOTICE
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow
the above procedure exactly. If you
cannot shift the transmission or
start the engine (automatic
transmission), your vehicle must be
transported with the front wheels
off the ground.
With the front wheels on the
ground, it is best to tow the vehicle
no farther than 50 miles (80 km),
and keep the speed below 35 mph
(55 km/h).
If you decide to tow your vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground,
make sure you use a properly-
designed and attached tow bar.
Prepare the vehicle for towing as
described above, and leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I) so
the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
Taking Care of the Unexpected