Hyundai Sonata: Towing / Emergency Towing

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by an authorized HYUNDAI 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 at the rear of the vehicle.

Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle with a cable or chain. 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.

Always follow these emergency towing precautions:

• Place the ignition switch in the ACC position so the steering wheel is not locked.
• Place the shift lever in N (Neutral).
• Release the parking brake.
• Depress the brake pedal with more force than normal since you will have reduced braking performance.
• More steering effort will be required because the power steering system will be disabled.
• Use a vehicle heavier than your own to tow your vehicle.
• The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other frequently.
• 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 steady and even force.

• Use a towing cable or chain less than 16 feet (5 m) long. Attach a white or red cloth (about 12 inches (30 cm) wide) in the middle of the cable or chain for easy visibility.
• Drive carefully so the towing cable or chain remains tight during towing.
• Before towing, check the automatic transmission for fluid leaks under your vehicle. If the automatic transmission fluid is leaking, flatbed equipment or a towing dolly must be used.

CAUTION

To avoid damage to your vehicle and vehicle components when towing:

• Always pull straight ahead when using the towing hooks. Do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle.
• Do not use the towing hooks to pull a vehicle out of mud, sand or other conditions from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power.
• Limit the vehicle speed to 10 mph (15 km/h) and drive less than 1 mile (1.5 km) when towing to avoid serious damage to the automatic transmission.