Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual:  Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

⇒ Towing on a commercial tow truck 

⇒ Tips on towing 

⇒ Installing the front towing eye 

⇒ Installing the rear towing eye 

⇒ Driving tips while towing 

Observe legal requirements when towing.

Your vehicle is equipped with a trailer package.

For technical reasons:

• A vehicle with a dead battery must never be towed;

• It is not possible to tow-start or push-start your vehicle.

More information:

• Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views 

• Shifting ⇒ Shifting 

• Engine control and emission control system ⇒ Engine control and emission control system 

• Jump-starting ⇒ Jump-starting 

Warning

Never tow a vehicle without any electrical power.

• Never remove the remote control vehicle key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving. The electronic steering column lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer or control the vehicle. You can lose control of the vehicle, crash, and seriously injure yourself and others.

Warning

Towing a vehicle changes the way it handles and brakes. To help reduce the risk of an accident and serious personal injury, note the following:

• The driver of the vehicle that is being towed:
  • Since the brake booster also does not work when the engine is stopped, you will need to press harder on the brake pedal to slow down or stop. Always be alert so as not to rear-end towing vehicle.
  • Will have to use considerable more force to turn the steering wheel because the power steering is not working.

• The driver of the vehicle that is doing the towing:
  • Must accelerate gradually and gently and avoid jerking movements.
  • Must not brake hard or steer sharply.
  • Must brake earlier and more gently than in normal driving.

Warning

Never let the vehicle be towed unless its electrical system is working and the ignition is switched on. Otherwise, the steering column lock may engage, causing loss of control, a crash, and serious personal injuries.

Note

• Be careful not to damage the paint when installing and removing the towing eye and the cover for the threaded hole behind the bumper.

• Unburned fuel can get into the catalytic converter during towing and damage it.

Note

The vehicle may be damaged if it is towed with a tow rope or a tow bar.

• Never let the vehicle be towed with a tow rope or a tow bar unless it is absolutely necessary.

• If the vehicle breaks down, it can only be towed by a special tow truck.