Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Driving tips while towing

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Towing requires some experience, especially when using a towing rope. Both drivers must be familiar with the techniques required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not try to tow a vehicle or to drive a vehicle that is being towed.

Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle, and avoid jerking the tow rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the attachment points.

If your vehicle is being towed, it can still signal turns even if the emergency flashers are activated, as long as the ignition is switched on. Use the turn signal in the normal way. The emergency flashers go off as long as the turn signal is blinking. As soon as the turn signal lever returns to its neutral position, the emergency flashers are automatically activated again.

As driver of the towed vehicle:

• If your vehicle is the one being towed, the ignition switch must be switched on to keep the steering wheel from locking. Also make sure that the turn signals, horn, windshield wipers, and windshield washers work properly.

• Since power steering does not work when the engine is switched off, more effort is needed to steer the vehicle.

• 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. Do not hit the towing vehicle.

• Read and heed the information and WARNINGS in the towing vehicle's owner's manual.

As driver of the towing vehicle

• Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Avoid sudden driving maneuvers.

• Brake earlier than usual and with light pedal pressure.

• Read and heed the information and WARNINGS in the owner's manual of the vehicle being towed.