Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Introduction

Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual / If and when / Practical tips / Tow-starting and towing / Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

→ Notes on tow-starting

→ Notes on towing

→ Fitting the front towing eye

→ Fitting the rear towing eye

→ Driving notes on towing

Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.

For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged battery must not be tow-started.

Vehicles with Keyless Access must only be towed with the ignition switched on.

Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the vehicle battery. Depending on the vehicle battery charge level, the drop in voltage can be large enough after just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer function, e.g. the hazard warning lights. In vehicles with Keyless Access, the steering wheel can lock .

Additional information and warnings:

Exterior views

Engine management system and exhaust purification system

WARNING

Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.

Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition or switch off the ignition using the starter button. This could cause the steering lock or the electronic steering column lock to engage suddenly. You will no longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.

If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and seek expert assistance.

WARNING

If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change significantly. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injuries:

Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is pulling your vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted steering function is not working.

Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.

NOTICE

Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.

Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being towed.

Tow-starting and towing

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Notes on tow-starting

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warningsVehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Use jump leads to start the engine instead . For technical reasons, t ...

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