Giving and receiving assistance – Mini 2011 Countryman User Manual

Page 144

Giving and receiving assistance

142

Using a tow fitting

The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or at
the right rear.
The tow fitting is stored under the right front
seat.

Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the

tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.

Access to screw thread

Press the lower part of the cover. This will push
out the upper edge of the cover, which can then
be removed.

Front

Rear

Being towed

Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page

; otherwise, the low

beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the vehi-
cle with just the rear axle raised, as this would
allow the steering to turn.

There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.

Manual transmission

Gearshift lever in neutral position.

Automatic transmission

Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front

wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged.

Towing methods

Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may

result.

With towbar

The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may

be impossible to maintain control.

The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:

Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.

The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.

Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can

lead to damage.

With tow rope

When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.

To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when

towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.