Tow-starting, towing away, Giving and receiving assi stance – Mini 2011 Cooper Convertible User Manual

Page 152

Giving and

receiving assi

stance

150

Tow-starting, towing
away

Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-

cles.

Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being

towed.

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
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit in the
cargo area underneath the cover on the right-
hand side, page

137

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

Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.

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 with a tow bar

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.