Giving and receiving assi stance – Mini 2010 Cooper Convertible User Manual

Page 140

Giving and

receiving assi

stance

138

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 bay underneath the cover on the right-
hand side, page

125

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 signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not
tow the vehicle 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.

Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle

could result in damage.

Towing with a 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.