2005 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 207

Emergency Towing If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous. There are two ways to tow your vehicle. The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Flat-bed Equipment Wheel-lift Equipment The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lift them off the ground. The other two tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to tow your vehicle. If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following: Manual Transmission and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Release the parking brake. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Automatic Transmission: Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shif t the transmission or start the engine (automatic transmission), your vehicle must be transported with the f ront wheels of f the ground. With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h). If your vehicle is equipped with a front spoiler, remove it before towing so it is not damaged. Taking Care of the Unexpected Release the parking brake. Start the engine. Shift to D, then to N. Turn off the engine. CONTINUED 209