2004 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 206

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 three popular types of professional towing equipment. Flat-bed Equipment The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way to transport your Honda. 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 Honda. Sling-type Equipment The tow truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of the frame or suspension and the cables lift that end of the vehicle off the ground. Your vehicle's suspension and body can be seriously damaged. This method of towing is unacceptable. 5-speed Manual Transmission and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Release the parking brake. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Automatic Transmission: If your Honda cannot be transported by flat-bed, it should be towed by wheel-lift equipment with the front wheels off the ground. If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following: Release the parking brake. Start the engine. Shift to D, then to N. Turn off the engine. NOTICE: 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. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected 203