2009 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 361

Main Menu Table Of Contents 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: Flat-bed Equipment The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Wheel-lift Equipment The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off the ground. The rear 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 this: Manual transmission: Release the parking brake. Shift the transmission to neutral. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock. 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, do not tow the vehicle more than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h). Start the engine. Press on the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions. Shift to D position for 5 seconds, then to N. Turn off the engine. Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock. 358 2009 Civic Sedan