1998 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 147

-Emergency towing eyelet precautions D Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not broken or damaged and that the installation bolts are not loose. -Tips for towing a stuck vehicle CAUTION If the emergency towing eyelet is used to get out when your vehicle becomes struck in mud, sand or other condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power, make sure to observe the precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or chain may break, causing serious injury or damage. The following methods are effective to get out when your vehicle is struck in mud, sand or other condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power. Use extreme caution when towing vehicles. In addition, keep away from the vehicles and towing cable or chain when towing. D Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet. D Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force. D To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead. D Remove the soil and sand in the front and the back of the tires. D Place a stone or wood under the tires. D If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly continue the towing. Contact your EV service station or a commercial tow truck service for assistance. D Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible. D Keep away from the vehicle during towing. 139