Emergency Towing

There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle.

Flat-bed Equipment - The operator loads the vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way of transporting the vehicle.

To accommodate flat-bed equipment, the vehicle is equipped with front towing hooks (A), front tie down hook slots (B), rear towing hook (C), and the rear tie down hook slots (D).

The towing hooks can be used with a winch to pull the vehicle onto the flat-bed tow truck, and the tie down hook slots can be used to secure the vehicles to the flat-bed tow truck.

Front:

Fig 1: Identifying Front Hook Slots

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Rear:

Fig 2: Identifying Rear Hook Slots

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Wheel Lift Equipment - The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lifts them off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the ground. Never tow the vehicle with this wheel lift equipment.

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. The vehicle's suspension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted. This method of towing the vehicle is unacceptable.

The only recommended way of towing the vehicle is on a flat-bed tow truck.

NOTE:

Towing the vehicle with only two wheels on the ground will damage part of the VTM-4 system. If the vehicle is damaged, it should be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer.
Trying to lift or tow the vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle's weight.

For non-emergency towing information, refer to the owner's manual.