Toyota Prius Owners Manual
If your vehicle needs to be towedIn case of an emergency / If your vehicle needs to be towed
If towing is necessary, we recommendyou to have it done by your Toyotadealer or a commercial tow truck service.In consultation with them, haveyour vehicle towed using either (a) or(b).
Only when you cannot receive a towingservice from a Toyota dealer or commercialtow truck service, tow your vehiclecarefully in accordance with theinstructions given in “—Emergency towing”on page 377.
Proper equipment will help ensure thatyour vehicle is not damaged while beingtowed. Commercial operators are generallyaware of the state/provincial and locallaws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it istowed incorrectly. Although most operatorsknow the correct procedure, it is possibleto make a mistake. To avoid damage toyour vehicle, make sure the following precautionsare observed. If necessary, showthis page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing,and abide by the state/provincial and locallaws. The wheels and axle on the groundmust be in good condition. If they aredamaged, use a towing dolly.
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truckFrom front—Release the parking brake.
NOTICE
When lifting wheels, take care to ensureadequate ground clearance fortowing at the opposite end of theraised vehicle. Otherwise, the underbodyof the towed vehicle will bedamaged during towing.
From rear—Use a towing dolly under thefront wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle from the rearwith the front wheels on the ground,as this may cause serious damage tothe transmission.
(b) Using flat bed truck
(c) Towing with sling type truck
NOTICE
Do not tow with sling type truck, eitherfrom the front or rear. This maycause body damage.