Mini 2003 Cooper - Manual (Page 128)

126
TOWING
For towing, use either a tow bar or a nylon
rope or nylon belts that prevent sudden
jerking movements.
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains in
the vehicle at all times. This fitting is
designed for installation in the tow sockets
located at the front and rear of the vehicle.
It is intended for towing on paved road sur-
faces only.
Access to tow sockets
Use a suitable object – e.g. credit card,
screwdriver – to press out the covers from
the recess.
Firmly screw in the towing eyelet
until it stops. If this is not done, the
threads could be damaged.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle sus-
pension, as severe damage to these compo-
nents will occur, possibly leading to acci-
dents.
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Avoid staggered towing and be care-
ful that the towing rope is in tight
tension before starting to drive the vehicle
that is towing.
<
Tow bars
If the tow fittings of the two vehicles are
not directly opposite one another, please
note:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability
will be strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar generates
lateral force – critical above all if the road
surface is slippery.
Do not tow a vehicle that is heavier
than the towing vehicle, otherwise it
will no longer be possible to control the
vehicle's response.
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