Kia K4: What to do in an emergency / Towing

Side and curtain air bag safety

If your Kia K4 is equipped with advanced side and curtain air bag systems, ensure that you place the ENGINE START/STOP button into the ACC (Accessory) position while the vehicle is being towed.

Failure to do so—leaving the system in the ON position—could potentially lead to the accidental deployment of the side and curtain air bags if the vehicle's rollover sensors misinterpret the towing motion as a collision or rollover event.

• Always shift the Kia K4 transmission into N (Neutral) if the vehicle must be towed with the tires in contact with the ground. Please consult the dedicated sections for the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) or Automatic Transmission in this manual for comprehensive shifting procedures.

• In the event that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) cannot be released through normal procedures, you must have the Kia K4 transported via a flatbed tow truck to an authorized Kia dealer for immediate system inspection.

• If the vehicle's suspension or driven wheels have sustained damage, or if the towing distance is significant, you must use a towing dolly specifically under the driven wheels of the Kia K4.

• Never tow the Kia K4 using "sling-type" equipment, as this will damage the bodywork and components. Only use wheel-lift or professional flatbed equipment.

• Never tow your Kia K4 in a rear-facing direction if the driven wheels remain in contact with the ground, as this will cause severe internal damage to the transmission.

• Use extreme caution when performing emergency towing of your Kia K4. A licensed driver must remain in the driver's seat of the towed vehicle to steer and operate the brakes at all times.

• Avoid sudden starts, aggressive acceleration, or erratic steering maneuvers, as these actions place excessive, dangerous stress on the Kia K4 emergency towing hook and the tow cable. Sudden force can cause the equipment to snap, resulting in serious injury or significant vehicle damage.

• If the disabled Kia K4 cannot be moved easily, stop immediately. Forcing a vehicle that is stuck or mechanically seized can cause catastrophic damage. We strongly recommend contacting an authorized Kia dealer or a professional roadside assistance service.

• Ensure the vehicle being towed follows as straight a path as possible behind the lead vehicle.

• For safety, all bystanders and passengers (except the driver) should remain well away from the Kia K4 during the towing process.

• Use a towing strap or rope that is less than 16 ft (5 m) long. To increase visibility to other motorists, attach a bright white or red cloth—approximately 12 inches (30 cm) wide—to the center of the strap.

• Drive at a slow, steady pace to ensure the towing strap remains under consistent tension without becoming slack.

• The driver in the Kia K4 must stay alert to maintain control of steering and braking systems. No other passengers are permitted in the vehicle while it is being towed.

• Always attach the towing strap specifically to the provided Kia K4 tow hook, not any other part of the chassis.

• Attaching a strap to any component other than the designated tow hook can cause severe damage to the bumper, frame, or underbody of your Kia K4.

• Use only certified towing cables or chains designed for vehicle recovery. Secure the cable tightly to the provided tow hook.

• Always initiate movement smoothly. Jerky acceleration can damage the tow hook or the vehicle’s recovery points.

• Emergency towing should only be performed on smooth, hard-surfaced roads for short distances at very low speeds. Verify that the Kia K4 wheels, axles, drivetrain, steering, and brakes are in a condition safe for movement.

• Do not use the towing hooks to pull a Kia K4 out of deep mud, sand, or other terrain where the vehicle has lost traction; this could damage the frame.

• Avoid towing a vehicle that is heavier than the towing vehicle itself.

• Maintain constant communication between the drivers of both vehicles.

• Inspect the tow hook for cracks or signs of fatigue before every use.

• Always ensure the tow cable or chain is fastened securely.

• Avoid side-loading the hook; always pull in a direct, straight line to prevent damage.

Transmission safety

• If the Kia K4 is towed with all four wheels on the ground, ensure the vehicle is in N (Neutral) and the steering is unlocked (ACC position). A driver must be present to operate the vehicle's controls.

• Before any towing, inspect the undercarriage of the Kia K4 for fluid leaks. If transmission fluid is visible, you must use a flatbed truck or towing dolly to prevent further damage.