How to Tow an Acura TL 2002

A tow truck carrying two cars on flat beds and towing a third car with wheel lifts.

You may need to tow your 2002 Acura TL for a variety of reasons, not necessarily because of a breakdown. A modern, precision-engineered car like the Acura TL has sophisticated steering, suspension and transmission systems that can be damaged if the car is towed improperly. However, if you tow your 2002 Acura TL correctly, your car will remain undamaged and will drive as well as it did before the tow.

Things You'll Need

• A tow truck with a flat bed or wheel lift equipment.

Instructions

Towing on a Flat Bed Tow Truck

1. Back up the tow truck, so that it is positioned directly in front of, or behind, your Acura.

2. Load the car onto the tow truck's flat bed.

3. Secure the Acura on the flat bed.

Towing on a Tow Truck With Wheel Lifts

1. Back up the tow truck, so that it is positioned directly in front of your Acura.

2. Extend the wheel lifts from the truck and slide them under the front wheels of the Acura. If the car must be towed from the rear, prepare for the tow by first releasing the parking brake, starting the engine, shifting the gear selector to D5 then N and turning off the engine. Do not tow the car in this manner for more than 50 miles or at speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour.

3. Secure the front wheels of the car onto the wheel lifts and tow the car away.

Tips & Warnings

• If you tow your Acura without using a tow truck, that is, with all wheels on the ground, be sure to use a tow bar. The ignition switch should be in the Accessory (I) position. This prevents the steering wheel from locking.

• According to Acura, it is unacceptable to tow your TL with a tow truck that uses cables and a hook to raise the front or rear of the car. Doing so can seriously harm the car's body and suspension.

References

• 2002 Acura TL Owner's Manual