How to Tow a Honda Element in an Emergency

Avoid causing damage to your Element by knowing how to tow it in an emergency.

Proper towing methods differ for two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Honda Elements. Knowing how to tow your Element will ensure that it gets to the repair shop safely and quickly. Attempting to tow the Element behind another vehicle with straps or ropes -- when all four tires are on the ground -- is dangerous and not recommended. Use a trailer, tow dolly or tow service in all emergency situations.

Instructions

Two-Wheel-Drive Models

1. Two-wheel-drive models can be towed using a tow dolly, with the rear two wheels of the Element remaining on the ground. Secure the tow dolly to the towing vehicle's trailer hitch or tow ball, and connect the safety chain between the tow vehicle and the tow dolly. Hook up the dolly's tail lights and brake lights; test them to be sure they are working properly. Place the towing vehicle in park, and engage its parking brake.

2. Slowly winch the Element onto the tow dolly; refrain from further winching when the front wheels are in the wheel stops. You may drive the Element up the tow-dolly ramp and into the wheel stop if it is safe to do so. Secure the front wheels to the tow dolly using wheel straps. Put the Element in park, but do not set the parking brake.

3. Check frequently to ensure that the wheel straps are secure -- and that the tail lights and brake lights are operational -- if towing over a long distance. Only tow an Element with a dolly if there is no damage to the vehicle. If the vehicle has been in an accident, then tow the Element using a flat-bed tow truck.

Four-Wheel Drive Models

1. The "Emergency Towing" section of the Honda Element owner's manual for four-wheel drive models states that the vehicle should be towed by a professional towing service. It recommends never towing your Element with a rope or chain.

2. The owner's manual advises that a flat-bed tow truck must be used, because towing a four-wheel drive Element with two wheels on the road will damage parts of the four-wheel drive system. It is possible to tow an Element using a dolly if you disengage the drive shaft to the rear wheels.

3. Winch the Element onto the flat-bed truck; set the wheel stops around the front and rear tires. Secure the tires using wheel straps, and put the Element in park. The vehicle can now be safely transported to a service location.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to disengage the drive shaft on a four-wheel drive Element if you are not an experienced auto mechanic.

References

• driverside.com:How to Tow Your Car
• qrents.com:Tow Dolly Safety Instructions
• "2007 Honda Element Owner's Manual"; Honda: 2007