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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Notes on towing

It's easier and safer to tow a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 with a tow bar than a tow rope — this page explains why, and gives the correct rope characteristics (slightly elastic, to reduce strain on both vehicles) if a bar genuinely isn't available.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Tow rope or tow bar

It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.

The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.

Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.

Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must use only tow bars that are specially designed for fitting to a ball coupling.

When your vehicle with a manual gearbox has to be towed:

Check whether the vehicle can be towed

  • Switch on the ignition.
  • Move the gear stick to neutral.
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.

When your vehicle with an automatic gearbox has to be towed:

Check whether the vehicle can be towed

  • Switch on the ignition.
  • Move the selector lever to N.
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
  • Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
  • If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels raised. Observe the notes for towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION).

Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION)

Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION) may be towed with a tow bar or tow rope. If the vehicle is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train could be damaged.

In vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG® read and observe the information on towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox .

When should your vehicle not be towed?

  • If, due to damage, the vehicle gearbox no longer contains any lubricant.
  • If the battery is flat, this means that the steering system remains locked and the electronic parking brake and electronic steering column lock, if applied, cannot be released.
  • If the distance to be towed is further than 50 km - applies to vehicles with an automatic gearbox only.
  • If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured, e.g. after an accident.

Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:

  • Comply with legal regulations.
  • Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.

The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.

    Questions & answers

    Notes on towing — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    What tow rope should I use for the Golf Mk7?
    A slightly elastic rope or strap rated for the vehicle's weight. A rigid tow bar is preferred if available — it prevents the towed car from running into the towing vehicle.
    What speed limit applies when towing the Golf Mk7?
    Local regulations apply — typically 40–50 km/h. Even within that limit, drive gently and avoid sharp braking or steering to prevent jerking or jackknifing.
    Does the Golf Mk7 have power brakes and steering when being towed?
    Only if the engine is running. With the engine off, the brake servo and power steering do not work — significantly more pedal and steering force is needed.
    Notes on tow-starting
    First read and observe the introductory information and safety warningsVehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Use jump leads to start the engine instead . For technical reasons, t ...

    Fitting the front towing eye
    Fig. 246 In the right-hand side of the front bumper: removing the cover Fig. 247 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye First read and observe the introductory information ...

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