Nissan Kicks: In case of emergency - Towing Your Vehicle

Whenever your Nissan Kicks requires towing, all applicable state, provincial, and local towing regulations must be observed. Using improper towing procedures or unsuitable equipment can result in costly vehicle damage and may compromise safety during transport.

Towing guidelines and assistance are available through a NISSAN dealer. Professional towing operators are generally familiar with the proper methods and legal requirements for transporting vehicles safely. To help protect your Nissan Kicks from accidental damage, NISSAN recommends having the vehicle towed by a qualified service provider. Before towing begins, it is advisable that the operator carefully review the following precautions and procedures.

WARNING

• Never ride inside a vehicle while it is being towed. Doing so could result in serious injury if an unexpected incident occurs during transport.
• Never position yourself underneath the Nissan Kicks after it has been raised by a tow truck. A vehicle that is not properly supported can shift unexpectedly and cause severe injury.

CAUTION

• Before towing, verify that the transmission, drive axles, steering components, and powertrain systems are in proper operating condition.

  If any of these systems are damaged or inoperative, towing dollies or a flatbed tow truck must be used to prevent additional damage.

• Always attach approved safety chains and towing equipment before transporting the vehicle.

Towing Recommended by NISSAN

NISSAN recommends specific towing methods based on the drivetrain configuration of the vehicle. Following the correct procedure is especially important for protecting critical drivetrain components on the Nissan Kicks. Refer to the illustrations and instructions in this section to ensure the vehicle is transported safely and correctly.

Two-Wheel Drive Models with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

For Nissan Kicks models equipped with a CVT and front-wheel drive, NISSAN recommends towing the vehicle with the drive (front) wheels lifted off the ground or transporting the vehicle completely on a flatbed truck, as shown in the illustration. These methods help prevent unnecessary stress on the transmission and drivetrain components.

CAUTION

• Never tow CVT-equipped Nissan Kicks models with the front wheels on the ground or with all four wheels in contact with the road, whether the vehicle is being pulled forward or backward. Doing so can cause severe and expensive transmission damage.

  If towing with the rear wheels raised becomes necessary, always place approved towing dollies under the front wheels.

• When towing CVT-equipped vehicles with the rear wheels on the ground or supported by towing dollies:
  • Place the ignition switch in the OFF position and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position using a rope or similar restraint device.

    Never lock the steering wheel by placing the ignition switch in the LOCK position. On models equipped with a steering lock mechanism, doing so may damage the steering lock assembly and create additional repair costs.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

For Nissan Kicks AWD models equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), NISSAN recommends transporting the vehicle on a flatbed truck or using towing dollies as illustrated. These methods help protect the drivetrain and ensure that all components remain free from unnecessary stress during towing.

CAUTION

Never tow an AWD Nissan Kicks with any of the wheels in contact with the ground. Doing so may cause severe and costly damage to the transmission, transfer components, and other drivetrain systems.

Vehicle Recovery (Freeing a Stuck Vehicle)

WARNING

To reduce the risk of vehicle damage, serious injury, or death while recovering a stuck Nissan Kicks, carefully follow these safety precautions:

• If you are unsure about the correct recovery procedure, contact a professional towing or recovery service for assistance.
• Recovery chains, straps, or cables must only be attached to the vehicle's designated structural members.
• Do not use the vehicle tie-down points for towing or recovery purposes, as they are not designed to withstand recovery loads.
• Use only recovery equipment specifically designed for vehicle extraction and follow the manufacturer's instructions at all times.
• Always pull the recovery strap or cable straight ahead from the front of the vehicle. Recovery at an angle can damage vehicle components.
• Position recovery equipment carefully so it does not contact body panels, suspension parts, or other areas of the Nissan Kicks except the designated attachment point.

If your Nissan Kicks becomes stuck in sand, snow, mud, or similar terrain, use a recovery strap or another device specifically designed for vehicle recovery. Always inspect the equipment before use and follow all manufacturer recommendations for safe operation.

Rocking a Stuck Vehicle

WARNING

• Keep all people at a safe distance from a stuck vehicle during recovery attempts.
• Do not allow the drive wheels to spin at excessive speed.

  High-speed wheel spin can cause tire failure, flying debris, serious personal injury, and damage to the Nissan Kicks drivetrain and related components.

If your Nissan Kicks is stuck in sand, mud, snow, or another low-traction surface, follow the procedure below:

1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.

2. Check the area in front of and behind the vehicle and remove any obstacles that may prevent movement.

3. Turn the steering wheel from side to side to help clear space around the front tires and improve traction.

4. Carefully rock the vehicle forward and backward.

• Shift gently between R (Reverse) and D (Drive).
• Use only light accelerator input to maintain a smooth rocking motion.
• Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R (Reverse) and D (Drive).
• Do not allow the tires to spin faster than 34 mph (55 km/h).

5. If the Nissan Kicks cannot be freed after several attempts, discontinue the recovery effort and contact a professional towing service to avoid damaging the vehicle.