Towing tips from Santa

Santa's reindeer are well known for their towing ability. They pull Santa and his sleigh anywhere and everywhere in all sorts of weather conditions. You don't need the skills of Rudolph and the rest but it is useful to know how to tow and be towed.

These towing tips are a present from Haynes - the world's leading publisher of automotive repair manuals and renowned for teaching millions of car owners how to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. Haynes is the world's leading publisher of automotive repair manuals and is renowned for teaching millions of car owners how to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. Haynes publishes manuals for more than 500 cars and vans as well as useful glovebox guides such as Your Car and Driving Abroad

Notes to Editors:

The information above is supplied courtesy of Haynes Publishing, please credit accordingly if you intend to use it. For further information, please contact Rebecca Nicholls on Tel: 01452 260063 or email: pr@haynes.co.uk

Towing made simple:  

1. First, do you have a tow-rope? Maybe Santa brought you one last Christmas. Did you use it to make a swing for the kids or is it in the boot of your car?
2. Don't tie the rope to the bumper. Santa tried it once, now his sleigh has no bumper! Instead, find the special towing eyes on each vehicle. They'll be mounted low at the front and rear - maybe hidden behind covers.
3. Tie good, secure knots. Bows look pretty on presents but are not suitable. Ex-Boy Scouts and ex-Girl Guides will use a round turn and two half hitches. (Some tow-ropes come with shackles or clips, in which case you should use those and forget the knots.)
4. When being towed, the ignition must be turned on so that the steering lock is released. Also, the brake lights, indicators and hazard warning lights will work. Following drivers will take note of a car lit up like a Christmas tree.
5. Unless the breakdown prevents it, have the engine idling - that way you get power assistance for the brakes and steering. Otherwise, steering and braking will be a muscle building exercise.
6. Cars with manual gearboxes should be towed in neutral. Automatic transmissions should be put in the 'N' position but check your car's handbook first, there may be restrictions on towing.
7. Make a large 'On Tow' notice for the rear of the towed vehicle - Santa is a bit lax in this respect.
8. Note how Santa's reindeer take up the slack in the reins before moving off. Santa keeps them tight by standing up and shouting: "Ho, ho." If you're in the car being towed, gently use the brakes instead.
9. If you're the one doing the towing, follow the reindeer's example by driving smoothly and allowing plenty of time to slow down and stop.
10.  Remember, 'tower' and 'towee' should agree which route they're taking - preferably before moving off! Santa can navigate by the stars but can you?

Finally, when you arrive at your destination, don't park on the roof and climb down the chimney - leave that trick to the jolly chap with the beard!