Just Purchased a Smart Car Pure 1.0 petrol for Towing?

[StitchUp]

A couple of questions.
I've not towed before!

As the Smart Car is semi-automatic how should I be towing on the equipped 'A' Frame - key in the ignition etc? What pre-checks should I make?

We only intend towing in the UK.

 

[Pausim]

I towed a 2010 Smart and the important thing was to make sure it was not in the false neutral position. The gear lever could be in the neutral position but if it wasn’t put there with ignition on and foot on brake then the box would still be engaged. I double checked this every time. My Smart did not have a steering lock so the steering was free to move without the key. Your Smart may be different so you need to check these things out, probably best to check with whoever installed the A frame and reinforced cross member.

 

[Reallyretired]

Very important about the false neutral. I had this very problem and had large bits of the gearbox all over a Belgian motorway.

 

[StitchUp]

Thanks all, comments are very helpful

 

[Shrimp]

Regards the ignition key we tow a 107 and had an ordinary ign key made specifically to leave in the ign when car is on A frame. This key will manually lock/unlock doors and operate the ign for towing but won’t start the car!

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[StitchUp]

When towing, is it necessary to have the ignition on for the duration?

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Regards the ignition key we tow a 107 and had an ordinary ign key made specifically to leave in the ign when car is on A frame. This key will manually lock/unlock doors and operate the ign for towing but won’t start the car!

Same here for the i20

 

[Pausim]

The Smart Car key is not on the steering column and does not lock the steering. I think it locks the gear selector. Like others who have a steering lock I have an un chipped key.

 

[Wack]

Is the smart a MHD

If it is keep an eye on the fan belt, on the mhd the belt is very tight as it's a combined starter/ alternator, the problem is the belt also drives the water pump , if it snaps you've got a few minutes to get it stopped or the head gasket goes which on the smart means a new engine

I had a mhd, my belt snapped, ironically as I was on the way to the garage to get it changed , if it snaps first thing to come on is the alternator warning light, don't ignore it , seconds later you'll get the temperature light. You want the engine off by then

If it's the 1.0 turbo you can ignore the above, the only problem you'll have is getting the grin off your face

 

[triky]

A couple of questions.
I've not towed before!

As the Smart Car is semi-automatic how should I be towing on the equipped 'A' Frame - key in the ignition etc? What pre-checks should I make?

We only intend towing in the UK.

Hi ,congrat's on your "Smart" purchase. I'm on my second one now, the first i towed on an A frame too. You may have missed the conversations regarding (not able to reverse ) . I can assure you ,and others, it CAN BE DONE !!.

Attach a pair of 'bungy cords /expanders to the steering wheel, one on each spoke and hooked under the seat front, ,with the car in neutral a straight reverse OR left & right can be achieved just the same as a caravan, boat or trailer for ANY distance required ," SIMPLES " .Been there done that many times .TRY it & see .you will be pleasantly surprised. A reversing camera helps too . ( Oh ,by the way ,we used to tow to the South of France and back many times,) Enjoy your added mobility !!

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[David and Sally]

Regards the ignition key we tow a 107 and had an ordinary ign key made specifically to leave in the ign when car is on A frame. This key will manually lock/unlock doors and operate the ign for towing but won’t start the car!

We do that on our Aygo

 

[StitchUp]

Regards the ignition key we tow a 107 and had an ordinary ign key made specifically to leave in the ign when car is on A frame. This key will manually lock/unlock doors and operate the ign for towing but won’t start the car!

Just checked the keys that came with the car and one is indeed just a 'skeleton' key, switches the ignition on but won't start the car

 

[StitchUp]

Attach a pair of 'bungy cords /expanders to the steering wheel, one on each spoke and hooked under the seat front, ,with the car in neutral a straight reverse OR left & right can be achieved just the same as a caravan, boat or trailer for ANY distance required ," SIMPLES " .Been there done that many times .TRY it & see .you will be pleasantly surprised. A reversing camera helps too . ( Oh ,by the way ,we used to tow to the South of France and back many times,) Enjoy your added mobility !!

If you have a picture, I'm sure I'd understand better Thanks very much.