What does the towhaul button mean?
3 Answers
towhaul button, also known as the towing button, should be pressed when the vehicle needs to be towed to prevent damage to the transmission, serving a protective function. Regarding protective measures to be taken at the scene after a traffic accident: 1. The driver should immediately turn on the hazard warning lights and move the vehicle to a safe location. 2. A warning sign should be placed at least 150 meters behind the vehicle in the direction of oncoming traffic, and all passengers should quickly move to a safe location and call for emergency assistance. 3. Article 60 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: "If a motor vehicle breaks down or is involved in a traffic accident on the road, obstructing traffic and making it difficult to move, the hazard warning lights should be turned on and a warning sign should be placed 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. At night, the position lights and rear lights should also be turned on."
As a frequent boat tower, I can tell you from personal experience that the tow haul button is particularly useful when towing. Pressing it switches the vehicle's automatic transmission into a special mode, keeping the engine in lower gears to provide more engine braking and reduce reliance on the brakes during downhill driving. This helps prevent brake overheating and extends component lifespan, especially when hauling heavy loads or trailers on highways or long descents. Without attention, prolonged braking can cause severe wear and even dangerous situations. I habitually engage it during highway or mountain driving – the vehicle feels more stable and fuel consumption becomes more balanced. This feature was originally designed to enhance towing safety, and many modern SUVs and pickups come equipped with it. Operation is extremely straightforward.
I've served numerous clients at the auto repair shop and encountered many usage scenarios for the Tow/Haul button. Essentially, it's an electronic switch that temporarily alters transmission control logic. When activated, the system prioritizes maintaining low RPMs and engine braking to prevent transmission overheating or gear slippage when towing heavy loads or descending steep slopes. This is particularly crucial for protecting the entire powertrain, such as during long-distance towing or heavy-load driving, where continuous use can reduce brake burden. I've witnessed many accident cases caused by failure to activate this feature, resulting in brake failure – the lessons were profound. I recommend vehicle owners regularly check if the function operates correctly, as new car manuals always specify the proper operation method. Overall, it's a cost-effective safety feature with straightforward installation and maintenance.