Winter Driving

Severe weather conditions in winter cause increased wear and other problems. To minimize winter driving problems, you should follow these recommendations:

Snow or Icy Conditions

To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be necessary to use winter tires or install tire snow chains. If winter tires are used, be sure to select tires of the same size and type as the original equipment tires. Failure to do so may adversely affect safety and handling of your vehicle. In addition, excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns are potentially very dangerous actions.

When braking, use engine braking to the fullest extent. Sudden braking on snowy or icy roads may cause skidding. You must maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of your vehicle. Also, apply the brakes gently. It should be noted that installing tire snow chains provides greater driving force but does not prevent lateral skidding.

Tire snow chains are not permitted in all states. Check state laws before installing tire chains.

Winter Tires

If you install winter tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Install winter tires on all four wheels to maintain your vehicle's handling in any weather conditions. Be aware that traction provided by winter tires on dry roads may not be as high as with the original equipment tires. You must drive carefully, even when roads are clear. Consult your tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.

Do not install studded tires without first checking local, state, and municipal regulations regarding possible restrictions on their use.

WARNING! Winter Tire Size

Winter tires must be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle's standard tires. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.

Tire Chains

Because the sidewalls of radial tires are thinner, they may be damaged by installing some types of tire snow chains on them. Therefore, using snow tires is recommended instead of snow chains. Do not install tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; tire chains may damage the wheels. If snow chains must be used, use wire chains less than 0.47 in (12 mm) thick. Damage to your vehicle caused by improper use of snow chains is not covered by your vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

When using snow chains, attach them to the drive wheels as follows.

Front-Wheel Drive: Front Wheels

WARNING - Tire Snow Chains

Make sure the tire snow chains are the correct size and type for your tires. Incorrect snow chains may damage the vehicle body and suspension and may not be covered by your vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

Tire snow chain connecting hooks may be damaged by contact with vehicle components, causing the tire snow chains to tear off the tire. Make sure the tire snow chains are SAE Class "S" certified.

Always check the chain installation after driving approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5 to 1 km) to ensure safe mounting. Tighten or reinstall the chains if they are loose.

Chain Installation

When installing chains, follow the manufacturer's instructions and tighten them as tightly as possible. Drive slowly with chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tighten them. If they still make contact, drive slowly until the contact stops. Remove the chains as soon as you start driving on cleared roads.

When installing tire snow chains, park the vehicle on level ground away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and place a warning triangle behind the vehicle, if available. Always place the shift lever in P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine before installing snow chains.

• Using chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
• Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h) or the speed limit recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps, potholes, sharp turns, and other road hazards that may cause the vehicle to bounce.
• Avoid sharp turns and locked-wheel braking.

WARNING - Tire Snow Chains

• Chains of incorrect size or improper installation may damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels.
• Stop and retighten the chains each time you hear them striking the vehicle.

Use High-Quality Ethylene Glycol Coolant

Your vehicle is delivered with a high-quality, ethylene glycol-based engine coolant. This is the only type of coolant that should be used, because it helps prevent corrosion in the cooling system, lubricates the water pump, and prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or add coolant according to the maintenance schedule in Chapter 7. Before winter, test the coolant to make sure its freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures expected during winter.

Check the Battery and Cables

Winter places additional demands on the battery system. Visually inspect the battery and cables as described in Chapter 7. The battery charge level can be checked by an authorized Kia dealer or service station.

Changing to "Winter" Oil if Necessary

In some climates, it is recommended that lower-viscosity "winter weight" oil be used in cold weather. See Chapter 8 for recommendations. If you are unsure which oil weight you should use, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Check the Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Inspect the spark plugs as described in Chapter 7 and replace them if necessary. Also check all ignition wiring and components to make sure they are not cracked, worn, or damaged in any way.

To Prevent Door Locks from Freezing

To prevent the locks from freezing, spray an approved anti-icing fluid or glycerin into the key opening. If the lock is iced over, spray it with an approved de-icing fluid to remove the ice. If the lock is frozen internally, you may thaw it using a heated key. Use caution when handling the heated key to avoid injury.

Use approved windshield washer antifreeze in the system

To prevent the washer fluid from freezing in the washer reservoir, add approved windshield washer antifreeze solution according to the instructions on the container. Windshield washer antifreeze can be purchased from an authorized Kia dealer and most auto parts stores. Do not use engine coolant or other types of antifreeze, as they may damage the paint finish.

Do not allow the parking brake to freeze

Under certain conditions, your parking brake may freeze in the applied position. This is most likely to occur when snow or ice accumulates around or near the rear brakes, or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk that the parking brake may freeze, apply it only temporarily while you shift the gear lever into P (Park, automatic transmission) and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.

Do not allow ice and snow to accumulate under the vehicle

Under some conditions, snow and ice may build up under the fenders and interfere with steering. When driving in severe winter conditions where this may occur, you should periodically check under the vehicle to make sure the front wheels and steering components are not blocked.

Carry Emergency Equipment

Depending on the severity of the weather, you should carry appropriate emergency equipment. Some items you may want to carry with you include tow straps or chains, a flashlight, emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper cables, a windshield scraper, gloves, a traction mat, overalls, a blanket, etc.