Turn signals when towing a trailer. Driving on downhill and mountain routes. Parking on downhill slopes. Pulling away from the parked position on a downhill slope

When towing a trailer, the Kia Opirus must be equipped with a special flasher unit and correct wiring. Incorrect installation can cause electrical damage or impair the warning system. This chapter also contains information on driving safely on uphill and downhill gradients and on parking on slopes. Wheel chocks, correct gear selection and use of engine braking reliably protect the vehicle, occupants and trailer.

Turn signals when towing a trailer

For towing a trailer, your vehicle must be fitted with a modified flasher relay and additional wiring.

The green turn signal indicator lights in the instrument panel also light up when signaling if a bulb in the trailer's turn signal has burned out. Therefore, check the function of the trailer lighting from time to time to avoid dangerous situations while driving.

Also check the function of the trailer lighting every time after you have coupled the trailer to the towing vehicle.

Never connect the trailer lighting directly to your vehicle's wiring. Only approved wiring harnesses with special trailer plugs may be used.

The wiring harness and socket are installed on your vehicle together with the towing device. Your KIA dealer will be happy to carry out the installation for you.

Using non-approved trailer wiring or a non-approved socket can damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause injury.

Driving on Downhill and Mountain Roads

Before driving down a long downhill slope, reduce your speed and shift to a lower gear. If you do not downshift, there is not enough engine braking. This can overheat the brakes, which may then lose effectiveness.

Before long uphill sections, shift to a lower gear and reduce your speed to approx. 70 km/h to prevent the engine and transmission from overheating.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, drive in D whenever possible when towing a trailer weighing more than 750 kg.

Driving in D while towing reduces engine heat generation and protects the automatic transmission.

NOTE

• Monitor the coolant temperature gauge closely when driving up a steep grade with a trailer, to prevent the engine from overheating. If the temperature rises and the needle approaches the H (hot) mark, stop at the next safe opportunity and let the engine cool down while idling. Continue driving once the engine has cooled sufficiently.
• In general, adjust your speed to the trailer weight and the gradient to prevent the engine and automatic transmission from overheating.

Parking on Downhill Slopes

In general, a vehicle with a trailer attached should not be parked on a downhill slope.

There is a risk of serious personal injury and damage to the vehicle and trailer if the combination rolls downhill.

Parking a vehicle with a trailer attached on a downhill slope could result in serious or fatal injury if the combination rolls downhill.

If it is necessary to park the trailer combination on a downhill slope, proceed as follows:

1. Apply the brake, but do not select a gear.

2. Have another person block the trailer wheels with wheel chocks.

3. After the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake and roll back slightly until the wheel chocks take the trailer weight.

4. Apply the brake again.

Then apply the parking brake and, on vehicles with an automatic transmission, select P (Park).

5. Release the foot brake.

It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle if the parking brake has not been applied firmly enough.

If you leave the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle could suddenly move. In this case, you and bystanders risk serious injury.

Starting from a Parked Position on a Downhill Slope

1. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, leave the selector lever in P, depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed during the following steps

• Start the engine
• Select a gear (or drive position)
• Release the parking brake

2. Slowly release the brake pedal.

3. Drive forward slightly until the wheel chocks are clear.

4. Apply the brake and have another person remove the wheel chocks.

The Kia Opirus 2003–2011 is also designed for driving in hilly terrain and on downhill slopes. Anticipatory driving, downshifting in good time and using engine braking increase safety and protect the brake system.

Parking and starting on downhill slopes requires particular care and the use of wheel chocks. This keeps the combination secure and reliable in every situation.

Following these instructions significantly reduces the risk of technical faults and accidents and improves driving comfort.