Winter Driving

Severe winter weather causes increased wear and other problems. To minimize winter driving problems, follow these recommendations:

Snow or Icy Conditions

Driving through deep snow may require the use of winter tires or the installation of traction chains on the tires.

If winter tires are required, be sure to select tires of equivalent size and type to the original equipment tires. Failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. In addition, excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns are potentially very dangerous.

When braking, use engine braking as much as possible. Sudden braking on snowy or icy roads may cause skidding. Maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead. Also, apply the brake gently. Note that installing traction devices on the tires will provide greater driving force, but will not prevent sideslip.

✽ NOTICE

Tire 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 balance the handling of your vehicle in any weather conditions.

Keep in mind that the traction provided by winter tires on dry roads may not be as high as that of the original equipment tires. You must drive carefully even when roads are clear. Consult your tire dealer for recommendations on maximum speed.

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 the same size and type as the standard tires. Otherwise, vehicle safety and handling may be adversely affected.

Tire Chains

Because the sidewalls of radial tires are thinner, they may be damaged when some types of snow chains are installed on them. Therefore, it is recommended to use winter tires instead of snow chains. Do not install snow chains on vehicles with aluminum wheels; snow chains may damage the wheels.

If chains must be used on snow, use wire chains with a thickness of less than 0.47 in (12 mm). 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.

2WD: Front wheels

4WD: All four wheels

If a complete set of chains is not available for a 4WD vehicle, chains may be installed on the front wheels only.

CAUTION

• Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for your tires. Using incorrect snow chains may cause damage to the vehicle body and suspension and may not be covered by your vehicle manufacturer's warranty. Also, the snow chain connecting hooks may be damaged by contact with vehicle components, causing the snow chains to come off the tire. Make sure the snow chains meet SAE Class "S" certification.
• Always check the chain installation after driving approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5 to 1 km) to ensure secure mounting. Tighten or reinstall the chains if they are loose.

Chain Installation

When installing chains, follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly as possible.

Drive slowly with snow chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tighten them. If they still make contact, reduce speed until the vehicle stops. Remove the chains as soon as you start driving on cleared roads.

WARNING - Chain Installation

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

WARNING - Tire Snow Chains

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

CAUTION

• Chains of incorrect size or improperly installed may damage the brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels of the vehicle.
• Stop and retighten the chains each time you hear them striking the vehicle.

Use high-quality ethylene glycol-based engine coolant.

Your vehicle is filled with high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant at the factory. This is the only type of coolant that should be used, as it helps prevent corrosion in the cooling system, lubricates the water pump, and prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or top up the coolant according to the maintenance schedule in section 7. Before winter, check the coolant to make sure its freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures expected during winter.

Check the Battery and Cables

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

Change to "winter" engine oil if necessary.

In some climates, it is recommended to use a lower viscosity "winter grade" oil during cold weather. Refer to section 8 for recommendations. If you are unsure which oil to use, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Inspect Spark Plugs and Ignition System

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

To Prevent Door Locks from Freezing

To prevent door locks from freezing, spray approved de-icer or glycerin into the keyhole. If the lock is covered with ice, spray it with approved de-icer to remove the ice. If the lock is frozen internally, you may thaw it with a heated key. Handle the heated key carefully to avoid injury.

Use Approved Windshield Washer Antifreeze in the System

To prevent the washer fluid in the washer system from freezing, add an approved windshield washer antifreeze solution according to the instructions on the container. Windshield washer antifreeze is available 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 Let the Parking Brake Freeze

Under certain conditions, the parking brake may freeze in the applied position. This most often occurs when snow or ice accumulates around 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 selector lever into P (Park, automatic transmission) or into first or reverse gear (manual transmission), and chock the rear wheels so the vehicle does not roll. Then release the parking brake.

Do not allow ice and snow to accumulate under

Under certain conditions, snow and ice may accumulate under the fenders and interfere with the steering. When driving in severe winter conditions where this may occur, periodically check the underside of 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 take with you include snow chains, tow straps or chains, a flashlight, emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper cables, an ice scraper, gloves, a ground cloth, coveralls, a blanket, etc.