Using All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system delivers engine power to the front and rear wheels for maximum traction. AWD is useful when additional traction is needed, such as when driving on slippery, muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads.

If the system determines that AWD is required, engine power is distributed to all four wheels automatically.

WARNING

If the all-wheel drive warning lamp ( ) remains on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction in the all-wheel drive system. If the all-wheel drive warning lamp ( ) illuminates, we recommend having the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

• Do not drive in conditions that exceed the intended design of the vehicle, for example, in severe off-road conditions.
• Avoid high speeds when driving through curves or turns.
• Do not make sudden steering movements, such as quick lane changes or rapid, sharp turns.
• The risk of rollover increases significantly if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
• Loss of control often occurs when two or more wheels slide off the paved surface and the driver steers to return to the road.
• If your vehicle leaves the paved surface, do not steer sharply. Instead, brake gently before returning to the lane.

✽ NOTICE

• Do not drive through water if the water level is above the underbody of the vehicle.
• Check the brakes after you have driven out of mud or water. Depress the brake pedal several times at low speed until normal braking is restored.
• Shorten the scheduled maintenance intervals if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud, or water (refer to "Severe Duty Maintenance" in Chapter 7).
• Make sure an all-wheel drive vehicle is towed with all four wheels off the ground (by a flatbed tow truck).

For Safe All-Wheel Drive Operation

Before Driving

• Make sure all passengers are wearing their seat belts.
• Sit upright and closer to the steering wheel than usual. Adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable position.

Driving on Snowy or Icy Roads

• Start slowly by gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
• Use winter tires.
• Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Use engine braking when decelerating.
• Avoid excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns to prevent skidding.

Driving on Sand or Mud

• Maintain a slow and steady speed.
• Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Reduce vehicle speed and always check road conditions.
• Avoid excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns to avoid getting stuck.

✽ NOTICE

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand, or mud, place non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction, OR slowly rock the wheels forward and backward to create a rocking motion that may free the vehicle. For more information, refer to "Rocking the Vehicle". However, avoid running the engine continuously at high speed, which may damage the all-wheel drive system.

✽ NOTICE

When using winter tires, install them on all four wheels. For more information on winter tires, refer to "Winter Driving" in this chapter.

Driving Uphill or Downhill

• Driving uphill
  - Before starting, check whether you can drive uphill.
  - Drive straight as much as possible.
• Driving downhill
  - Do not shift gears while driving downhill. Select the gear before driving down the slope.
  - Drive slowly, using engine braking when descending.
  - Drive straight as much as possible.