Driving Your Vehicle

Rocking the Vehicle

~1min read

If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, first turn the steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels. Then shift between R (Reverse) and any forward gear in vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Do not race the engine, and spin the wheels as little as possible. If you are still stuck after several attempts, have the vehicle towed out to prevent engine overheating and possible transaxle damage.

WARNING - Sudden Vehicle Movement

Do not attempt to rock the vehicle if people or objects are nearby. The vehicle may suddenly move forward or backward when it becomes free.

WARNING - Rocking the Vehicle

Prolonged rocking may cause engine overheating, transmission damage or failure, and tire damage.

WARNING - Tire Spin

Do not spin the wheels, especially at speeds above 56 km/h. Spinning the wheels at high speed while the vehicle is stationary may overheat the tire, which may cause tire failure and injury to nearby persons.

Turn off the ESC system before rocking the vehicle.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.