Winter Driving

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

Snow or Icy Conditions

Driving in deep snow may require the use of winter tires. If winter tires are needed, select tires equivalent in 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, hard braking, and sharp turns are potentially very dangerous.

When braking, make maximum use of engine braking. Sudden braking on snowy or icy roads may cause a skid. Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead. Also, apply the brake pedal gently.

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. Be aware that the traction provided by winter tires on dry roads may not be as high as that of original equipment tires. Be careful when driving the vehicle, even if the road is 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 the same size and type as the standard tires. Otherwise, vehicle safety and handling may be adversely affected.

• The use of tire 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 turns and other road hazards, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
• Avoid sharp turns or braking with locked wheels.

WARNING - Tire Snow Chains

• 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 engine coolant. 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 add coolant according to the maintenance schedule in Chapter 7. Before winter, check the coolant to make sure its freezing point is low enough 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 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. For recommendations, refer to chapter 8. If you are not sure which oil to use, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Inspect Spark Plugs and Ignition System

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

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 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.

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 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 selector 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

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. Items you may want to carry include tow straps or chains, a flashlight, flares, sand, a shovel, jumper cables, an ice scraper, gloves, floor mat, coveralls, a blanket, etc.