Driving Your Vehicle

To Prevent Door Locks from Freezing

~2min read

To prevent the locks from freezing, spray an approved anti-icing fluid or glycerin into the key hole. If the lock is blocked with ice, spray it with an approved de-icing fluid. If the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to thaw it with a heated key. Handle the heated key with care to avoid injury.

Use approved windshield washer antifreeze in the system

To keep the water 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/service partner and most parts stores. Do not use engine coolant or other types of antifreeze; they may damage the paint finish.

Do not allow the parking brake to freeze

Under some conditions, your parking brake may freeze in the applied position. This is most likely to happen when snow or ice has accumulated 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 place the shift lever in P (automatic transmission) or in first or reverse gear (manual transmission), and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.

Do Not Allow Ice and Snow to Accumulate Underneath

Under some 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 under the vehicle to make sure the front wheels and steering components are not blocked and can move freely.

Carry Emergency Equipment

Depending on the severity of the climate, you should carry appropriate emergency equipment. Some of the items you may want to take with you include tire chains, tow straps or chains, a flashlight, emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper cables, an ice scraper, gloves, an earth mat, coveralls, a blanket, etc.

Test yourself

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