Winter Driving

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

Snow or Icy Conditions

Driving on deep snow may require the use of winter tires. If winter tires are necessary, select tires that are equivalent in size and type to the original equipment tires. Failure to do so may adversely affect 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 a skid. You must maintain a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Also, depress 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.

Use high-quality ethylene glycol-based engine coolant.

Your vehicle is filled with high-quality ethylene glycol-based 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 top up the coolant according to the maintenance schedule in Section 8. Before winter, check the coolant to make sure its freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures expected during the winter.

Check the Battery and Cables

Winter places additional strain on the battery system. Visually inspect the battery and cables as described in Section 8. The battery state of charge can be checked by an authorized Kia dealer or at a 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 9 for recommendations. 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 Section 8, 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 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

In some cases, 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 shift lever to P (Intelligent Variable Transmission) or into first or reverse gear (manual transmission), and place wheel chocks at 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, flares, sand, a shovel, jumper cables, a windshield scraper, gloves, a rag, coveralls, a blanket, etc.