Snowy or icy conditions

To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be necessary to use snow tires or to install tire chains on your tires.

If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires of the size and type equivalent to the tires originally installed. Failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. Furthermore, speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns are potentially very hazardous practices.

During deceleration, use vehicle braking to the fullest extent. Sudden brake applications on snowy or icy roads may cause skids to occur. You need to keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Also, apply the brake gently. Note that installing tire chains on the tires will provide greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids.

Summer tires (if equipped)

• Summer tires are used to maximize the driving performance on dry roads.

• If the temperature is below 7°C or you are driving on snowy or icy roads, the summer tires lose their brake performance and traction as the tire grip weakens significantly.

• If the temperature is below 7°C or you are driving on snowy or icy roads, mount snow tires or all-season tires of the same size with your vehicle's standard tire for safe driving. Both snow and all-season tires have M+S markings.

• When using the M+S tires, use tires with the same tread produced by the same manufacturer for safe driving.

• When driving with the M+S tires with the lower maximum allowable speed than that of the vehicle's standard summer tire, be careful not to exceed the speed allowed for the M+S tires.

Snow tires

If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels to balance your vehicle's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that the traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may not be as high as the traction provided by the tires originally installed on your vehicle. You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.

Do not install studded tires without first checking all applicable regulations for possible restrictions on their use.

WARNING

Snow tires should be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle's standard tires. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.

Tire chains

Fabric type

Because the sidewalls of radial tires are thinner, they can be damaged by mounting some types of snow chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tires is recommended instead of snow chains. Do not mount tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; snow chains may cause damage to the wheels.

Damage to your vehicle caused by improper snow chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

When using tire chains, attach them to the drive wheels as follows.

• Rear wheel drive vehicle moves the rear wheel as a power source. Thus, snow chains must be mounted to rear tires.

• All wheel drive vehicle must mount snow chains to rear tires only. In this situation, minimize the driving distance in order to prevent damage to the all-wheel drive system.

• After mounting snow chains, drive slowly. If you hear noise caused by chains contacting the body, slow down until the noise stops and remove the chain as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads to prevent damage.

• Chains of the wrong size or which are improperly installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Therefore, when installing snow chains, follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly possible. Drive slowly with chains installed, staying under 30 km/h (20 mph).

• Install tire chains that meet the specifications of each tire size to prevent damage your vehicle.

  • All of tires use fabric snow chain.

CAUTION

• Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for your tires. Incorrect snow chains can cause damage to the vehicle body and suspension and may not be covered by your vehicle manufacturer warranty. Also, the snow chain connecting hooks may be damaged from contacting vehicle components causing the snow chains to come loose from the tire.

• Always check chain installation for proper mounting after driving approximately 0.5 to 1 km (0.3 to 0.6 miles) to ensure safe mounting. Retighten or remount the chains if they are loose.

Check the battery and cables

Winter places additional burden the battery system. Visually inspect the battery and cables as described in section 8. Have the level of charge in your battery checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

To keep the locks from freezing

To keep the vehicle's locks from freezing, squirt an approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into the key openings. If a lock is covered with ice, squirt it with an approved de-icing fluid to remove the ice. If the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to thaw it out by using a heated key. Handle the heated key with care to avoid injury.

Use an approved window washer anti-freeze for the window washer system

To keep the water in the window washer system from freezing, add an approved window washer anti-freeze solution in accordance with instructions on the container. Window washer anti-freeze is available from an authorized Kia dealer/service partner and most auto parts outlets. Do not use coolant or other types of anti-freeze as these may damage the paint finish.

Do not let your parking brake freeze

Under some conditions, your parking brake can freeze in the applied position. This is most likely to happen when there is an accumulation of snow or ice around or near the rear brakes or if the brakes are wet. If there is risk of the parking brake freezing, temporarily apply it with the P (Park) gear position selected. Block the rear wheels in advance as well so that the vehicle cannot roll. Then, release the parking brake.

Do not let ice or snow accumulate underneath

Under some conditions, snow and ice can build up under the fenders and interfere with the steering. When driving in severe winter conditions where this may happen, you should periodically check underneath the vehicle to make sure the movements of the front wheels and the steering components are not obstructed.

Carry emergency equipment

Depending on the severity of the weather, you should carry appropriate emergency equipment. Some of the items you may want to carry include tire chains, tow straps or chains, flashlight, emergency flares, sand, shovel, jumper cables, window scraper, gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, blanket, etc.

Do not place objects or materials in the motor compartment

Putting objects or materials in the motor compartment may cause an motor failure. Such damage will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.