Traction control (if equipped)

Traction Control is a system that achieve optimal driving performance by controlling engine and braking by road condition (snow, muddy, sandy)

Traction control mode

If you press the "DRIVE/TRACTION" mode button, the driving mode is changed from Driving control to Traction control. You can select SNOW (1), MUD (2) or SAND (3) mode by rotation the knob. If you press the "DRIVE/TRACTION" mode button again, the driving mode is changed from Traction Control to previous driving control.

The driving mode will be set to Driving control when the restarted, If it is in Traction Control.

WARNING

Traction mode is a device applied for 2WD(2 wheel drive) vehicles. Please do not drive too hard on rough roads where 4WD(4 wheel drive) vehicles performance are required.

Invalid mode selection can lead to loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads, this can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

Traction mode operation

Traction mode offers special traction tuning for snow/mud/sand, optimizing available traction in adverse conditions. Traction mode adjusts left and right wheel slip control, engine torque and shift patterns according to available traction levels.

Driving in sand or mud

Maintain slow and constant speed. Operate the accelerator pedal slowly to ensure safe driving (wheel-slip prevention).
Use tyre chains driving in mud if necessary.
Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Reduce vehicle speed and always check the road condition.
Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.

NOTICE

Moving the car forcibly to get out of mud or sand can cause damage/overheat of the engine or damage/breakdown of the transmission as well as damage to tyres. If excessive wheel slip occurs after entering a sandy/muddy road, the vehicle may fall into the sand/mud. When it happens, put a stone or a tree branch under the tyre, and then try to pull out the car, or try to get it unstuck by repeatedly moving forwards and backwards.
When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand or mud, the tyres may not operate. This is to protect the transmission and not a malfunction.

Transmission overheated

When driving on muddy and sandy roads under the severe condition, the transmission could be overheated.
When the transmission is overheated, the safe protection mode engages and the "Transmission Hot! Park with engine on" warning message will appear on the LCD display with a chime.
If this occurs, pull over to a safe location, stop the vehicle with the engine running, apply the brakes and shift the vehicle to P (Park), and allow the transmission to cool.
If you ignore this warning, the driving condition may become worse. You may experience abrupt shifts, frequent shifts, or jerkiness. To return to the normal driving condition, stop the vehicle and apply the foot brake or shift into P (Park). Then allow the transmission to cool for a few minutes with engine on, before driving off.
When the message "Trans cooled. Resume driving" appears you can continue to drive your vehicle.

If the warning messages in the LCD display continue to blink, for your safety, have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.