Winter driving
To minimise the problems of winter driving, you should follow these suggestions:
Summer tyres
Kia specifies summer tyres on some models to provide superior performance on dry roads. Summer tyre performance is substantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer tyres do not have the tyre traction rating M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tyre side wall. if you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, Kia recommends the use of snow tyres or all season tyres on all four wheels.
Snowy or icy conditions
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be necessary to use snow tyres or to install tyre chainson your tyres.
If snow tyres are needed, it is necessary to select tyres equivalent in size and type of the original equipment tyres. 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 the vehicle in operation in front of your vehicle. Also, apply the brake gently. It should be noted that installing tyre chains on the tyre will provide a greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids.
Snow tyres
If you mount snow tyres on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tyres of the same size and load range as the original tyres. Mount snow tyres on all four wheels to balance your vehicle's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that the traction provided by snow tyres on dry roads may not be as high as your vehicle's original equipment tyres. You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tyre dealer for maximum speed recommendations.
Snow tyre size
Snow tyres should be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle's standard tyres. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.
Do not install studded tyres without first checking local, state and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.
Tyre chains
Since the sidewalls of radial tyres are thinner, they can be damaged by mounting some types of snow chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tyres is recommended instead of snow chains. Do not mount tyre chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; snow chains may cause damage to the wheels. If snow chains must be used, use fabric-type chains for 17 inch and 18 inch tyres or wire-type chains with a thickness of less than 12 mm (0.47 in) for 16 inch tyres. Damage to your vehicle caused by improper snow chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturers warranty.
Install tyre chains only on the front tyres.
Do not exceed 30 km/h (20 mph) or the chain manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower.
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Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for your tyres. 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 tyre. Make sure the snow chains are SAE class "S" certified.
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Always check chain installation for proper mounting after driving approximately 0.5 to 1 km to ensure safe mounting. Retighten or remount the chains if they are loose.
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Fabric-type chains must be used on the vehicle with 17 inch (215/60R17) and 18 inch (215/55R18) tyres.
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Even with the appropriate chain installed, do not make a full turn (turn the steering wheel fully to one side) when driving the vehicle. (If you are making a full turn, drive with the speed below 10 km/h.)
When installing chains, follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly as you can. Drive slowly with chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tighten them. If they still make contact, slow down until it stops. Remove the chains as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.
Mounting chains
When mounting snow chains, park the vehicle on level ground away from traffic. Turn on the vehicle Hazard Warning flashers and place a triangular emergency warning device behind the vehicle if available. Always place the vehicle in P (Park), apply the parking brake and turn off the engine before installing snow chains.
Tyre chains
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The use of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
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Do not exceed 30 km/h or the chain manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is lower.
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Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, sharp turns, and other road hazards, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
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Avoid sharp turns or locked wheel braking.
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Chains that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.
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Stop driving and retighten the chains any time you hear them hitting the vehicle.
Use high quality ethylene glycol coolant
Your vehicle is delivered with high quality ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling system. It is the only type of coolant that should be used because it helps prevent corrosion in the cooling system, lubricates the water pump and prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or replenish your coolant refer to More Details. Before winter, have your coolant tested to assure that its freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures anticipated during the winter.
Check battery and cables
Winter puts additional burdens on the battery system. Visually inspect the battery and cables (refer to More Details). The level of charge in your battery can be checked by an authorised Kia dealer or a service station.
Change to "winter weight" oil if necessary
In some climates it is recommended that a lower viscosity "winter weight" oil be used during cold weather. Refer to More Details for recommendations. If you aren't sure what weight oil you should use, Kia recommends to consult an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.
Check spark plugs and ignition system
Inspect your spark plugs as described in More Details and replace them if necessary. Also check all ignition wiring and components to be sure they are not cracked, worn or damaged in any way.
To keep locks from freezing
To keep the locks from freezing, squirt an approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into the key opening. 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 approved window washer anti-freeze in 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 authorised Kia dealer and most auto parts outlets. Do not use vehicle coolant or other types of anti-freeze as these may damage the paint finish.
Don't let your parking brake freeze
Under some conditions your parking brake can freeze in the engaged 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 a risk the parking brake may freeze, apply it only temporarily whilst you put the gear shift dial in P (Park) and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.
Don't let ice and snow accumulate underneath
Under some conditions, snow and ice can build up under the fenders and interfere with the steering. In severe winter conditions you should periodically check underneath the vehicle to be sure the movement 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 tow straps or chains, flashlight, emergency flares, sand, shovel, jumper cables, window scraper, gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, blanket, etc.
Drive your vehicle when water vapour condenses and accumulates inside the exhaust pipes
When the vehicle is stopped for a long time in winter whilst the engine is running, water vapour may condense and accumulate inside the exhaust pipes. Water in the exhaust pipes may cause noise, etc., but it is drained driving at medium to high speed.