2006 KIA Optima Owner's Manual

5-1
DRIVING TIPSFuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Emission Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Before Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Suggestions for Economical Operation . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Special Driving Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11
Overloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11
Label Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11
Homelink® Wireless Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
5
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DRIVING TIPS
5-2FUEL REQUIREMENTSYour new Kia Vehicle must use only
UNLEADED FUEL having an octane
rating of 87 or higher. Your new Kia is
designed to obtain maximum performance
with unleaded fuel. Unleaded fuel will
minimize exhaust emissions and spark
plug fouling.
GASOLINE CONTAINING
ALCOHOL AND METHANOLEthanol (also known as grain alcohol) is
a mixture of ethanol and gasoline
marketed as gasohol. Do not use gasohol
containing more than 10% ethanol.
Methanol (also known as wood alcohol)
is a mixture of gasoline and methanol
marketed as gasohol. Do not use gasoline
or gasohol containing methanol.
Either of these fuels may cause
driveability problems and damage to the
fuel system.
Discontinue using gasohol of any kind if
driveability problems occur.
Vehicle damage or driveability problems
may not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty if they result from the use of:
 Gasohol containing more than 10%
ethanol,
 Gasoline or gasohol containing
methanol, or
 Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol
✻
NOTICE
NEVER USE LEADED FUEL. The
use of leaded fuel is detrimental to
the catalytic converter. Never add
any fuel system cleaning agents to
the fuel tank other than what Kia
has specified or the equivalent.
(Consult an Authorized Kia Dealer
for details.)
Leaded fuel will damage the engine
control system’s oxygen sensor and
affect the emission control system.
✻
NOTICE
Never use gashol which contains
methanol. Discontinue use of any
gashohol product which impairs
driveability.
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5-3
EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM The vehicle emission control system is
covered by a written limited warranty.
Please see the warranty & consumer
information manual in your vehicle.VEHICLE MODIFICATIONSThis vehicle should not be modified.
Modification of your Kia could affect its
performance, safety or durability and
may even violate governmental safety
and emissions regulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from any modification
may not be covered under warranty.
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS
PRECAUTIONS
(CARBON MONOXIDE)Engine exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide. Though colorless and
odorless, it is dangerous and could be
lethal, if inhaled.
 Carbon monoxide can be present
with other exhaust fumes.
Therefore, if you smell exhaust
fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have it inspected and
repaired immediately by an
Authorized Kia Dealer. If at all
possible, do not drive with exhaust
fumes present. If you must, do so
only with all windows fully open.
Have your vehicle checked and
repaired immediately.
 Do not operate the engine in confined
or closed areas (such as garages) any
more than what is necessary to move
the vehicle in or out of the area. When the vehicle is stopped in an
open area for more than a short time
with the engine running, adjust the
ventilation system to draw outside air
into the vehicle.
Turn the engine off if you smell any
exhaust fumes.
 Never sit in a parked or stopped
vehicle for an extended time with the
engine running.
 When the engine stalls or fails to
start, excessive attempts to re-start
the engine may cause damage to the
emission control system.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTERSYour vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter emission control device.
Therefore, the following precautions
must be observed:
 Use only UNLEADED FUEL.
 Do not park the vehicle over or near
flammable objects, such as dry grass,
paper, leaves, etc. Under certain
conditions, they could be ignited by a
hot exhaust system.
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DRIVING TIPS
5-4 Do not operate the vehicle when
there are signs of engine malfunction,
such as misfire or a noticeable loss of
performance.
 Do not misuse or abuse the engine.
Examples of misuse are coasting
with the ignition off and descending
steep grades in gear with the ignition
off.
 Do not operate the engine at high idle
speed for extended periods (5
minutes or more).
 Do not modify or tamper with any
part of the engine or emission control
system. All inspections and
adjustments must be made by a
qualified technician.
Failure to observe the above precautions
could result in damage to the catalytic
converter and to your vehicle and could
void your warranties.
BEFORE DRIVINGBefore entering vehicle:
 Be sure that all windows, outside
mirror(s), and outside lights are clean.
 Check the condition of the tires.
 Check under the vehicle for any sign
of leaks.
 Be sure there are no obstacles behind
you if you intend to back up.NECESSARY
INSPECTIONSFluid levels, such as engine oil, engine
coolant, brake/clutch fluid, and washer
fluid should be checked on a regular
basis, with the exact interval depending
on the fluid. Further details are provided
in Maintenance, Section 7.
BEFORE STARTING Close and lock all doors.
 Position the seat so that all controls
are easily reached.
 Adjust the inside and outside
rearview mirrors.
 Be sure that all lights work.
 Check all gauges.
 Check the operation of warning
lights when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
 Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and its
equipment.
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5-5
DRUNK DRIVINGDrinking and driving is dangerous. Drunk
driving is the number one contributor to
the highway death toll each year. Alcohol
impairs a driver’s judgment, vision and
muscular coordination. Even a small
amount of alcohol will affect a driver’s
reflexes, perceptions and judgment.
Please don’t drink and drive, or ride with
a driver who has been drinking. Choose
a designated driver if you’re with a
group, or if you’re alone, call a cab.
DRUGS AND DRIVINGDriving while under the influence of
drugs is as dangerous or more dangerous
than driving under the influence of
alcohol, depending on the drug(s) used
and the quantity consumed. Don’t take
drugs and drive.
If you are taking a prescription medicine,
check with your doctor or pharmacist
regarding whether you may operate a
motor vehicle.
SUGGESTIONS FOR
ECONOMICAL
OPERATIONYour vehicle’s fuel economy is mainly
dependent on your style of driving, how
you drive, where you drive and when
you drive.
Each of these factors has an effect on
how many miles (kilometers) you can get
from a gallon (liter) of fuel. To operate
your vehicle as economically as possible,
use the following driving suggestions to
help save money in both fuel and repairs:
 Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once
the engine is running smoothly, begin
driving. Remember, though, that on
cold days, engine warm-up may take
a little longer.
 Save fuel by accelerating slowly after
stopping.
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 Keep the engine in tune and follow the
recommended periodic maintenance
schedule.
This will increase the life of all parts
and lower your operating costs.
 Do not use the air conditioner
unnecessarily.
 Slow down when driving on rough
roads.
 For longer tire life and better fuel
economy, always keep the tires
inflated to the recommended
pressures.
 Maintain a safe distance from other
vehicles to avoid sudden stops. This
will reduce wear on brake linings and
pads and save fuel because extra fuel
is required to accelerate back to
driving speed.
 Do not carry unnecessary weight in
the vehicle. Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This can cause
needless wear, possible damage to
the brakes, and poor fuel economy.
 Improper wheel alignment causes the
tires to roll at excessive angles,
which results in faster tire wear. It
takes more power to overcome this
improper alignment, which wastes
fuel.
 Open windows at high speeds can
reduce fuel economy.
 Crosswinds and headwinds reduce
fuel economy. To help offset some of
this loss, slow down when driving in
these conditions.
Keeping a vehicle in good operating
condition is important both for
economy and safety.
Therefore, have an Authorized Kia
Dealer perform scheduled inspections
and maintenance.
DRIVING TIPS
5-6
WARNING - Engine OFF
Motion
Never turn the engine off to
coast down hills or anytime the
vehicle is in motion. The power
steering and power brakes will
not function without the engine
running. Instead, downshift to
any appropriate gear for engine
braking effect.
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SPECIAL DRIVING
CONDITIONSHAZARDOUS DRIVINGWhen hazardous driving is encountered
because of water, snow, ice, mud, sand, or
similar hazard, follow these suggestions:
 Drive cautiously and allow extra
distance for braking.
 Avoid sudden movements in braking
or steering.
 When braking in vehicles without
anti-lock brakes, depress the brake
pedal with a controlled up-and- down
motion until the vehicle is stopped.
 When starting from a stop in snow,
mud, or sand, use second gear and
accelerate slowly to avoid spinning
the front wheels. Low gear may be
used, if necessary.
 Use sand, rock salt, tire chains, or
other non-slip material under the
front wheels to provide traction when
stalled on ice, snow, or mud.
ROCKING THE VEHICLEIf it is necessary to rock the vehicle to
free it from snow, sand, or mud, move
the shift lever of an automatic transaxle
from D (Drive) to R (Reverse) in a
repeat pattern while depressing the
accelerator gently. With a manual
transaxle, move the shift lever back and
forth from 1 (First) to R (Reverse).
Do not race the engine. If you are still
stuck after a couple minutes of rocking,
have the vehicle pulled out by a tow
vehicle to avoid engine overheating and
possible damage to the transaxle.
5-7
WARNING -
Downshifting
Downshifting into first gear with
a manual transaxle or into low
with an automatic transaxle
while driving on slippery
surfaces can cause an
accident. The sudden change in
tire speed could cause the tires
to skid. Be careful when
downshifting on slippery
surfaces.
✻
NOTICE
Prolonged rocking may cause
engine overheating, transaxle
damage or failure, and tire
damage.
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DRIVING TIPS
5-8
DRIVING AT NIGHTBecause night driving presents many
more hazards than driving in the
daylight, here are some important tips to
remember:
 Slow down and keep more distance
between you and other vehicles as it
may be more difficult to see at night,
especially in rural areas where there
may not be any street lights.
 Adjust your mirrors to reduce the
glare from other driver’s headlights.
 Keep your headlights clean and
properly aimed. Dirty or misaimed
headlights will make it much more
difficult to see at night.
 Avoid staring directly at the
headlights of oncoming vehicles.
You could be temporarily blinded
and it will take several seconds for
your eyes to readjust to the darkness.
DRIVING IN THE RAINRain and wet roads can make driving
dangerous, especially if you’re not
prepared for the slick pavement. Here are
a few things to consider when driving in
the rain:
 Be sure your windshield wipers are
in good condition.
 A heavy rainfall will make it harder
to see and will increase the distance
needed to stop your vehicle, so slow
down.
 If your tires aren’t in good condition,
making a quick stop on wet
pavement can cause a skid and
possibly lead to an accident. Be sure
your tires and windshield wipers are
in good shape.
 Turn on your headlights to make it
easier for others to see you.
 Driving too fast through large
puddles can affect your brakes. If
you must go through puddles, try to
drive through them slowly.
WARNING -
Spinning
Tires
Do not spin the wheels
especially at speeds more than
35 mph (56 km/h). Spinning the
wheels at high speeds when the
vehicle is stationary could
cause a tire to overheat,
explode and injure by standers.
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