2007 KIA Optima release

Driving your vehicle42
4Turn signals (A)The ignition switch must be on for the
turn signals to function. To turn on the
turn signals, move the lever up or down.
Green arrow indicators on the instrument
panel indicate which turn signal is oper-
ating. They will self-cancel after a turn is
completed. If the indicator continues to
flash after a turn, manually return the
lever to the OFF position.
Lane change signals (B)To signal a lane change, move the turn
signal lever slightly and hold it in position.
The lever will return to the OFF position
when released.
If an indicator stays on and does not
flash or if it flashes abnormally, one of the
turn signal bulbs may be burned out and
will require replacement.✽ ✽
NOTICEIf an indicator flash is abnormally quick
or slow, the bulb may be burned out or
have a poor electrical connection in the
circuit.
Front fog light (if equipped) Fog lights are used to provide improved
visibility and avoid accidents when visibili-
ty is poor due to fog, rain or snow etc. The
fog lights will turn on when the fog light
switch (1) is turned to ON (2) after the
headlight switch is turned on.
To turn off the fog lights, turn the switch
to OFF.✽ ✽NOTICEWhen in operation, the fog lights con-
sume large amounts of vehicle electrical
power. Only use the fog lights when vis-
ibility is poor. Unnecessary battery and
generator drain could occur if the fog
lights are used excessively.
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Driving your vehicle
Daytime running light
(if equipped)Daytime Running Lights (DRL) can make
it easier for others to see the front of your
vehicle during the day. DRL can be help-
ful in many different driving conditions,
and it is especially helpful after dawn and
before sunset.
The DRL system will make your high-
beam headlights turn OFF when:
1. The head light switch is ON.
2. The parking brake engaged.
3. Engine stops.
Windshield wipers Type AOperates as follows when the ignition
switch is turned ON.
OFF : Wiper is not in operation
INT : Wiper operates intermittently atthe same wiping intervals. Use
this mode in a light rain or mist. To
vary the speed setting, turn the
speed control knob ( 1). (S : slow
operation, F: fast operation)
LO : Normal wiper speed
HI : Fast wiper speed MIST : For a single wiping cycle, push
the lever forward and release it
with the lever in the OFF position.
The wipers will operate continu-
ously if the lever is pushed
upward and held.
✽ ✽NOTICEIf there is heavy accumulation of snow
or ice on the windshield, defrost the
windshield for about 10 minutes, or
until the snow and/or ice is removed
before using the windshield wipers to
ensure proper operation. ✽ ✽NOTICE• To prevent possible damage to the
wipers or windshield, do not operate
the wipers when the windshield is dry.
• To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
paint thinner, or other solvents on or
near them.
• To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, do not attempt
to move the wipers manually.
WIPERS AND WASHERS
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Driving your vehicle
Windshield washers In the OFF position, pull the lever gently
toward you to spray washer fluid on the
windshield and to run the wipers 2-3
cycles.
Use this function when the windshield is
dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will con-
tinue until you release the lever.If the washer does not work, check the
washer fluid level. If the fluid level is not
sufficient, you will need to add appropri-
ate non-abrasive windshield washer fluid
to the washer reservoir.
The reservoir filler neck is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the
passenger side.
✽ ✽
NOTICETo prevent possible damage to the wash-
er pump, do not operate the washer
when the fluid reservoir is empty.
CAUTION
When the ignition switch is ON and
the windshield wiper switch isplaced in the AUTO mode, use cau-tion in the following situations toavoid any injury to the hands orother parts of the body:
 Do not touch the upper end of the
windshield glass facing the rainsensor.
 Do not wipe the upper end of the
windshield glass with a damp orwet cloth.
 Do not put pressure on the wind-
shield glass.
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
contact with the windshield and
obscure your vision.
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Driving tips45BEFORE DRIVING Before entering vehicle: Be sure that all windows, outside mir-ror(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 inspections Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid
should be checked on a regular basis,
with the exact interval depending on the
fluid. Further details are provided in
Section 7, Maintenance.
Before starting  Close and lock all doors.
 Position the seat so that all controls areeasily 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 famil-
iar with your vehicle and its equipment.
WARNING
- Driving under
the influence of alcohol or
drugs
Drinking and driving is dangerous.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgement. Driving
while under the influence of drugs
is as dangerous or more dangerous
than driving drunk.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or take
drugs and drive.
If you are drinking or taking drugs,
don’t drive. Do not ride with a driv-
er who has been drinking or taking
drugs. Choose a designated driver
or call a cab.

Driving tips12
5✽
✽
NOTICEFailure to sue a trailer wiring harness
can damage your vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem.Driving on grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you
might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer
operate efficiently.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed to around 70 km/h (45
mph) to reduce the possibility of engine
and transaxle overheating.
Operating your vehicle in D (Drive) when
towing a trailer will minimize heat build up
and extend the life of your transaxle.
Parking on hills Generally, you should not park your vehi-
cle, with a trailer attached, on a hill.
People can be seriously or fatally injured,
and both your vehicle and the trailer can
be damaged if they begin a downhill.
However, if you ever have to park your
trailer on a hill, here’s how to do it: 1. Apply your brakes, but don’t shift into
gear.
2. Have someone place chocks (blocks of wood or metal intended for this pur-
pose) under the downhill sides of the
trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brakes until the chocks
absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brakes. Apply your park- ing brake, and then shift to P (Park) for
an automatic transaxle.
5. Release the brakes.
CAUTION
When towing a trailer on steep grades (in excess of 6%) pay closeattention to the engine coolant tem-perature gauge to ensure theengine does not overheat. If theneedle of the coolant temperaturegauge moves across the dialtowards “H” (HOT), pull over andstop as soon as it is safe to do so,and allow the engine to idle until itcools down. You may proceed oncethe engine has cooled sufficiently.
WARNING
- Parking on a
hill
Parking your vehicle on a hill with a
trailer attached is dangerous. It
could cause serious injury or death,
should the trailer break lose, or
should the trailer drag the vehicle
downhill.
WARNING
- Parking brake
It can be dangerous to get out of
your vehicle if the parking brake is
not firmly set or if the engine is still
running.
In either case the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
seriously or fatally injured.

513
Driving tips
When you are ready to leave afterparking on a hill 1. With the automatic transaxle in P (Park), apply your brakes and hold the
brake pedal down while you:
 Start your engine;
 Shift into gear; and
 Release the parking brake.
2. Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly forward until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.Maintenance when trailer towing Your vehicle will need service more often
when you regularly pull a trailer.
Important items to pay particular atten-
tion to include engine oil, automatic
transaxle fluid, axle lubricant and cooling
system fluid. Brake condition is another
important item to frequently check. Each
item is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you find them quickly. If
you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
these sections before you start your trip. Don’t forget to also maintain your trailer
and hitch. Follow the maintenance
schedule that accompanied your trailer
and check it periodically. Preferably, con-
duct the check at the start of each day’s
driving. Most importantly, all hitch nuts
and bolts should be tight.
✽ ✽
NOTICE• Due to higher load during trailer
usage, overheating might occur in hot
days or during uphill driving. If the
coolant gauge indicates over-heating,
switch off the A/C and stop the vehicle
in a safe area to cool down the engine.
• When towing check transaxle fluid more frequently.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with the air conditioner, you should install
a condenser fan to improve engine
performance when towing a trailer.
If you do decide to pull a trailerHere are some important points if you
decide to pull a trailer:
 Consider using a sway control. You can
ask a hitch dealer about sway control.
 After your odometer indicates 800 km (500 miles) or more, you can tow a
trailer. For the first 800 km (500 miles)
that you tow a trailer, don’t drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and don’t make
starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle
“wear” in at the heavier loads.
 Always drive your vehicle at a moder- ate speed (less than 100 km/h (60
mph)).
 On a long uphill grade, do not exceed 70 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing
speed limit, whichever is lower.
 The important considerations have to do with weight:
Weight of the trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be? It
should never weigh more than the maxi-
mum trailer weight with trailer brakes. But
even that can be too heavy. If you feel that
the trailer is adversely affecting the move-
ment of your vehicle, reduce your speed,
avoid uneven or winding roads, avoid
roads with steep grades, and/or lighten
your trailer load.

In case of an emergency14
6When towing your vehicle in an emer-
gency without wheel dollies :
1. Set the ignition switch in the ACC posi-
tion.
2. Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
3. Release the parking brake.✽ ✽ NOTICEFailure to place the transaxle shift lever
in N (Neutral) may cause internal dam-
age to the transaxle.
Tie-down hook
(for flatbed towing)
CAUTION
Do not use the hooks under the front of the vehicle for towing purposes.
These hooks are designed ONLY for transport tie-down. If the tie-down hooks are used for towing, the tie-down hooks will be damaged and this could leadto serious injury.Tie-down hook
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In case of an emergency
When your vehicle is being towed
by another vehicle other than a tow
truck (in case of an emergency) Turn the ignition switch to ACC so thesteering wheel isn’t locked.
 Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
 Release the parking bake.
 Vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles should not exceed 45 km/h
(28 mph) and should not be towed
more than 80 km (50 miles).
 Vehicles equipped with manual transaxle should not be towed in
excess of 88 km/h (55 mph) and
should not be towed more than 645 km
(400 miles).
 Press the brake pedal with more force than normal since you will have
reduced brake performance.
 More steering effort will be required because the power steering system
will be disabled.
 If you are driving down a long hill, the brakes may overheat and brake per-
formance will be reduced. Stop often
and let the brakes cool off.
✽ ✽ NOTICETo prevent internal damage to the
transaxle, never tow your vehicle from
the rear (backwards) with all four tires
in contact with the surface. Tips for towing a stuck vehicleThe following methods are effective
when your vehicle is stuck in mud, sand
or similar substances that prevent the
vehicle from being driven out under its
own power.
 Remove the soil and sand, etc. from
the front and the back of the tires.
 Place a stone or wood under the tires.