Driving your vehicle
66
5
Hazardous driving conditions
When hazardous driving conditions
are encountered such as water,
snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar haz-
ards, follow these suggestions:
Drive cautiously and allow extra
distance for braking.
Avoid sudden braking or steering.
When braking with non-ABS brakes pump the brake pedal with
a light up-and-down motion until
the vehicle is stopped. Do not pump the brake pedal on a
vehicle equipped with ABS.
If stalled in snow, mud, or sand,
use second gear. Accelerate slow-
ly to avoid spinning the drive
wheels.
Use sand, rock salt, or other non- slip material under the drive
wheels to provide traction when
stalled in ice, snow, or mud.
Rocking the vehicle
If it is necessary to rock the vehicle
to free it from snow, sand, or mud,
first turn the steering wheel right and
left to clear the area around your
front wheels. Then, shift back and
forth between R (Reverse) and any
forward gear in vehicles equipped
with an automatic transaxle. Do not
race the engine, and spin the wheels
as little as possible. If you are still
stuck after a few tries, have the vehi-
cle pulled out by a tow vehicle to
avoid engine overheating and possi-
ble damage to the transaxle.
The ESC system should be turned
OFF prior to rocking the vehicle.
SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
WARNING
- Downshifting
Do not downshift with an auto-
matic transaxle while driving on
slippery surfaces. The sudden
change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid and
result in an accident.
CAUTION - Vehicle rocking
Prolonged rocking may cause
engine overheating, transaxledamage or failure, and tire dam-age.
Driving your vehicle
72
5
Don't let your parking brake
freeze
Under some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged
position. This is most likely to hap-
pen 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
while you put the shift lever in P
(automatic transaxle) or in first or
reverse gear (manual transaxle) and
block the rear wheels so the vehicle
cannot roll. Then release the parking
brake.
Don't let ice and snow accu-
mulate 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
car to be sure the movement of the
front wheels and the steering com-
ponents is not obstructed.
Carry emergency equipment
Depending on the severity of the
weather you should carry appropri-
ate emergency equipment. Some of
the items you may want to carry
include tow straps or chains, flash-
light, emergency flares, sand, a
shovel, jumper cables, a window
scraper, gloves, ground cloth, cover-
alls, a blanket, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
We do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.
What to do in an emergency
24
6
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or
chain secured to the emergency tow-
ing hook under the rear of the vehi-
cle. Use extreme caution when tow-
ing the vehicle. A driver must be in
the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done
only on hard-surfaced roads for a
short distance and at low speeds.
Also, the wheels, axles, power train,
steering and brakes must all be in
good condition.
Do not use the tow hooks to pull a
vehicle out of mud, sand or other
conditions from which the vehicle
cannot be driven out under its own
power.
Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the vehicle doing the towing.
The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other fre-
quently. Before emergency towing, check
that the hook is not broken or dam-
aged.
Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.
Do not jerk the hook. Apply steady and even force.
To avoid damaging the hook, do not pull from the side or at a verti-
cal angle. Always pull straight
ahead.CAUTION
Attach a towing strap to the tow hook.
Using a portion of the vehicle other than the tow hooks fortowing may damage the bodyof your vehicle.
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for usein towing vehicles. Securelyfasten the cable or chain tothe towing hook provided.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when tow-
ing the vehicle.
driving maneuvers which
would place excessive stress
on the emergency towing
hook and towing cable or
chain. The hook and towing
cable or chain may break and
cause serious injury or dam-
age.
If the disabled vehicle is unable to be moved, do not
forcibly continue the towing.
Contact an authorized Kia
dealer or a commercial tow
truck service for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
Keep away from the vehicle during towing.
625
What to do in an emergency
Use a towing strap less than 16feet (5 m) long. Attach a white or
red cloth (about 30 cm (12 inches)
wide) in the middle of the strap for
easy visibility.
Drive carefully so that the towing strap is not loosened during tow-
ing.
Emergency towing precautions
Place the ignition switch in ACC sothe steering wheel isn’t locked.
Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
Release the parking bake.
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 steer-
ing system will be disabled.
If you are driving down a long hill, the brakes may overheat and brake
performance will be reduced. Stop
often and let the brakes cool off.CAUTION - Automatic
transaxle
If the car is being towed with all four wheels on the ground,it can be towed only from thefront. Be sure that thetransaxle is in neutral. Be surethe steering is unlocked byplacing the ignition switch inthe ACC position. A drivermust be in the towed vehicleto operate the steering andbrakes.
To avoid serious damage to the automatic transaxle, limitthe vehicle speed to 10 mph(15 km/h) and drive less than1 mile (1.5 km) when towing.
Before towing, check the auto- matic transaxle for fluid leaksunder your vehicle. If the auto-matic transaxle fluid is leak-ing, a flatbed equipment ortowing dolly must be used.
OYF069017
Maintenance
67
OWNER MAINTENANCE
The following lists are vehicle checks
and inspections that should be per-
formed by the owner or an author-
ized Kia dealer at the frequencies
indicated to help ensure safe,
dependable operation of your vehi-
cle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your deal-
er as soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks
are generally not covered by war-
ranties and you may be charged for
labor, parts and lubricants used.Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
Check the engine oil level.
Check the coolant level in coolantreservoir.
Check the windshield washer fluid level.
Look for low or under-inflated tires.
Check the radiator and condenser. Check if the front of the radiator
and condenser are clean and not
blocked with leaves, dirt or insects
etc. If any of the above parts are
extremely dirty or you are not sure
of their condition, take your vehicle
to an authorized Kia dealer.
While operating your vehicle:
Note any changes in the sound ofthe exhaust or any smell of
exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steer-
ing effort or looseness in the steer-
ing wheel, or change in its straight-
ahead position.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on smooth, level
road.
When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel
or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs,
check the transaxle fluid level.
Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
Check the parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
WARNING - Hot coolant
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot
coolant and steam may blow
out under pressure. This could
cause burns or other serious
injuries.
77
Maintenance
At least monthly:
Check the coolant level in theengine coolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flash-
ers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year
(i.e., every Spring and Fall) :
Check the radiator, heater and air conditioning hoses for leaks or
damage.
Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean
the wiper blades with clean cloth
dampened with washer fluid.
Check the headlight alignment.
Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year :
Clean the body and door drainholes.
Lubricate the door hinges and check the hood hinges.
Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Check the power steering fluid level.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake/clutch fluid level.
Maintenance
10
7
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 6 months
❑ Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
1
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 12 months
❑Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑ Inspect brake hoses and lines
❑ Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑ Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑ Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
❑ Inspect rear brake disc/pads
❑ Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball
joint, upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑ Replace climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 24 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
1
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
❑ Inspect all latch, hinges and locks
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.
❈Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.
711
Maintenance
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
36,000 km (22,500 miles) or 18 months
❑Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(36,000 km (22,500 miles) or 36 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
1
(36,000 km (22,500 miles) or 36 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
❑ Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑ Inspect brake hoses and lines
❑ Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑ Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑ Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
❑ Inspect rear brake disc/pads
❑ Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball
joint, upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑ Inspect brake fluid
❑ Inspect fuel filter *
2
❑Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
❑ Inspect fuel tank air filter *2
❑Inspect parking brake
❑ Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap
❑ Replace climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)
❑ Replace air cleaner filter
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 48 months)
(Continued)
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.