Winter driving
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We recommend that you carry emergency equipment, including tire chains, a window scraper, windshield de-icer, a bag of sand or salt, flares, a small shovel and jumper cables.
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Make sure you have sufficient ethylene-glycol coolant in the radiator.
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Check the battery condition and cables. Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in excellent condition to provide enough winter starting power.
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Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for cold weather.
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Check the ignition system for loose connections and damage.
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Use antifreeze-formulated windshield washer fluid. (Do not use engine coolant antifreeze.)
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Do not use the parking brake if it might freeze. When parking, shift to 1 (First) or R (Reverse) and block the rear wheels.
Snow tires
If you mount snow tires on your Kia, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels to balance your vehicle’s handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that the traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may not be as high as your vehicle's original equipment tires.You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.
Snow tire size
Snow tires should be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle's standard tires. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.
Do not install studded tires without first checking local, state and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.
Tire chains
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are thinner, they can be damaged by mounting some types of snow chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tires is recommended instead of snow chains. Do not mount tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels, snow chains may cause damage to the wheels. If snow chains must be used, use wire-type chains with a thickness of less than 15 mm (0.59 in). Damage to your vehicle caused by improper snow chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturers warranty.
Install them only on the rear tires.
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Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for your tires. 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 tire. 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 (0.3 to 0.6 miles) to ensure safe mounting. Retighten or remount the chains if they are loose.
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 apply the parking brake and turn off the engine before installing snow chains.
Tire chains
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The use of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
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Do not exceed 30 km/h (20 mph) 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.
Drive your vehicle when water vapor condenses and accumulates inside the exhaust pipes
When the vehicle is stopped for a long time in winter while the engine is running, water vapor 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.