Kia Soul (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 24

Driving your vehicle

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5

Special driving conditions

WARNING

Rollover
As with other Sports Utility Vehicle 
(SUV), failure to operate this vehicle 
correctly may result in loss of con-
trol, an accident or vehicle rollover.
䳜 Utility vehicles have a significantly 

higher rollover rate than other 
types of vehicles.

䳜 Specific design characteristics 

(higher ground clearance, nar-
rower track, etc.) give this vehicle 
a higher center of gravity than 
ordinary vehicles.

䳜 A SUV is not designed for corner-

ing at the same speeds as con-
ventional vehicles.

䳜 Avoid sharp turns or abrupt 

maneuvers.

䳜 In a rollover crash, an unbelted 

person is significantly more likely 
to die than a person wearing a 
seat belt. Make sure everyone in 
the vehicle is properly buckled up.

WARNING

Your vehicle is equipped with tires 
designed to provide safe ride and 
handling capability. Do not use a size 
and type of tire and wheel that is 
different from the one that is origi-
nally installed on your vehicle. It can 
affect the safety and performance 
of your vehicle, which could lead to 
steering failure or rollover and seri-
ous injury. When replacing the tires, 

be sure to equip all four tires with 
the tire and wheel of the same size, 
type, tread, brand and load-carrying 
capacity.

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.

Do not race the vehicle, and spin the 
wheels as little as possible. If you 
are still stuck after a few tries, have 
the vehicle pulled out by a tow vehi-
cle to avoid vehicle overheating and 
possible damage to the reduction 
gear.

WARNING

Sudden Vehicle Movement
Do not attempt to rock the vehicle if 
people or objects are nearby. The 
vehicle may suddenly move forward 
or backwards as it becomes 
unstuck.

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Driving your vehicle

Special driving conditions

CAUTION

Vehicle rocking
Prolonged rocking may cause vehicle 
overheating, reduction gear dam-
age or failure, and tire damage.

CAUTION

Spinning tires
Do not spin the wheels, especially at 
speeds more than 56 km/h (35 
mph). Spinning the wheels at high 
speeds when the vehicle is station-
ary could cause a tire to overheat 
which could result in tire damage 
that WARNING - Sudden may injure 
bystanders.

The ESC system should be turned 
OFF prior to rocking the vehicle.

Smooth cornering

Avoid braking or gear changing in 
corners, especially when roads are 
wet. Ideally, corners should always 
be taken under gentle acceleration. 
If you follow these suggestions, tire 
wear will be held to a minimum.

Driving at night

Because night driving presents more 
hazards than driving in the daylight, 
here are some important tips to 
remember:
䳜 Slow down and keep more dis-

tance between you and other 

vehicles, as it may be more diffi-
cult to see at night, especially in 
areas where there may not be 
any street lights.

䳜 Adjust your mirrors to reduce the 

glare from other driver's head-
lights.

䳜 Keep your headlights clean and 

properly aimed. (On vehicles not 
equipped with the automatic 
headlight aiming feature.) Dirty or 
improperly aimed headlights will 
make it much more difficult to see 
at night.

䳜 Avoid staring directly at the head-

lights of oncoming vehicles. You 
could be temporarily blinded, and 
it will take several seconds for 
your eyes to readjust to the dark-
ness.

Driving in the rain

Rain 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:
䳜 A heavy rainfall will make it 

harder to see and will increase the 
distance needed to stop your 
vehicle, so slow down.

䳜 Keep your windshield wiping 

equipment in good shape. Replace 
your windshield wiper blades 
when they show signs of streak-
ing or missing areas on the wind-
shield.

Driving your vehicle

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5

Special driving conditions

䳜 If your tires are not in good condi-

tion, making a quick stop on wet 
pavement can cause a skid and 
possibly lead to an accident. Be 
sure your tires are in good shape.

䳜 Turn on your headlights to make 

it easier for others to see you.

䳜 Driving too fast through large 

puddles can affect your brakes. If 
you must go through puddles, try 
to drive through them slowly.

䳜 If you believe you may have got-

ten your brakes wet, apply them 
lightly while driving until normal 
braking operation returns.

Driving in flooded areas

Avoid driving through flooded areas 
unless you are sure the water is no 
higher than the bottom of the wheel 
hub. Drive through any water 
slowly. Allow adequate stopping dis-
tance because brake performance 
may be affected.

After driving through water, dry the 
brakes by gently applying them 
several times while the vehicle is 
moving slowly.

Driving off-road

Drive carefully off-road because 
your vehicle may be damaged by 
rocks or roots of trees. Become 
familiar with the off-road conditions 
where you are going to drive before 
you begin driving.

Highway driving

Tires

Adjust the tire inflation pressures to 
specification. Low tire inflation pres-
sures will result in overheating and 
possible failure of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires 
which may result in reduced traction 
or tire failure.
Never exceed the maximum tire 
inflation pressure shown on the 
tires.

WARNING

Under/over inflated tires
Always check the tires for proper 
inflation before driving. Underin-
flated or overinflated tires can 
cause poor handling, loss of vehicle 
control, and sudden tire failure lead-
ing to accidents, injuries, and even 
death. For proper tire pressures, 
refer to "Tires and wheels" on page 
8-4.

WARNING

Tire tread
Always check the tire tread before 
driving your vehicle. Worn-out tires 
can result in loss of vehicle control. 
Worn-out tires should be replaced 
as soon as possible. For further 
information and tread limits, refer 
to "Tires and wheels" on page 7-33.

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Driving your vehicle

Winter driving

Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil

High speed travel consumes more 
fuel than urban motoring. Do not 
forget to check both the engine 
coolant and engine oil.

Drive belt

A loose or damaged drive belt may 
result in overheating of the engine.

Winter driving

Severe weather conditions in the 
winter result in greater wear and 
other problems.

To minimize the problems of winter 
driving, you should follow these 
suggestions:

Snowy or icy conditions

To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it 
may be necessary to use snow tires 
on your tires.

If snow tires are needed, it is neces-
sary to select tires equivalent in size 
and type of the original equipment 
tires. 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 prac-
tices.

During deceleration, use vehicle 
braking to the fullest extent. Sud-
den 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. 

Driving your vehicle

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Winter driving

Snow tires

If you mount snow tires on your 
vehicle, 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 bal-
ance 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 equip-
ment tires. You should drive cau-
tiously even when the roads are 
clear. Check with the tire dealer for 
maximum speed recommendations.

Do not install studded tires without 
first checking local, state and 
municipal regulations for possible 
restrictions against their use.

WARNING

Snow tire size
Snow tires should be equivalent in 
size and type to the vehicle's stan-
dard tires. Otherwise, the safety 
and handling of your vehicle may be 
adversely affected.

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 "Normal mainte-
nance schedule - Non Turbo Models" 
on page 7-9. 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 "For 
best battery service" on page 7-31). 
The level of charge in your battery 
can be checked by an authorized 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 "Recommended 
lubricants and capacities" on page 
8-6 for recommendations. If you 
aren't sure what weight oil you 
should use, consult an authorized 
Kia dealer.

Check spark plugs and ignition sys-
tem

Inspect your spark plugs as 
described in "Scheduled mainte-

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Driving your vehicle

Winter driving

nance service" on page 7-8 and 
replace them if necessary. Also 
check all ignition wiring and compo-
nents 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 inter-
nally, 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. Win-
dow washer anti-freeze is available 
from an authorized 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 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 temporar-
ily while 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. 
When driving in severe winter condi-
tions where this may happen, you 
should periodically check under-
neath 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 appropri-
ate emergency equipment. Some of 
the items you may want to carry 
include tow straps or chains, flash-
light, emergency flares, sand, 
shovel, jumper cables, window 
scraper, gloves, ground cloth, cover-
alls, blanket, etc.

Driving your vehicle

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5

Trailer towing

Trailer towing

We do not recommend using this 
vehicle for trailer towing.

Vehicle load limit

The vehicle load limit is displayed on 
the tire and loading information 
label on the driver's door.

Tire and loading information label

The label located on the driver's 
door sill gives the original tire size, 
cold tire pressures recommended 
for your vehicle, the number of peo-
ple that can be in your vehicle and 
vehicle capacity weight.

Vehicle capacity weight:

390 kg (860 lbs.)
Vehicle capacity weight is the maxi-
mum combined weight of occupants 
and cargo. If your vehicle is equipped 
with a trailer, the combined weight 
includes the tongue load.

Seating capacity:

Total: 5 persons (Front seat: 2 per-
sons, Rear seat: 3 persons)
Seating capacity is the maximum 
number of occupants including a 
driver, your vehicle may carry.

OSK3068034NR

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Driving your vehicle

Vehicle load limit

However, the seating capacity may 
be reduced based upon the weight 
of all of the occupants, and the 
weight of the cargo being carried or 
towed.
Do not overload the vehicle as there 
is a limit to the total weight, or load 
limit including occupants and cargo, 
the vehicle can carry.

Towing capacity:

We do not recommend using this 
vehicle for trailer towing.

Cargo capacity:

The cargo capacity of your vehicle 
will increase or decrease depending 
on the weight and the number of 
occupants.

Steps For Determining Correct Load 
Limit -
1. Locate the statement "The com-

bined weight of occupants and 
cargo should never exceed XXX kg 
or XXX lbs.'' on your vehicle's plac-
ard.

2. Determine the combined weight 

of the driver and passengers that 
will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of 

the driver and passengers from 
XXX kg or XXX lbs..

4. The resulting figure equals the 

available amount of cargo and 
luggage load capacity. For exam-
ple, if the "XXX" amount equals 
635 kg (1400 lbs.) and there will 
be five 68 kg (150 lbs.) passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount 

of available cargo and luggage 
load capacity is 295 kg (650 lbs.). 
(635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg or 
1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)

5. Determine the combined weight 

of luggage and cargo being loaded 
on the vehicle. That weight may 
not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity 
calculated in Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a 

trailer, load from your trailer will 
be transferred to your vehicle. 
Consult this manual to determine 
how this reduces the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity 
of your vehicle.

WARNING

Loose cargo
Do not travel with unsecured blunt 
objects in the passenger compart-
ment of your vehicle (e.g. suit cases 
or unsecured child seats). These 
items may strike occupant during a 
sudden stop or crash.

Example 1

ODEEV078137NR

Driving your vehicle

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5

Vehicle load limit

Example 2

Example 3

Refer to your vehicle's tire and load-
ing information label for specific 
information about your vehicle's 
capacity weight and seating posi-
tions. The combined weight of the 
driver, passengers and cargo should 
never exceed your vehicle's capac-
ity weight.

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity 

Weight

385 kg

(849 lbs.)

B

Subtract Occupant 

Weight

68 kg (150 lbs.) 2

136 kg

(300 lbs.)

C

Available Cargo and 

Luggage weight

249 kg

(549 lbs.)

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity 

Weight

385 kg

(849 lbs.)

B

Subtract Occupant 

Weight

68 kg (150 lbs.) 5

340 kg

(750 lbs.)

C

Available Cargo and 

Luggage weight

45 kg

(99 lbs.)

ODEEV078138NR

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity 

Weight

385 kg

(849 lbs.)

B

Subtract Occupant 

Weight

73 kg (161 lbs.) 5

365 kg

(805 lbs.)

C

Available Cargo and 

Luggage weight

20 kg

(44 lbs.)

ODEEV078139NR

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Driving your vehicle

Vehicle load limit

Certification label

The certification label is located on 
the driver's door sill at the center 
pillar.

This label shows the maximum 
allowable weight of the fully loaded 
vehicle. This is called the GVWR 
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The 
GVWR includes the weight of the 
vehicle, all occupants and cargo.

This label also tells you the maxi-
mum weight that can be supported 
by the front and rear axles, called 
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).

To find out the actual loads on your 
front and rear axles, you need to go 
to a weigh station and weigh your 
vehicle. Your dealer can help you 
with this. Be sure to spread out your 
load equally on both sides of the 
centerline.

WARNING

Over loading
Never exceed the GVWR for your 
vehicle, the GAWR for either the 
front or rear axle and vehicle capac-
ity weight. Exceeding these ratings 
can affect your vehicle's handling 
and braking ability.

The label will help you decide how 
much cargo and installed equip-
ment your vehicle can carry.

If you carry items inside your vehicle 
- like suitcases, tools, packages, or 
anything else - they are moving as 
fast as the vehicle. If you have to 
stop or turn quickly, or if there is a 
crash, the items will keep going and 
can cause an injury if they strike the 
driver or a passenger.

WARNING

Over loading
Do not overload your vehicle. Over-
loading your vehicle can cause heat 
buildup in your vehicle's tires and 
possible tire failure, increased stop-
ping distances and poor vehicle han-
dling--all of which may result in a 
crash.

NOTICE

Overloading your vehicle may cause 
damage. Repairs would not be cov-
ered by your warranty. Do not over-
load your vehicle.

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Vehicle weight

Vehicle weight

This chapter will guide you in the 
proper loading of your vehicle and/
or trailer, to keep your loaded vehi-
cle weight within its design rating 
capability, with or without a trailer.

Properly loading your vehicle will 
provide maximum return of the 
vehicle design performance. Before 
loading your vehicle, familiarize 
yourself with the following terms 
for determining your vehicle's 
weight ratings, with or without a 
trailer, from the vehicle's specifica-
tions and the compliance label:

Base curb weight This is the weight 
of the vehicle including a full tank of 
fuel and all standard equipment. It 
does not include passengers, cargo, 
or optional equipment.

Vehicle curb weight This is the 
weight of your new vehicle when 
you picked it up from your dealer 
plus any aftermarket equipment.

Cargo weight This figure includes all 
weight added to the Base Curb 
Weight, including cargo and optional 
equipment.

GAW (Gross axle weight) This is the 
total weight placed on each axle 
(front and rear) - including vehicle 
curb weight and all payload.

GAWR (Gross axle weight rating) 
This is the maximum allowable 

weight that can be carried by a sin-
gle axle (front or rear). These num-
bers are shown on the compliance 
label. The total load on each axle 
must never exceed its GAWR.

GVW (Gross vehicle weight) This is 
the Base Curb Weight plus actual 
Cargo Weight plus passengers.

GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating) 
This is the maximum allowable 
weight of the fully loaded vehicle 
(including all options, equipment, 
passengers and cargo). The GVWR is 
shown on the certification label 
located on the driver's door sill.

6

What to do in an emergency

What to do in an emergency

Road warning............................................................................. 6-3
䳜 Hazard warning flasher......................................................... 6-3
In case of an emergency while driving.................................. 6-4
䳜 If the Vehicle Stalls While Driving ........................................ 6-4
䳜 If the engine stalls at a crossroad or crossing .................. 6-4
䳜 If you have a flat tire while driving...................................... 6-4
If the engine will not start ...................................................... 6-5
䳜 If engine doesn't turn over or turns over slowly .............. 6-5
䳜 If engine turns over normally but does not start............. 6-5
Emergency starting.................................................................. 6-6
䳜 Jump starting.......................................................................... 6-6
䳜 Push-starting.......................................................................... 6-7
If the engine overheats............................................................ 6-8
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)............................ 6-9
䳜 Effective Use of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System 

(TPMS) ....................................................................................6-10

䳜 Low tire pressure telltale ...................................................6-11
䳜 Low tire pressure position telltale.....................................6-11
䳜 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) malfunction 

indicator  ................................................................................6-12

䳜 Tire replacement with TPMS..............................................6-13
䳜 This device complies with Industry Canada licence-

exempt RSS standard(s). ....................................................6-15

If you have a flat tire .............................................................6-15
䳜 Jack and tools........................................................................6-15
䳜 Removing and storing the spare tire ................................6-16
䳜 Changing tires .......................................................................6-17
䳜 Important - use of compact spare tire ............................6-20

6

What to do in an emergency

䳜 Jack label ................................................................................6-22
Towing.......................................................................................6-23
䳜 Towing without Wheel Dollies when using a Towing 

Service ....................................................................................6-24

䳜 Using removable towing hook ............................................6-24
䳜 Emergency towing ...............................................................6-25

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6

6

What to do in an emergency

Road warning

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMER-
GENCY

Road warning

When in an emergency situation 
occurs while driving or when you 
park by the edge of the roadway, 
you must alert approaching or pass-
ing vehicles to be careful as they 
pass. For this, you should use the 
hazard warning flasher.

Hazard warning flasher

The hazard warning flasher serves 
as a warning to other drivers to 
exercise extreme caution when 
approaching, overtaking, or passing 
your vehicle.

It should be used whenever emer-
gency repairs are being made or 
when the vehicle is stopped near the 
edge of a roadway.

Depress the flasher switch with the 
ignition switch in any position. The 
flasher switch is located in the cen-
ter fascia panel. All turn signal lights 
will flash simultaneously.
䳜 The hazard warning flasher oper-

ates whether your vehicle is run-
ning or not.

䳜 The turn signals do not work 

when the hazard flasher is on.

䳜 Care must be taken when using 

the hazard warning flasher while 
the vehicle is being towed.

OSK3068001NR

What to do in an emergency

4

6

In case of an emergency while driving

In case of an emergency while 
driving

If an emergency situation occurs 
while driving, stay calm and take the 
following steps.

If the Vehicle Stalls While Driving
1. Reduce your speed gradually, 

keeping a straight line.

2. Move cautiously off the road to a 

safe place.

3. Turn on your hazard warning 

flasher.

4. Try to start the vehicle again. If 

your vehicle will not start, contact 
an authorized Kia dealer or seek 
other qualified assistance.

If the engine stalls at a crossroad 
or crossing
䳜 If the engine stalls at a crossroad 

or crossing, set the shift lever in 
the N (Neutral) position and then 
push the vehicle to a safe place.

䳜 If your vehicle has a manual 

transmission not equipped with a 
ignition lock switch, the vehicle 
can move forward by shifting to 
the 2 (second) or 3 (third) gear 
and then turning the starter 
without depressing the clutch 
pedal.

If you have a flat tire while driving
䳜 Take your foot off the accelerator 

pedal and let the vehicle slow 
down while driving straight ahead.
Do not apply the brakes immedi-
ately or attempt to pull off the 
road as this may cause a loss of 
control.

䳜 When the vehicle has slowed to 

such a speed that it is safe to do 
so, brake carefully and pull off the 
road.

䳜 Drive off the road as far as possi-

ble and park on firm level ground.
If you are on a divided highway, 
do not park in the median area 
between the two traffic lanes.

䳜 When the vehicle is stopped, turn 

on your emergency hazard flash-
ers, set the parking brake and put 
the transmission in P (for Intelli-
gent Variable Transmission) or in 
reverse (Manual Transmission).

䳜 Have all passengers get out of the 

vehicle. Be sure they all get out on 
the side of the vehicle that is 
away from traffic.

䳜 When changing a flat tire, follow 

the instruction provided later in 
this section.

5

6

6

What to do in an emergency

If the engine will not start

If the engine will not start

If engine doesn't turn over or turns 
over slowly
1. If your vehicle has an Intelligent 

Variable Transmission, be sure the 
shift lever is in N (Neutral) or P 
(Park) and the emergency brake is 
set.

2. Check the battery connections to 

be sure they are clean and tight.

3. Turn on the interior light. If the 

light dims or goes out when you 
operate the starter, the battery is 
discharged.

4. Check the starter connections to 

be sure they are securely tight-
ened.

Do not push or pull the vehicle to 
start it. This could cause damage to 
your vehicle. Refer to "Jump start-
ing" on page 6-6.

WARNING

Push/pull start
Do not push or pull the vehicle to 
start it. Push or pull starting may 
cause the catalytic converter to 
overload and create a fire hazard.

If engine turns over normally but 
does not start
1. Check the fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in the 

LOCK position, check all connec-
tors at the ignition coils and spark 
plugs. Reconnect any that may be 
disconnected or loose.

3. Check the fuel line in the engine 

compartment.

4. If the engine still does not start, 

call an authorized Kia dealer or 
seek other qualified assistance.