Kia Telluride (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 27

Driving your vehicle

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5

Economical operation

䳜 Don't "ride" the brake pedal. This 

can increase fuel consumption 
and also increase wear on these 
components. In addition, driving 
with your foot resting on the 
brake pedal may cause the brakes 
to overheat, which reduces their 
effectiveness and may lead to 
more serious consequences.

䳜 Take care of your tires. Keep 

them inflated to the recom-
mended pressure. Incorrect infla-
tion, either too much or too little, 
results in unnecessary tire wear. 
Check the tire pressures at least 
once a month.

䳜 Be sure that the wheels are 

aligned correctly. Improper align-
ment can result from hitting 
curbs or driving too fast over 
irregular surfaces. Poor alignment 
causes faster tire wear and may 
also result in other problems as 
well as greater fuel consumption. 

䳜 Keep your vehicle in good condi-

tion. For better fuel economy and 
reduced maintenance costs, 
maintain your vehicle in accor-
dance with "Scheduled mainte-
nance service" on page 7-9. If you 
drive your vehicle in severe condi-
tions, more frequent maintenance 
is required (Refer to "Maintenance 
Under Severe Usage Conditions - 
Non Turbo Models" on page 7-12 
for details).

䳜 Keep your vehicle clean. For maxi-

mum service, your vehicle should 
be kept clean and free of corro-
sive materials. It is especially 
important that mud, dirt, ice, etc. 
not be allowed to accumulate on 
the underside of the vehicle. This 
extra weight can result in 
increased fuel consumption and 
also contribute to corrosion.

䳜 Travel lightly. Don't carry unnec-

essary weight in your vehi-
cle.Weight reduces fuel economy.

䳜 Don't let the engine idle longer 

than necessary. If you are waiting 
(and not in traffic), turn off your 
engine and restart only when 
you're ready to go.

䳜 Remember, your vehicle does not 

require extended warm-up. After 
the engine has started, allow the 
engine to run for 10 to 20 sec-
onds prior to placing the vehicle in 
gear. In very cold weather, how-
ever, give your engine a slightly 
longer warm-up period.

䳜 Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the 

engine. Lugging is driving too 
slowly in a very high gear result-
ing in engine bucking. If this hap-
pens, shift to a lower gear. Over-
revving is racing the engine 
beyond its safe limit. This can be 
avoided by shifting at the recom-
mended speed.

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Driving your vehicle

Special driving conditions

䳜 Use your air conditioning spar-

ingly. The air conditioning system 
is operated by engine power so 
your fuel economy is reduced 
when you use it.

䳜 Open windows at high speeds can 

reduce fuel economy.

䳜 Fuel economy is less in cross-

winds and headwinds. To help off-
set 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 per-
form scheduled inspections and 
maintenance.

WARNING

Engine off during 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 prop-
erly without the engine running. In 
addition, turning off the ignition 
while driving could engage the 
steering wheel lock resulting in loss 
of vehicle steering. Keep the engine 
on and downshift to an appropriate 
gear for engine braking effect.

Special driving conditions

If driving conditions deteriorate due 
to poor weather or road conditions, 
you should pay even more attention 
than usual to your driving.

Hazardous driving conditions

When hazardous driving conditions 
are encountered such as water, 
snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar haz-
ards, follow these suggestions:
䳜 Drive cautiously and allow extra 

distance for braking.

䳜 Avoid sudden braking or steering.
䳜 When braking with non-ABS 

brakes pump the brake pedal with 
a light up-and-down motion until 
the vehicle is stopped.

䳜 Do not pump the brake pedal on a 

vehicle equipped with ABS.

䳜 If stalled in snow, mud, or sand, 

use the second gear. Accelerate 
slowly to avoid spinning the drive 
wheels.

䳜 Use sand, rock salt, or other non-

slip material under the drive 
wheels to provide traction when 
stalled in ice, snow, or mud.

Driving your vehicle

140

5

Special driving conditions

Reducing the risk of a rollover

This multi-purpose passenger vehi-
cle is defined as a Sports Utility 
Vehicle (SUV). Utility vehicles have a 
significantly higher rollover rate 
than other types of vehicles. SUV's 
have higher ground clearance and a 
narrower track to make them capa-
ble of performing in a wide variety 
of offroad applications.

Specific design characteristics give 
them a higher center of gravity than 
ordinary vehicles. An advantage of 
the higher ground clearance is a 
better view of the road, which 
allows you to anticipate problems.

They are not designed for cornering 
at the same speeds as conventional 
passenger vehicles, any more than 
low-slung sports vehicles are 
designed to perform satisfactorily in 
off-road conditions. Due to this risk, 
driver and passengers are strongly 
recommended to buckle their seat 
belts.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted per-
son is significantly more likely to die 
than a person wearing a seat belt. 
There are steps that a driver can 
make to reduce the risk of a rollover.

If at all possible, avoid sharp turns 
or abrupt maneuvers, do not load 
your roof rack with heavy cargo, 
and never modify your vehicle in any 
way.

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, 

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Driving your vehicle

Special driving conditions

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.

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 Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC) 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.

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5

Special driving conditions

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.

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.

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Driving your vehicle

Special driving conditions

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 on unpaved roads

Drive carefully on unpaved roads 
because your vehicle may be dam-
aged by rocks or roots of trees. 
Become familiar with the on 
unpaved roads 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 
8-5.

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 7-32.

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.

Driving your vehicle

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5

Winter driving

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. 

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 

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Driving your vehicle

Winter driving

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 7-10. 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 7-29). 
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-
nance service" on page 7-9 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.

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Trailer towing

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. In 
severe winter conditions you should 
periodically check underneath 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.

Trailer towing

If you are considering towing with 
your vehicle, you should first check 
with your country's Department of 
Motor Vehicles to determine their 
legal requirements.

Since laws vary the requirements 
for towing trailers, cars, or other 
types of vehicles or apparatus may 
differ. Ask an authorized Kia dealer 
for further details before towing.

WARNING

Towing a trailer
Always check your towing equip-
ment to confirm correct equipment 
size and installation before use. 
Using incompatible or incorrectly 
installed trailer equipment can 
effect the vehicle operation and 
endanger you and your passengers.

You may require an additional wiring 
harness connector to install a trailer 
hitch. Please contact an authorized 
Kia dealer for more details.

WARNING

Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total 
trailer weight, GCW (Gross Combi-
nation Weight), GVW (Gross Vehicle 
Weight), GAW (Gross Axle Weight) 
and trailer tongue load are all within 
the limits.

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Trailer towing

CAUTION

Trailer installation
Follow instructions in this section 
when pulling a trailer. Pulling a 
trailer improperly can damage your 
vehicle and result in costly repairs 
not covered by your warranty.

Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To 
identify what the vehicle trailering 
capacity is for your vehicle, you 
should read the information in 
"Weight of the trailer" on page 5-
153.

Remember that trailering is differ-
ent than just driving your vehicle by 
itself. Trailering means changes in 
handling, durability, and fuel econ-
omy. Successful, safe trailering 
requires correct equipment, and it 
has to be used properly.

This section contains many time-
tested, important trailering tips and 
safety rules. Many of these are 
important for your safety and that 
of your passengers. Please read this 
section carefully before you pull a 
trailer.

Load-pulling components such as 
the engine, transmission, wheel 
assemblies, and tires are forced to 
work harder against the load of the 
added weight. The engine is 
required to operate at relatively 
higher speeds and under greater 

loads. This additional burden gener-
ates extra heat. The trailer also 
adds considerably to wind resis-
tance, increasing the pulling require-
ments.

Hitches

It's important to have the correct 
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large 
trucks going by, and rough roads are 
a few reasons why you'll need the 
right hitch. Here are some rules to 
follow:
䳜 Will you have to make any holes in 

the body of your vehicle when you 
install a trailer hitch? If you do, 
then be sure to seal the holes 
later when you remove the hitch. 
If you don't seal them, deadly car-
bon monoxide (CO) from your 
exhaust can get into your vehicle, 
as well as dirt and water.

䳜 The bumpers on your vehicle are 

not intended for hitches. Do not 
attach rental hitches or other 
bumper-type hitches to them. 
Use only a frame-mounted hitch 
that does not attach to the 
bumper.

䳜 Kia trailer hitch accessory is avail-

able at an authorized Kia dealer.

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Trailer towing

Safety chains

You should always attach chains 
between your vehicle and your 
trailer. Cross the safety chains 
under the tongue of the trailer so 
that the tongue will not drop to the 
road if it becomes separated from 
the hitch.

Instructions about safety chains 
may be provided by the hitch manu-
facturer or by the trailer manufac-
turer. Follow the manufacturer's 
recommendation for attaching 
safety chains. Always leave just 
enough slack so you can turn with 
your trailer. And, never allow safety 
chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer brakes

If your trailer is equipped with a 
braking system, make sure it con-
forms to your state's regulations 
and that it is properly installed and 
operating correctly.

If your trailer weight exceeds the 
maximum allowed weight without 
trailer brakes, then the trailer will 
also require its own brakes as well. 
Be sure to read and follow the 
instructions for the trailer brakes so 
you'll be able to install, adjust and 
maintain them properly.
䳜 Don't tap into or modify your 

vehicle's brake system.

WARNING

Trailer brakes
Do not use a trailer with its own 
brakes unless you are absolutely 
certain that you have properly set 
up the brake system. This is not a 
task for amateurs. Use an experi-
enced, competent trailer shop for 
this work.

Driving with a trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain 
amount of experience. Before set-
ting out for the open road, you must 
get to know your trailer. Acquaint 
yourself with the feel of handling 
and braking with the added weight 
of the trailer. And always keep in 
mind that the vehicle you are driving 
is now a good deal longer and not 
nearly so responsive as your vehicle 
is by itself.

Before you start, check the trailer 
hitch and platform, safety chains, 
electrical connector(s), lights, tires 
and mirror adjustment. If the trailer 
has electric brakes, start your vehi-
cle and trailer moving and then 
apply the trailer brake controller by 
hand to be sure the brakes are 
working. This lets you check your 
electrical connection at the same 
time.

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Trailer towing

During your trip, check occasionally 
to be sure that the load is secure, 
and that the lights and any trailer 
brakes are still working.

Following distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the 
vehicle ahead as you would when 
driving your vehicle without a trailer. 
This can help you avoid situations 
that require heavy braking and sud-
den turns.

Passing

You'll need more passing distance up 
ahead when you're towing a trailer. 
And, because of the increased vehi-
cle length, you'll need to go much 
farther beyond the passed vehicle 
before you can return to your lane. 
Due to the added load to the engine 
when going uphill the vehicle may 
also take longer to pass than it 
would on flat ground.

Backing up

Hold the bottom of the steering 
wheel with one hand. Then, to move 
the trailer to the left, just move 
your hand to the left. To move the 
trailer to the right, move your hand 
to the right. Always back up slowly 
and, if possible, have someone guide 
you.

Making turns

When you're turning with a trailer, 
make wider turns than normal. Do 
this so your trailer won't strike soft 
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, 
or other objects near the edge of 
the road. Avoid jerky or sudden 
maneuvers. Signal well in advance 
before turning or lane changes.

Turn signals when towing a trailer

When you tow a trailer, your vehicle 
has to have a different turn signal 
flasher and extra wiring. The green 
arrows on your instrument panel 
will flash whenever you signal a turn 
or lane change. Properly connected, 
the trailer lights will also flash to 
alert other drivers you're about to 
turn, change lanes, or stop.

When towing a trailer, the green 
arrows on your instrument panel 
will flash for turns even if the bulbs 
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, 
you may think drivers behind you 
are seeing your signals when, in 
fact, they are not. It's important to 
check occasionally to be sure the 
trailer bulbs are still working. You 
must also check the lights every 
time you disconnect and then 
reconnect the wires.

Do not connect a trailer lighting sys-
tem directly to your vehicle's light-
ing system. Use only an approved 
trailer wiring harness.

Driving your vehicle

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5

Trailer towing

An authorized Kia dealer can assist 
you in installing the wiring harness.

CAUTION

Always use an approved trailer wir-
ing harness. Failure to use an 
approved trailer wiring harness 
could result in damage to the vehicle 
electrical system.

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 trans-
mission overheating.

If your trailer weighs more than the 
maximum trailer weight without 
trailer brakes and you have an auto-
matic transmission, you should drive 
in D (Drive) when towing a trailer.

Operating your vehicle in D (Drive) 
when towing a trailer will minimize 
heat build up and extend the life of 
your transmission.

Towing uphill

When towing a trailer on steep 
grades (in excess of 6%) pay close 
attention to the engine coolant 
temperature gauge to ensure the 
engine does not overheat.

If the needle of the coolant tem-
perature gauge moves across the 
dial towards "H" (HOT), pull over and 
stop as soon as it is safe to do so, 
and allow the engine to idle until it 
cools down. You may proceed once 
the engine has cooled sufficiently.

You must decide driving speed 
depending on trailer weight and 
uphill grade to reduce the possibility 
of engine and transmission over-
heating.

Parking on hills

Generally, if you have a trailer 
attached to your vehicle, you should 
not park your vehicle on a hill. Peo-
ple can be seriously or fatally 
injured, and both your vehicle and 
the trailer can be damaged if they 
unexpectedly roll downhill.

However, if you ever have to park 
your trailer on a hill, here's how to 
do it:
1. Pull the vehicle into the parking 

space. Turn the steering wheel in 
the direction of the curb (right if 
headed downhill, left if headed up 
hill).

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Trailer towing

2. If the vehicle has an automatic 

transmission, place the vehicle in 
P (Park).

3. Set the parking brake and shut off 

the engine.

4. Place chocks under the trailer 

wheels on the down hill side of 
the wheels.

5. Start the vehicle, hold the brakes, 

shift to neutral, release the park-
ing brake and slowly release the 
brakes until the trailer chocks 
absorb the load.

6. Reapply the brakes, reapply the 

parking brake and shift the vehicle 
to P (Park) for automatic trans-
mission.

7. Shut off the vehicle and release 

the vehicle brakes but leave the 
parking brake set.

When you are ready to leave after 
parking on a hill

1. With the automatic transmission 

in P (Park), apply your brakes and 
hold the brake pedal down while 
you:
䳜 Start your engine;
䳜 Shift into gear; and
䳜 Release the parking brake.

2. Slowly remove your foot from the 

brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly 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 par-
ticular attention to include engine 
oil, automatic transmission 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 mainte-
nance schedule that accompanied 
your trailer and check it periodically. 
Preferably, conduct the check at the 
start of each day's driving. Most 
importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts 
should be tight.

CAUTION

Air conditioning (A/C)
Do not use the air conditioning while 
using your vehicle to tow uphill. Due 
to higher load during trailer usage, 
overheating might occur on hot 
days or during uphill driving.

䳜 When towing check transmission 

fluid more frequently.

Driving your vehicle

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Trailer towing

If you do decide to pull a trailer

Here are some important points if 
you decide to pull a trailer:
䳜 Consider using a sway control. 

You can ask a hitch dealer about 
sway control.

䳜 Do not do any towing with your 

vehicle during its first 2,000 km 
(1,200 miles) in order to allow the 
engine to properly break in. Fail-
ure to heed this caution may 
result in serious engine or trans-
mission damage.

䳜 When towing a trailer, be sure to 

consult an authorized Kia dealer 
for further information on addi-
tional requirements such as a 
towing kit, etc.

䳜 Always drive your vehicle at a 

moderate speed (less than 100 
km/h (60 mph)).

䳜 On a long uphill grade, do not 

exceed 70 km/h (45 mph) or the 
posted towing speed limit, which-
ever is lower.

䳜 The chart contains important 

considerations that have to do 
with weight:

To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should 
read the information in "Weight of the trailer" on page 5-153.

Item

kg (lbs.)

Lambda II 3.8 GDI ATK

Maximum trailer weight

Without brake system

750 (1,650)

With brake system

2,267 (5,000)

Maximum tongue weight

159 (351)

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Trailer towing

Weight of the trailer

What is the maximum safe weight 
of a trailer? It should never weigh 
more than the maximum trailer 
weight with trailer brakes. But even 
that can be too heavy.

It depends on how you plan to use 
your trailer. For example, speed, 
altitude, road grades, outside tem-
perature and how often your vehicle 
is used to pull a trailer are all 
important. The ideal trailer weight 
can also depend on any special 
equipment that you have on your 
vehicle.

The tongue load of any trailer is an 
important weight to measure 
because it affects the total Gross 
Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your vehi-
cle. This weight includes the curb 
weight of the vehicle, any cargo you 
may carry in it, and the people who 
will be riding in the vehicle. And if 
you will tow a trailer, you must add 
the tongue load to the GVW because 
your vehicle will also be carrying 
that weight.

The trailer tongue should weigh a 
maximum of 10% of the total 
loaded trailer weight, within the lim-
its of the maximum permissible 
trailer tongue load. After you've 
loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer 
and then the tongue, separately, to 
see if the weights are proper. If they 
aren't, you may be able to correct 
them simply by moving some items 
around in the trailer.

Tongue Load

Total Trailer Weight

OON058156NR

Gross Axle Weight

Gross Vehicle Weight

OON058157NR