KIA Optima Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 24

Driving your vehicle

96

6

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
0.47 in (12 mm). Damage to your
vehicle caused by improper snow
chain use is not covered by your
vehicle manufacturers warranty.

When using tire chains, attach them
to the drive wheels as follows.
FWD : Front wheels

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.
Always check chain installation for
proper mounting after driving
approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5 to
1 km) to ensure safe mounting.
Retighten or remount the chains if
they are loose.

Chain installation

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.
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 place the vehicle in P (Park),
apply the parking brake and turn off
the engine before installing snow
chains.

CAUTION

- Snow chains

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.

OJFH055183

6 97

Driving your vehicle

• The use of chains may adversely

affect vehicle handling.

• Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h)

or the chain manufacturer’s recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.

• Drive carefully and avoid bumps,

holes, sharp turns, and other road
hazards, which may cause the
vehicle to bounce.

• Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel

braking.

Use high quality ethylene gly-
col 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 cool-
ing system, lubricates the water
pump and prevents freezing. Be sure
to replace or replenish your coolant
in accordance with the maintenance
schedule in chapter 8. 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 as described
in chapter 8. 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. See
chapter 9 for recommendations. If
you aren't sure what weight oil you
should use, consult an authorized
Kia dealer.

Check spark plugs and ignition
system

Inspect your spark plugs as
described in chapter 8 and replace
them if necessary. Also check all
ignition wiring and components to be
sure they are not cracked, worn or
damaged in any way.

CAUTION

- Snow chains

• Chains that are the wrong size

or improperly installed can
damage your vehicle's brake
lines, suspension, body and
wheels.

• Stop driving and retighten the

chains any time you hear them
hitting the vehicle.

Driving your vehicle

98

6

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 internally,
you may be able to thaw it out by
using a heated key. Handle the heat-
ed 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 instruc-
tions on the container. Window wash-
er anti-freeze is available from an
authorized Kia dealer and most auto
parts outlets. Do not use engine
coolant or other types of anti-freeze
as these may damage the paint fin-
ish.

Don’t let your parking brake
freeze

Under some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged
position. This is most likely to happen
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 gear shift lever in P (Park,
Automatic 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
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, shov-
el, jumper cables, window scraper,
gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, blan-
ket, etc.

TRAILER TOWING

We do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.

6 99

Driving your vehicle

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 people that
can be in your vehicle and vehicle
capacity weight.

Vehicle capacity weight:

904 lbs. (410 kg)

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 persons,

Rear seat : 3 persons)

Seating capacity is the maximum
number of occupants including a
driver, your vehicle may carry.
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.

VEHICLE LOAD LIMIT

OJFH066051N

OJFH066052N

Driving your vehicle

100

6

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
placard.

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 lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
the "XXX" amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity is 650 lbs.

(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 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 trail-

er, 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
compartment of your vehicle
(e.g. suit cases or unsecured
child seats). These items may
strike occupant during a sud-
den stop or crash.

6 101

Driving your vehicle

C190F03JM

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity

849 lbs

Weight

(385 kg)

Subtract Occupant

B

Weight

805 lbs

161 lbs (73 kg) × 5

(365 kg)

C

Available Cargo and

44 lbs

Luggage weight

(20 kg)

A

B

C

Example 3

C190F02JM

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity

849 lbs

Weight

(385 kg)

Subtract Occupant

B

Weight

750 lbs

150 lbs (68 kg) × 5

(340 kg)

C

Available Cargo and

99 lbs

Luggage weight

(45 kg)

A

B

C

Example 2

C190F01JM

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity

849 lbs

Weight

(385 kg)

Subtract Occupant

B

Weight

300 lbs

150 lbs (68 kg) × 2

(136 kg)

C

Available Cargo and

549 lbs

Luggage weight

(249 kg)

Example 1

A

B

C

Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information label for specific information about your vehicle's capacity weight
and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers and cargo should never exceed your vehicle's
capacity weight.

Driving your vehicle

102

6

Certification label

The certification label is located on
the driver's door sill at the center pillar.
This label shows the maximum allow-
able weight of the fully loaded vehi-
cle. This is called the GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel 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 vehi-
cle. Your dealer can help you with this.
Be sure to spread out your load equal-
ly on both sides of the centerline.

The label will help you decide how
much cargo and installed equipment
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 driv-
er or a passenger.

✽

✽

NOTICE

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

OJFA055280

WARNING -

Over loading

Never exceed the GVWR for
your vehicle, the GAWR for
either the front or rear axle and
vehicle capacity weight.
Exceeding these ratings can
affect your vehicle’s handling
and braking ability.

WARNING

- Over loading

Do not overload your vehicle.
Overloading your vehicle can
cause heat buildup in your vehi-
cle's tires and possible tire fail-
ure, increased stopping dis-
tances and poor vehicle han-
dling--all of which may result in
a crash.

6 103

Driving your vehicle

VEHICLE WEIGHT

This chapter will guide you in the
proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle
weight within its design rating capa-
bility, with or without a trailer. Properly
loading your vehicle will provide max-
imum 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 with-
out a trailer, from the vehicle's speci-
fications 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 option-
al equipment.

Vehicle curb weight

This is the weight of your new vehicle
when you picked it up from your deal-
er 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 single
axle (front or rear). These numbers
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 passen-
gers.

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.

What to do in an emergency

Road warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

• Hazard warning flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

In case of an emergency while driving. . . . . . . . . . 7-3

• If the engine stalls at a crossroad or crossing. . . . . . . 7-3
• If you have a flat tire while driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
• If the engine stalls while driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

If the engine will not start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

• If engine doesn't turn over or turns over slowly . . . . 7-4
• If engine turns over normally but does not start . . . . 7-4

Emergency starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

• Jump starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
• Push-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

If the engine overheats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . . . . 7-9

• Check tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
• Low tire pressure position telltale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
• Changing a tire with TPMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

If you have a flat tire (With Tire Mobility Kit). . 7-16

• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
• Notes on the safe use of the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . 7-17
• Components of the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
• Using the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
• Distributing the sealant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
• Checking the tire inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
• Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

• Towing service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
• Removable towing hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
• Emergency towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

If an accident occurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

7

What to do in an emergency

2

7

ROAD WARNING

Hazard warning flasher

The hazard warning flasher serves
as a warning to other drivers to exer-
cise 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 center
facia panel. All turn signal lights will
flash simultaneously.
• The hazard warning flasher oper-

ates whether your vehicle is run-
ning or not.

• The turn signals do not work when

the hazard flasher is on.

• Care must be taken when using

the hazard warning flasher while
the vehicle is being towed.

OJFH065001L

7 3

What to do in an emergency

If the engine stalls at a cross-
road or crossing

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.

If you have a flat tire while
driving

If a tire goes flat while you are driv-
ing:
1. 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 con-
trol. When the vehicle has slowed
to such a speed that it is safe to do
so, brake carefully and pull off the
road. Drive off the road as far as
possible 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.

2. When the vehicle is stopped, turn

on your emergency hazard flash-
ers, set the parking brake and put
the transaxle in P (for Automatic
transaxle.

3. 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.

4. When changing a flat tire, follow

the instruction provided later in
this section.

If the engine stalls while driv-
ing

1. Reduce your speed gradually,

keeping a straight line. Move cau-
tiously off the road to a safe place.

2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try to start the hybrid system

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

✽

✽

NOTICE

If there was a check engine light and
loss of power or stall and if safe to do
so, wait at least 10 seconds to restart
the vehicle after it stalls. This may
reset the car so it will no longer run
at low power (limp home) condition.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY WHILE DRIVING

What to do in an emergency

4

7

IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START

If engine doesn't turn over or
turns over slowly

1. If your vehicle has an automatic

transaxle, 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 oper-
ate the starter, the battery is dis-
charged.

4. Check the starter connections to

be sure they are securely tight-
ened.

5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to

start it. See instructions for "Jump
starting".

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.

WARNING

- Push/

pull start

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

7 5

What to do in an emergency

EMERGENCY STARTING

Connect cables in numerical order
and disconnect in reverse order.

❈

(A) : Jumper Cables
(B) : Booster battery
(C) : Discharged battery

Jump starting

Jump starting can be dangerous if
done incorrectly. Therefore, to avoid
harm to yourself or damage to your
vehicle or battery, follow these jump
starting procedures. If in doubt, we
strongly recommend that you have a
competent technician or towing serv-
ice jump start your vehicle.

CAUTION

- Push/pull start

to 12 Volt Battery

Use only a 12-volt jumper sys-
tem. You can damage a 12-volt
starting motor, ignition system,
and other electrical parts
beyond repair by use of a 24-
volt power supply (either two
12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt motor generator set).

WARNING

- Battery

Never attempt to check the elec-
trolyte level of the battery as
this may cause the battery to
rupture or explode.

WARNING

- Frozen

batteries

Do not attempt to jump start the
vehicle if the discharged battery
is frozen or if the electrolyte
level is low as the battery may
rupture or explode.

WARNING

- Sulfuric acid

risk

When jump starting your vehi-
cle, be careful not to get acid on
yourself, your clothing or on the
vehicle. Automobile batteries
contain sulfuric acid. This is poi-
sonous and highly corrosive.

WARNING

- Battery

Keep all flames or sparks away
from the battery. The battery
produces hydrogen gas which
will explode if exposed to flame
or sparks.

OJFH065046L

What to do in an emergency

6

7

Jump starting procedure

1.Make sure the booster battery is

12-volt and that its negative termi-
nal is grounded.

2.If the booster battery is in another

vehicle, do not allow the vehicles to
come in contact.

3.Turn off all unnecessary electrical

loads.

4.Connect the jumper cables in the

exact sequence shown in the illus-
tration. First connect one end of a
jumper cable to the positive termi-
nal of the discharged battery (1),
then connect the other end to the
positive terminal of the booster
battery (2).
Proceed to connect one end of the
other jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the booster battery (3),
then the other end to a solid, sta-
tionary, metallic point (for example,
the engine lifting bracket) away
from the battery (4). Do not con-
nect it to or near any part that
moves when the engine is cranked.

Do not allow the jumper cables to
contact anything except the correct
battery terminals or the correct
ground. Do not lean over the bat-
tery when making connections.

5.Start the engine of the vehicle with

the booster battery and let it run at
2,000 rpm, then start the engine of
the vehicle with the discharged
battery.

If the cause of your battery discharg-
ing is not apparent, you should have
your vehicle checked by an author-
ized Kia dealer.

Push-starting

Vehicles equipped with automatic
transaxle lock system cannot be
push-started.
Follow the directions in this section
for jump-starting.

WARNING

- Tow starting

vehicle

Never tow a vehicle to start it.
When the engine starts, the
vehicle can suddenly surge for-
ward and could cause a colli-
sion with the tow vehicle.

WARNING

- Battery

cables

Do not connect the jumper cable
from the negative terminal of the
booster battery to the negative
terminal of the discharged bat-
tery. This can cause the dis-
charged battery to overheat and
crack, releasing battery acid.
Make sure to connect one end of
the jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the booster battery,
and the other end to a metallic
point, far away from the battery.

7 7

What to do in an emergency

IF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS

If your temperature gauge indicates
overheating, you will experience a
loss of power, or hear loud pinging or
knocking, the engine is probably too
hot. If this happens, you should:

1. Turn on the emergency warning

flasher and stop in a safe place.
Move the shift lever to P (Park)
and engage the parking brake.

2. If hot steam does not come out

from the engine room, carefully
open the engine room and check
whether the water pump connec-
tor is properly engaged. If the con-
nector is not properly engaged,
stop the engine immediately and
properly engage the connector.
Then, turn the engine on.

3. Turn on the air conditioner.

4. If the “HEV Warning” light turns on

in the driver instrument cluster, or
engine coolant or hot steam emits
from the engine coolant filler, stop
the engine immediately. Then, call
the nearest authorized Kia dealer
for assistance. If the “Engine
Warning” light remains illuminated
or the engine coolant is not flowing
out, keep the engine running.
Open the engine hood for ventila-
tion to help cool down the engine.

5. Check whether the engine coolant

temperature is low enough by
checking its temperature. If the
engine coolant level is low, please
check the connecting parts
between the radiator hose, heater
hose, and water pump for any
signs of leakage. When there is no
sign of leakage, please refill the
engine coolant. If causes and
signs of engine overheating such
as warning light illumination,
engine coolant leakage, or cooling
fan malfunction are found, stop the
vehicle the earliest. Then, call the
nearest authorized Kia dealer for
assistance.

WARNING

While the engine is running,
keep hair, hands and clothing
away from moving parts such
as the fan and drive belts to pre-
vent injury.

What to do in an emergency

8

7

6. If you cannot find the cause of the

overheating, wait until the engine
temperature has returned to nor-
mal. Then, if coolant has been lost,
carefully add coolant to the reser-
voir to bring the fluid level in the
reservoir up to the halfway mark.

7. Proceed with caution, keeping

alert for further signs of overheat-
ing. If over heating happens again,
call the nearest authorized Kia
dealer for assistance.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Serious loss of coolant indicates
there is a leak in the cooling system
and should be checked as soon as
possible by an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

When the engine overheats from
low engine coolant, suddenly
adding engine coolant may
cause cracks in the engine. To
prevent damage, add engine
coolant slowly in small quantities

WARNING

Do not remove the
radiator cap when the
engine is hot. This
can allow coolant to
blow out of the open-
ing and cause seri-
ous burns.