KIA Soul (2018 year). Instruction — part 27

Driving your vehicle

110

6

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
or to install tire chains 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 practices.
During deceleration, use engine
braking to the fullest extent. Sudden
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. It should be noted that
installing tire chains on the tire will
provide a greater driving force, but
will not prevent side skids.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Tire chains are not legal in all states.
Check state laws before fitting tire
chains.

Snow tires

If you mount snow tires on your vehi-
cle, 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 provid-
ed by snow tires on dry roads may
not be as high as your vehicle's orig-
inal equipment tires. You should drive
cautiously 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 munic-
ipal regulations for possible restric-
tions against their use.

WINTER DRIVING

1VQA3005

WARNING

- 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 vehi-
cle may be adversely affected.

6 111

Driving your vehicle

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
0.59 in (15 mm). Damage to your
vehicle caused by improper snow
chain use is not covered by your
vehicle manufacturers warranty.

Install tire chains only in pair and
only on the front tires.

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 triangu-
lar 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.
• 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.

1VQA3007

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.

Driving your vehicle

112

6

Use high quality ethylene gly-
col coolant

Your vehicle is delivered with high qual-
ity ethylene glycol coolant in the cool-
ing system. It is the only type of coolant
that should be used because it helps
prevent corrosion in the cooling sys-
tem, lubricates the water pump and
prevents freezing. Be sure to replace
or replenish your coolant in accor-
dance with the maintenance schedule
in section 8. Before winter, have your
coolant tested to assure that its freez-
ing point is sufficient for the tempera-
tures 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
section 8. The level of charge in your
battery can be checked by an author-
ized 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
section 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 section 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.

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 finish.

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.

6 113

Driving your vehicle

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) 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
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.

We do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.

TRAILER TOWING

Driving your vehicle

114

6

VEHICLE LOAD LIMIT

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

Tire and loading information label

OPS077153N/OPS077150N/OPS077154N/OPS077151N/OPS077155N/OPS077152N

6 115

Driving your vehicle

Vehicle capacity weight:

827 lbs. (375 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.

Towing capacity:

We do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.

Driving your vehicle

116

6

Cargo capacity:

The cargo capacity of your vehicle
will increase or decrease depending
on the weight and the number of
occupants and the tongue load, if
your vehicle is equipped with a trailer.

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 lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lbs. pas-
sengers 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 calcu-
lated 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 vehi-
cle.

6 117

Driving your vehicle

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.

C190F01JM

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity 1400 lbs

Weight

(635 kg)

Subtract Occupant

B

Weight

300 lbs

150 lbs (68 kg) × 2

(136 kg)

C

Available Cargo and 1100 lbs

Luggage weight

(499 kg)

Example 1

A

B

C

C190F02JM

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity 1400 lbs

Weight

(635 kg)

Subtract Occupant

B

Weight

750 lbs

150 lbs (68 kg) × 5

(340 kg)

C

Available Cargo and

650 lbs

Luggage weight

(295 kg)

A

B

C

Example 2

C190F03JM

Item

Description

Total

A

Vehicle Capacity 1400 lbs

Weight

(635 kg)

Subtract Occupant

B

Weight

860 lbs

172 lbs (78 kg) × 5

(390 kg)

C

Available Cargo and

540 lbs

Luggage weight

(245 kg)

A

B

C

Example 3

Driving your vehicle

118

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.

OEN056020

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.

6 119

Driving your vehicle

✽

✽

NOTICE

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

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.

Driving your vehicle

120

6

This section 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 maximum return of the vehi-
cle design performance. Before load-
ing your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determin-
ing your vehicle's weight ratings, with
or without a trailer, from the vehicle's
specifications and the certification
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 certification 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.

VEHICLE WEIGHT GLOSSARY

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

If the engine overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . . . . 7-9

• Changing a tire with TPMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
• This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. . . 7-14

If you have a flat tire (with Spare Tire) . . . . . . . . 7-15

• Jack and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
• Removing and storing the spare tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
• Changing tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
• Jack label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

If you have a flat tire (with Tire Mo bility Kit). . 7-24

• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
• Notes on the suggested use of the Tire Mobility Kit . . 7-25
• Components of the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
• Using the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27
• Distributing the sealant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

• Towing service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32
• Removable towing hook (front) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33
• Emergency towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

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
console switch 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.

OPS066001L

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 control.
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 a 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 (Park, automatic
transaxle) or reverse (manual
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 engine 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 to 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) condi-
tion.

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 operate
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.

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

- 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 causing seri-
ous injury.

1VQA4001

Discharged

battery

Jumper Cables

Booster
battery

(-)

(+)

(+)

(-)

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.