Kia K4: Driving your vehicle

Contents:

• Before driving
• Ignition switch:
• ENGINE START/STOP button
• Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
• Automatic transmission (shift lever)
• Paddle shifter
• Brake system
• Vehicle Auto Shut-off system:
• Drive mode integrated control system
• Economical operation
• Special driving conditions
• Winter driving
• Trailer towing precautions
• Vehicle load limit
• Vehicle weight

Before driving

Before entering your Kia K4, perform a quick visual inspection of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Once inside, follow the essential safety checks described in this section to ensure a secure and pleasant driving experience.

Exhaust system integrity

• Inspect your Kia K4 exhaust system regularly, especially whenever the vehicle is raised for maintenance such as oil changes.

• If you notice an unusual change in exhaust sound or if you have driven over an obstacle that struck the underbody of your Kia K4, have the exhaust system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

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CAUTION

Before entering the vehicle

• Verify that all windows, mirrors, and exterior lights on your Kia K4 are clean and unobstructed.

• Perform a quick inspection of the tire condition.

• Look underneath the Kia K4 for any visible signs of fluid leaks.

• Check the area behind the vehicle for obstacles before backing up.

Necessary inspections

Regularly check vital fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid, based on the intervals specified in the Maintenance section of your Kia K4 owner's manual.

CAUTION

Before starting your Kia K4

• Close and lock all doors.

• Position your seat to ensure you have full, comfortable reach of all vehicle controls.

• Fasten your seat belt and ensure all passengers are securely buckled.

• Adjust your rearview and side mirrors.

• Verify that all lights are functioning properly.

• Observe all gauges to ensure normal operating conditions.

• Confirm the operation of warning lights when the ignition is in the ON position.

• Release the parking brake and check that the brake warning light is extinguished.

For your safety, take the time to familiarize yourself with all equipment in your new Kia K4.

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CAUTION

NOTE

Ignition switch: ➤

ENGINE START/STOP button ➤

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) ➤

Automatic transmission (shift lever) ➤

Paddle shifter

The paddle shifter function is an advanced feature available on your Kia K4, allowing you to enjoy a more engaging driving experience. This feature is fully functional whenever the Kia K4 is in the D (Drive) position or while already engaged in manual mode.

With the gear in D (Drive)

In the D (Drive) position, the paddle shift function becomes active once your Kia K4 reaches a specific speed: above 2 mph (3 km/h) for vehicles equipped with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), or 6 mph (10 km/h) for those with an Automatic Transmission (AT).

To initiate a gear change, pull the (+) or (-) paddle shifter once to shift up or down by a single gear. Upon doing this, the Kia K4 transmission system will transition from automatic mode to manual mode, giving you immediate control over the gear ratios.

To return from manual shift mode back to automatic shift mode, you may perform one of the following actions:

• Pull and hold the (+) paddle shifter for more than 1 second.

• Shift the main gear lever from D (Drive) to the manual gate, and then return it to the D (Drive) position.

The Kia K4 manual shift mode will also revert automatically back to automatic shift mode under any of the following conditions:

• You gently engage and maintain accelerator pedal pressure for more than 6 seconds while driving (Note: this auto-revert feature is not available while in dedicated manual mode or SPORT mode).

• You bring the Kia K4 to a complete stop.

TIP

With the shift lever in manual mode

When the Kia K4 shift lever is already positioned in the manual gate, simply pull the (+) or (-) paddle shifter once to execute a seamless shift up or down by one gear, providing quick access to the power you need.

Brake system ➤

Vehicle Auto Shut-off system:

The Vehicle Auto Shut-off system in the Kia K4 is designed to enhance safety and efficiency by automatically powering down the vehicle after a pre-set duration. This intelligent feature helps reduce unnecessary fuel and energy consumption while simultaneously mitigating the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the vehicle is left running in a confined space.

The Kia K4 will be turned off automatically in:

When the Auto-Shut Off timer reaches approximately 10 minutes remaining, a clear warning message will appear on your Kia K4 instrument cluster, displaying the exact time left before shutdown. If you wish to continue idling, simply press the OK button on the steering wheel to reset the Auto-Shut Off timer.

Activation requirements

For your convenience and safety, the Kia K4 Vehicle Auto Shut-off system activates only when all the following conditions are met:

• The vehicle is in the ON position.

• The vehicle is brought to a complete stop and the gear is in P (Park).

• The driver's seat belt is unfastened.

• The driver's door is opened.

• The passenger seat is unoccupied.

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Resetting the time

You can easily re-initialize or extend the session for the Vehicle Auto Shut-Off system in the Kia K4 by performing any of the following actions:

• Depressing and releasing the brake pedal.

• Gently engaging the accelerator pedal.

• Manually adjusting the timer settings via the infotainment menu.

• Pressing the OK button located on the steering wheel.

Canceling the system

The Vehicle Auto Shut-off system will automatically cancel and disengage if any of the following occur while the Kia K4 is in operation:

• The vehicle begins moving at a speed above 2 mph (3 km/h).

• The gear shifter is moved to D (Drive), R (Reverse), or N (Neutral).

• The driver fastens their seat belt.

Drive mode integrated control system ➤

Economical operation

Achieving optimal fuel economy in your Kia K4 is largely determined by your driving style, the environment, and the consistency of your maintenance habits. Every decision you make behind the wheel directly influences your vehicle's fuel efficiency, measured in kilometers per liter or miles per gallon.

To operate your Kia K4 as economically as possible, thereby saving money on both fuel expenses and long-term repair costs, we recommend following these professional driving and maintenance suggestions:

• Drive smoothly and accelerate gradually. Avoid aggressive "jackrabbit" starts and full-throttle gear changes. Strive to maintain a steady cruising speed and avoid unnecessary racing between stoplights. By flowing with traffic, you minimize the need for speed changes, which enhances the efficiency of your Kia K4. Additionally, maintaining a safe following distance reduces the need for sudden braking, which simultaneously helps to preserve your brake pad life.

• Maintain a moderate highway speed. Aerodynamic drag increases significantly at higher velocities. Driving at a moderate, consistent speed on the highway is one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption and extend the range of your Kia K4.

• Prioritize tire care. Always keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer-recommended pressure levels. Driving on under-inflated tires creates excessive rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and leads to premature, uneven tire wear. We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month.

• Ensure proper wheel alignment. Hitting potholes, curbs, or frequently driving over irregular surfaces can knock your Kia K4 wheels out of alignment. Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, accelerating tire degradation and negatively impacting your overall fuel economy.

• Adhere to the maintenance schedule. Keeping your Kia K4 in peak operating condition is the foundation of efficiency. Follow the service intervals outlined in the official "Scheduled Maintenance Service" guide. If you frequently drive in "severe" conditions—such as extreme temperatures, heavy stop-and-go traffic, or dusty environments—more frequent maintenance is necessary to keep your engine running at its best.

• Minimize unnecessary weight. Every extra kilogram/pound in your vehicle increases the energy required to move it. Keep your trunk and cabin clear of heavy items that aren't needed for your journey.

• Avoid excessive engine idling. If you are waiting for an extended period and are not in active traffic, it is more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart only when you are ready to proceed.

• Operate the engine within optimal RPM ranges. Avoid "lugging" the engine—driving too slowly in too high of a gear, which causes the engine to buck. Conversely, avoid "over-revving" by racing the engine beyond its recommended limit. Shift gears at the advised points to maintain the efficiency and longevity of your Kia K4 powertrain.

• Manage airflow. Driving with the windows open at high highway speeds creates aerodynamic drag, which forces the engine to overcome more resistance. Use the climate control system when traveling at high speeds to maintain efficiency.

• Adjust for weather. Crosswinds and headwinds significantly decrease fuel economy by increasing load. To offset this, consider reducing your speed slightly when driving in harsh windy conditions.

• Proactive Diagnostics. Using high-quality fuels and keeping your sensors clean ensures the Kia K4 engine management system can precisely control combustion. If you notice a sudden drop in efficiency, it may be time for a professional diagnostic check.

Regularly inspecting your Kia K4 at an authorized Kia dealer is vital, not only for maximizing your fuel economy but also for ensuring the safety and reliability of your vehicle over the long term.

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Special driving conditions ➤

Winter driving ➤

Trailer towing precautions

The Kia K4 is not engineered to support a trailer towing package. Consequently, we strongly advise against the installation of any aftermarket equipment designed for towing, including trailer hitches, hitch-mounted cargo carriers, or racks intended for transporting heavy items such as wheelchairs, scooters, or bicycles.

If these functions are utilized despite this recommendation, Kia will not assume responsibility for any mechanical issues, performance degradation, or safety concerns. Furthermore, the installation of unauthorized towing equipment may void sections of your vehicle's warranty, as the Kia K4 structural and powertrain systems were not designed to manage the additional stress associated with towing.

Vehicle load limit ➤

Vehicle weight ➤