Kia Seltos: Introduction

Contents:

• Fuel requirements
• Vehicle modifications
• Vehicle break-in process
• Risk of burns when parking or stopping vehicle
• Vehicle handling instructions
• Vehicle data collection and Event Data Recorders

Fuel requirements ➤

Vehicle modifications

The Kia Seltos should not be modified from its original factory design. Changes to the vehicle may affect performance, safety, reliability, durability, and compliance with governmental safety or emissions regulations.

Unauthorized modifications can also interfere with electronic systems, sensors, wiring, engine management, and other components that are designed to work together as a complete vehicle system.

NOTICE

Damage, malfunction, or performance problems resulting from any vehicle modification may not be covered under your warranty.

CAUTION

Using an unauthorized electronic device may cause abnormal vehicle operation, wiring damage, battery discharge, or even fire. For your safety and to help protect the electrical system of the Kia Seltos, do not install or use unauthorized electronic devices.

Vehicle break-in process

Following a few simple precautions during the first 600 miles (1,000 km) can help improve the future performance, fuel economy, and service life of your Kia Seltos. A careful break-in period allows the engine, brakes, and moving components to settle properly.

• Do not race the engine or operate it at unnecessarily high speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration, especially when the engine is cold or the vehicle is carrying a heavy load.

• Do not keep the engine at one constant speed for long periods, whether fast or slow. Varying engine speed helps the Kia Seltos complete the break-in process more effectively.

• Avoid hard stops except in emergencies, so the brake components can seat properly.

• Do not tow a trailer during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of operation.

• Fuel economy and engine performance may vary during the break-in period and usually stabilize after approximately 4,000 miles (6,000 km). The engine may also consume more oil than usual during this early operating period.

Risk of burns when parking or stopping vehicle

• Do not park or stop the Kia Seltos near flammable materials such as dry leaves, paper, oil, tires, or other items that could ignite. When these objects are close to the hot exhaust system, they may become a serious fire hazard.

• If the engine is idling at a high rpm and the rear of the Kia Seltos is positioned close to a wall, the heat from the exhaust gases may cause discoloration, surface damage, or even a fire risk. Always leave enough open space behind the vehicle for heat and exhaust gases to disperse safely.

• Do not touch the exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler, or related exhaust components while the engine is running or immediately after it has been turned off. These parts become extremely hot and can cause severe burns.

Vehicle handling instructions

As with other compact SUVs and crossover vehicles, the Kia Seltos must be driven with proper care. Failure to operate the vehicle correctly may result in loss of control, a collision, or a rollover accident.

The Kia Seltos has specific design characteristics, including higher ground clearance and a different center of gravity compared with many conventional passenger cars. Because of this design, it should not be cornered at the same speeds as lower 2-wheel drive vehicles.

Avoid sharp turns, sudden lane changes, abrupt steering inputs, and aggressive maneuvers, especially at higher speeds or on slippery roads. Smooth steering, controlled braking, and steady acceleration help the Kia Seltos remain stable and predictable.

Always drive according to road conditions, weather, traffic, tire condition, and vehicle load. For additional safety guidance, be sure to read the related driving and handling information in the owner's manual.

Vehicle data collection and Event Data Recorders

The Kia Seltos is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The primary purpose of the EDR is to record information in certain crash or near-crash situations, such as air bag deployment or impact with a road obstacle. This recorded data can help explain how the vehicle's systems performed during the event.

The EDR in the Kia Seltos is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. Depending on the situation, the EDR may record information such as:

• How different vehicle systems were operating at the time of the event.

• Whether the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled or fastened.

• How far, if at all, the driver was pressing the accelerator pedal and/or brake pedal.

• How fast the Kia Seltos was traveling before or during the recorded event.

This information can provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. EDR data is recorded only when a non-trivial crash or near-crash event occurs. No EDR data is recorded during normal driving, and the system does not record personal information such as name, gender, age, or crash location.

However, other parties, including law enforcement, may combine EDR information with personally identifying data that is routinely collected during a crash investigation.

Special equipment is required to read data stored by the EDR, and access to the Kia Seltos or the EDR system is necessary. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other authorized parties with the proper equipment may be able to read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

For owners, this system is intended to support safety analysis and technical investigation, not to monitor everyday driving. Understanding how the EDR works can help Kia Seltos drivers know what information may be available after a serious incident.