Kia Seltos: Driving your vehicle / Winter driving

Severe winter weather can increase tire wear, reduce traction, affect braking, and create additional stress on vehicle systems. To reduce winter driving problems in the Kia Seltos, follow these recommendations.

Snowy or icy conditions

When driving in deep snow, it may be necessary to use snow tires or install tire chains on the tires, depending on road conditions and local regulations.

If snow tires are required, choose tires that are equivalent in size and type to the original equipment tires. Using incorrect tires may negatively affect the safety, handling, braking, and stability of the Kia Seltos. Speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns are especially dangerous on snow or ice.

During deceleration, use engine braking whenever possible. Sudden brake application on snowy or icy roads may cause skidding. Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead and apply the brakes gently. Tire chains can improve driving force in snow, but they cannot prevent side skids.

Tire chain use is not legal in all states or regions. Check local laws and road regulations before installing tire chains on your Kia Seltos.

Snow tires

If snow tires are installed on the Kia Seltos, make sure they are radial tires with the same size and load range as the original equipment tires. Snow tires should be mounted on all four wheels to keep vehicle handling balanced in winter conditions. Remember that snow tires may not provide the same traction on dry roads as the original tires, so cautious driving is still necessary even when the pavement looks clear. Check with the tire dealer for the maximum recommended speed for the selected snow tires.

Do not install studded tires without first checking local, state, and municipal regulations, because their use may be restricted or prohibited in some areas.

WARNING

Snow tire size

Snow tires should be equivalent in size and type to the standard tires installed on the Kia Seltos. Using the wrong snow tire size or type may negatively affect vehicle safety, braking, steering response, and handling.

Tire chains

Because radial tire sidewalls are thinner, they may be damaged by some types of snow chains. For this reason, snow tires are generally recommended instead of snow chains. Do not install tire chains on Kia Seltos models equipped with aluminum wheels, because the chains may damage the wheels. If tire chains must be used, use fabric-type chains or wire-type chains with a thickness of less than 0.47 in (12 mm).

Vehicle damage caused by improper tire chain use is not covered by the warranty.

When using tire chains, install them on the drive wheels as follows:

• On a front-wheel drive Kia Seltos, the front wheels provide driving power. Snow chains must be installed on the front tires.

• On an all-wheel drive Kia Seltos, snow chains must also be installed on the front tires only. In this case, drive the shortest possible distance to help prevent damage to the all-wheel drive system.

• After installing snow chains, drive slowly. If you hear noise caused by the chains contacting the vehicle body, slow down until the noise stops. Remove the chains as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads to prevent damage.

• Incorrect chain size or improper installation can damage brake lines, suspension parts, body panels, and wheels. Always follow the chain manufacturer's instructions and install the chains as tightly as possible. Drive slowly, at less than 20 mph (30 km/h), when chains are installed.

CAUTION

• Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for the tires on your Kia Seltos. Incorrect chains may damage the vehicle body or suspension, and such damage may not be covered by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty. Chain connecting hooks may also contact vehicle components, become damaged, and cause the chains to loosen or detach from the tire. Use SAE Class "S" certified snow chains when required.

• After driving approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5 to 1 km), stop safely and check that the chains are still properly mounted. Retighten or reinstall the chains if they are loose.

Use high quality ethylene glycol coolant

Your Kia Seltos is delivered with high-quality ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling system. This is the only type of coolant that should be used, because it helps protect the cooling system from corrosion, lubricates the water pump, and prevents freezing in cold weather.

Be sure to replace or replenish the coolant according to the information in More Details. Before winter begins, have the coolant tested to confirm that its freeze protection is suitable for the lowest temperatures expected in your area.

Check battery and cables

Winter places extra load on the battery system. Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance and make engine starting more difficult. Visually inspect the battery and cables as described in More Details. The battery charge level in your Kia Seltos can be checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Change to "winter weight" oil if necessary

In some climates, a lower-viscosity "winter weight" engine oil is recommended during cold weather. Refer to More Details for the correct oil specification. If you are not sure which oil viscosity is suitable for your Kia Seltos, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Check spark plugs and ignition system

Inspect the spark plugs as described in More Details and replace them if necessary. Also check ignition wiring and related components to make sure they are not cracked, worn, loose, or damaged. A properly maintained ignition system helps the Kia Seltos start more reliably in cold weather.

To keep locks from freezing

To help prevent door locks from freezing, apply an approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into the key opening. If a lock is covered with ice, use an approved de-icing fluid to remove it. If the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to thaw it with a heated key. Handle the heated key carefully to avoid burns or injury.

Use approved window washer anti-freeze

To prevent the washer fluid in the window washer system from freezing, add an approved window washer anti-freeze solution according to the instructions on the container. Window washer anti-freeze is available from an authorized Kia dealer and most auto parts stores. Do not use engine coolant or other types of anti-freeze in the washer system, because they may damage the paint finish and washer components.

Don't let your parking brake freeze

Under certain conditions, the parking brake can freeze in the engaged position. This is most likely when snow or ice builds up around the rear brakes, or when the brakes are wet and temperatures drop below freezing. If there is a risk that the parking brake may freeze, apply it only temporarily while placing the gear shift in P (Park) and blocking the rear wheels so the Kia Seltos cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.

Don't let ice and snow accumulate underneath

In severe winter conditions, snow and ice may build up under the fenders and interfere with steering or suspension movement. Periodically check underneath the Kia Seltos to make sure the front wheels, steering components, and underbody areas are not blocked by packed snow or ice.

Carry emergency equipment

Depending on the severity of winter weather, carry appropriate emergency equipment in your Kia Seltos. Useful items may include tow straps or chains, a flashlight, emergency flares, sand or traction material, a shovel, jumper cables, a window scraper, gloves, a ground cloth, coveralls, a blanket, and basic first-aid supplies. Being prepared can make winter roadside situations safer and easier to manage.

Drive your vehicle when water vapor condenses and accumulates inside the exhaust pipes

When the Kia Seltos remains stopped for a long time in winter while the engine is running, water vapor may condense and collect inside the exhaust pipes.

Water inside the exhaust pipes may cause temporary noise or other minor symptoms. In most cases, this moisture is drained naturally when the vehicle is driven at medium or higher speeds. Driving the Kia Seltos long enough to warm the exhaust system can help remove accumulated condensation.