Kia Sportage: Winter driving / 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 necessary
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.
Tire chains are not legal in all states. Check state laws before fitting tire
chains.
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: ...
If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, 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 hand ...
Other information:
Turn the ignition switch to ACC so the steering wheel isn’t locked.
Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
Release the parking brake.
Press the brake pedal with more force than normal since you will have
reduced brake performance.
More steering effort will be required becaus ...
The Electronic Stability control (ESC) system is designed to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering maneuvers. ESC checks where you are steering and where the vehicle
is actually going. ESC applies the brakes on individual wheels and intervenes with
the engine management system to stabilize ...