Kia Picanto: Driving your vehicle / Manual Transmission: (if equipped)

Manual Transmission operation

The shift lever can be moved through the indicated positions without pressing button (1).

Press button (1) when moving the shift lever into R (Reverse).

The Kia Picanto manual transmission provides 5 forward gears.

The gear selection pattern is marked on the shift knob. All forward gears are fully synchronised, allowing smooth changes to a higher or lower gear when the clutch is operated correctly.

Fully depress the clutch pedal before changing gear, then release it slowly after selecting the required position.

If the vehicle is equipped with an ignition lock switch, the engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is depressed.

Return the gear lever to N (Neutral) before selecting R (Reverse).

Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before engaging reverse gear.

Never allow the engine to operate with the tachometer needle in the red zone. Monitor engine speed when accelerating or changing down.

CAUTION

• Take particular care when changing from fifth to fourth gear. Excessive sideways pressure on the lever could cause you to select second gear accidentally. Such a large downshift can force engine speed into the tachometer’s red zone. Over-revving the engine and transmission in this way may cause engine damage.

• Do not downshift by more than 2 gears at once, and do not change down when the engine is running at 5,000 rpm or higher. These actions can damage the engine, clutch and transmission.

• Gear changes may feel more difficult in cold weather until the transmission lubricant warms up. This is normal and does not harm the transmission.

• If first gear or reverse is difficult to engage after the vehicle has stopped completely, leave the lever in N (Neutral) and release the clutch pedal. Fully depress the clutch again, then select 1st gear or R (Reverse).

CAUTION

• Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, as this can cause premature clutch wear and damage. Never use partial clutch engagement to hold the vehicle stationary on an uphill slope, including while waiting at traffic lights.

• Do not use the gear lever as a handrest while driving. Continuous pressure on the lever can cause premature wear of the transmission shift forks.

• To help prevent clutch damage, do not move off in 2nd gear, except when starting on a slippery road.

WARNING

• Before leaving the driver’s seat, fully apply the parking brake and switch off the engine. Then select 1st gear when parked on level ground or facing uphill, or R (Reverse) when facing downhill. Follow these precautions in the stated order to help prevent sudden, unexpected vehicle movement.

• Do not apply engine braking abruptly by changing rapidly from a higher gear to a lower gear on a slippery road.

  The sudden change in braking force may cause the vehicle to skid and result in an accident.

Using the clutch

Press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor before every gear change, then release it slowly after selecting the gear. Keep the pedal fully released while driving, and avoid resting your foot on it, as this causes unnecessary wear. Do not hold your Kia Picanto on an incline by keeping the clutch partly engaged; use the foot brake or parking brake instead. Holding the vehicle with the clutch accelerates wear. Also avoid rapid, repeated operation of the clutch pedal.

CAUTION

Always depress the clutch pedal fully when operating it. Incomplete pedal travel may cause clutch damage or noise during operation.

Downshifting

When slowing in heavy traffic or climbing a steep hill, select a lower gear before the engine begins to labour. A timely downshift reduces the risk of stalling and provides better acceleration when you need to increase speed again. On steep descents, using a lower gear helps the Kia Picanto maintain a safe speed and reduces the demand on the brakes, helping prolong their service life.

Good driving practices

• Never select Neutral and allow the vehicle to coast downhill. This is extremely hazardous. Keep your Kia Picanto in gear throughout the descent so that engine braking remains available.

• Do not “ride” the brakes by keeping continuous pressure on the brake pedal. Prolonged braking can cause overheating and impair brake operation. On a long downhill stretch, select a lower gear so that engine braking helps slow the vehicle and reduces the demand on the brakes.

• Reduce your road speed before changing to a lower gear. Matching vehicle speed to the lower gear helps prevent engine over-revving and the damage it can cause.

• Slow down when driving in crosswinds. A lower speed makes it easier to maintain control and respond to changes in wind force.

• Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before selecting reverse. Attempting to engage reverse while the vehicle is still moving can damage the transmission.

• Use extreme care on slippery surfaces, particularly when braking, accelerating or changing gear. An abrupt change in speed can cause the driven wheels to lose traction, making the vehicle difficult to control.

WARNING

• Always fasten your seat belt. In a collision, an occupant who is not wearing a seat belt is significantly more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries than someone who is properly restrained.

• Avoid taking corners or making turns at high speed. Reduce speed before entering the turn to help maintain control.

• Make smooth, controlled steering inputs. Avoid sudden lane changes, sharp steering movements and fast, abrupt turns.

• Losing control at highway speeds greatly increases the risk of a rollover. Keep your speed appropriate to the road and driving conditions.

• A loss of control can occur when two or more wheels leave the road surface and the driver overcorrects while attempting to return. Avoid a sudden or excessive steering response.

• If the vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply back towards the traffic lanes. Slow down first, then guide the vehicle back onto the road with a controlled steering movement.

• Never exceed the posted speed limit. Observe the applicable limit throughout your journey.