Kia Picanto: Winter driving / Snowy or icy conditions. Use high quality ethylene glycol coolant

Snowy or icy conditions

Driving your Kia Picanto through deep snow may require snow tyres or tyre chains. If you fit snow tyres, choose tyres equivalent in size and type to the original equipment. An unsuitable tyre specification can adversely affect handling and safety. Whatever equipment is fitted, avoid excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking and sharp steering movements, as these actions are particularly hazardous on snow and ice.

Use engine braking to help reduce speed, making changes smoothly rather than abruptly. Sudden brake applications on snowy or icy roads can cause the tyres to skid. Leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the traffic ahead, and apply the brakes gently when slowing down. Tyre chains can improve the traction available for moving the vehicle, but they do not prevent sideways skidding.

NOTE

Tyre chains are not permitted in every country. Before fitting them, check the rules that apply in the country where you intend to drive.

Snow tyres

If you equip your Kia Picanto with snow tyres, use radial tyres with the same size and load range as the original tyres. Fit them to all four wheels to maintain balanced handling across different weather conditions. Snow tyres may provide less grip on dry roads than the vehicle’s original equipment tyres, so continue to drive cautiously even after the snow has cleared. Ask your tyre dealer about the maximum recommended speed for the snow tyres you select.

WARNING

Snow tyre size

Snow tyres must be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle’s standard tyres. Choosing a different specification can compromise handling and safety, even if the tyres appear suitable for winter use.

Before fitting studded tyres, check the applicable local, regional and municipal regulations. Their use may be restricted, and you should confirm that they are permitted wherever you plan to travel.

Tyre chains

The relatively thin sidewalls of radial tyres can be damaged by certain types of snow chains. Snow tyres are therefore recommended in preference to chains. Do not fit tyre chains to vehicles equipped with aluminium wheels, as the chains may damage the wheels. Where chains must be used and are permitted for the vehicle’s tyre specification, choose wire-type chains less than 15 mm (0.59 in) thick. Damage caused by incorrect snow chain use is not covered by the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.

Fit tyre chains to the front tyres only. Do not install them on the rear tyres.

CAUTION

• Check that the chains are the correct size and type for your tyres. Unsuitable chains can damage the body or suspension, and this damage may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Connecting hooks can also be damaged if they strike vehicle components, allowing the chains to loosen or come away from the tyre. Use chains certified to SAE Class “S”.

• After driving approximately 0.5 to 1 km (0.3 to 0.6 miles), stop safely and check that the chains remain correctly mounted and secure. Retighten or refit any loose chains before continuing your journey.

• Even with suitable chains correctly installed, avoid turning the steering wheel fully to either side while driving. If a full-lock turn is necessary, keep the vehicle’s speed below 10 km/h throughout the manoeuvre.

NOTE

• Vehicles outside Europe

  Do not use tyre chains if your vehicle is fitted with 185/55R15 or 195/45R16 tyres. Chains used with these tyre sizes can damage the wheels, suspension and body.

• Vehicles in Europe

  Tyre chains may be used with 175/65R14, 185/55R15 or 195/45R16 tyres, subject to the chain type, fitment and other precautions described in this section.

Chain installation

Follow the chain manufacturer’s fitting instructions and secure the chains as tightly as specified. Drive slowly once they are installed. If you hear a chain striking the body or chassis, stop safely and tighten it. If contact continues after tightening, reduce your speed until the contact stops. Remove the chains as soon as you reach cleared roads; they should not remain fitted once the conditions requiring them have passed.

WARNING

Mounting chains

Before fitting snow chains to your Kia Picanto, park on level ground well away from moving traffic. Switch on the hazard warning flashers and, if available, place a warning triangle behind the vehicle. Select P (Park) where fitted, apply the parking brake and switch off the engine before beginning installation. Make sure the vehicle is secured against movement while you work around the tyres.

WARNING

Tyre chains

• Tyre chains can adversely affect vehicle handling. Allow for the change in the way the vehicle responds and use smooth, cautious driving inputs.

• Never exceed 30 km/h (20 mph) or the chain manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower. Observe the lower limit throughout the journey with chains fitted.

• Drive carefully and avoid bumps, potholes, sharp turns and other hazards that could make the vehicle bounce. Uneven surfaces require particular care when chains are installed.

• Avoid abrupt turns and braking that locks the wheels. Keep steering and braking inputs controlled on snow-covered or icy surfaces.

CAUTION

• Incorrectly sized or improperly fitted chains can damage the brake lines, suspension, bodywork and wheels. Correct fitment is essential before you begin driving.

• If you hear the chains hitting any part of the vehicle, stop driving as soon as it is safe and retighten them. Do not ignore contact noises or continue without checking the installation.

Use high quality ethylene glycol coolant

Your Kia Picanto is supplied with high-quality ethylene glycol coolant in its cooling system. Use only this type of coolant, as it helps protect the system against corrosion, lubricates the water pump and prevents freezing. Replace or replenish the coolant according to the maintenance schedule in section 8, keeping its condition and level within the specified requirements.

Before winter arrives, have the coolant tested to confirm that its freezing point provides adequate protection for the lowest temperatures expected in your area. This check helps establish whether the cooling system is ready for the coming cold weather.