KIA NIRO HYBRID EV 2021 Owners Manual

5135
Driving your vehicle
Detecting Sensor
The rear radars are located inside
the rear bumper for detecting the
side and rear areas.
Always keep the rear bumper clean
for proper operation of the system.
ODEP059158
CAUTION
The system may not work
properly when the bumper has
been damaged, or if the rear
bumper has been replaced or
repaired.
The system may turn off due to
strong electromagnetic waves.
Always keep the sensors clean.
NEVER arbitrarily disassem-
ble the sensor component nor
apply any impact on the sen-
sor component.
Be careful not to apply unnec-
essary force on the radar sen-
sor or sensor cover. If the sen-
sor is forcibly moved out of
proper alignment, the system
may not operate correctly. In
this case, a warning message
may not be displayed.
(Continued)
WARNING
Drive safely even though the
vehicle is equipped with Rear
Cross-Traffic Collision
Warning system. Do not sole-
ly rely on the system but
check your surrounding when
backing the vehicle up.
The driver is responsible for
accurate brake control.
Always pay extreme caution
while driving. Rear Cross-
Traffic Collision Warning sys-
tem may not operate properly
or unnecessarily operate
depending on traffic and driv-
ing conditions.

Driving your vehicle
136 5
Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
system disabled. Radar blocked
This warning message may appear
when:
- One or both of the sensors on the
rear bumper is blocked by dirt or
snow or a foreign object.
- Driving in rural areas where the
sensor does not detect another
vehicle for an extended period of
time.
- When there is inclement weather
such as heavy snow or rain.A trailer or carrier is installed. (To use
BCW system, remove the trailer or
carrier from your vehicle.)
If any of these conditions occur, the
light on BCW button and the system
will turn off automatically.
If any of these conditions occur, the
light on the BCW button and the sys-
tem will turn off automatically.
When BCW canceled warning mes-
sage is displayed in the cluster,
check to make sure that the rear
bumper is free from any dirt or snow
in the areas where the sensor is
located. Remove any dirt, snow, or
foreign material that could interfere
with the radar sensors.
After any dirt or debris is removed,
BCW system should operate normal-
ly after about 10 minutes of driving
the vehicle.
If the system does not work normally
even though the foreign substance,
trailer or carrier, or other equipment
is removed, have the system
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
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(Continued)
Take your vehicle to an author-
ized Kia dealer and have the
system checked.
Do not apply foreign objects
such as a bumper sticker or a
bumper guard near the radar
sensor or apply paint to the
sensor area. Doing so may
adversely affect the perform-
ance of the sensor.

5137
Driving your vehicle
If there is a problem with BCW sys-
tem, a warning message will appear
and the light on the switch will turn
off. The system will turn off automat-
ically.In this case, have the system
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
Non-operating condition
Outside rearview mirror may not
alert the driver when:
- The outside rearview mirror housing
is damaged or covered with debris.
- The window is covered with debris.
- The windows are severely tinted.
- The mirror is covered with dirt,
snow, or debris.
OJF058434L
■Type A
■Type B
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Driving your vehicle
138 5
Limitations of the system
The driver must be cautious in the
below situations, because the sys-
tem may not detect other vehicles or
objects in certain circumstances.
When a trailer or carrier is
installed.
The vehicle drives in inclement
weather such as heavy rain or
snow.
The sensor is polluted with rain,
snow, mud, etc.
The rear bumper where the sensor
is located is covered with a foreign
object such as a bumper sticker, a
bumper guard, a bike rack, etc.
The rear bumper is damaged, or
the sensor is out of the original
default position.
The vehicle height gets lower or
higher due to heavy loading in a
liftgate, abnormal tire pressure,
etc.
When the temperature of the rear
bumper is high. When the sensors are blocked by
other vehicles, walls or parking-lot
pillars.
The vehicle drives on a curved road.
The road pavement (or the periph-
eral ground) abnormally contains
metallic components (i.e. possibly
due to subway construction).
There is a fixed object near the
vehicle, such as a guardrail.
While going down or up a steep
road where the height of the lane is
different.
Driving on a narrow road where
trees or grass or overgrown.
Driving in rural areas where the sen-
sor does not detect another vehicle
for an extended period of time.
Driving on a wet road.
Driving on a road where the guardrail
or wall is in double structure.
A big vehicle is near such as a bus
or truck.
When the other vehicle approaches
very close. When the other vehicle passes at a
very fast speed.
While changing lanes.
If the vehicle has started at the
same time as the vehicle next to
you and has accelerated.
When the vehicle in the next lane
moves two lanes away from you OR
when the vehicle two lanes away
moves to the next lane from you.
A motorcycle or bicycle is near.
A flat trailer is near.
If there are small objects in the
detecting area such as a shopping
cart or a baby stroller.
If there is a low height vehicle such
as a sports car.
The brake pedal is depressed.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
is activated.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
malfunctions.
The tire pressure is low or a tire is
damaged.

5139
Driving your vehicle
The brake is reworked.
The vehicle sharply stops.
Temperature is extremely low
around the vehicle.
The vehicle severely vibrates while
driving over a bumpy road,
uneven/bumpy road, or concrete
patch.
The vehicle drives on a slippery
surface due to snow, water puddle,
or ice.
[A] : Structure
Driving where there is a vehicle or
structure near
The system may not operate proper-
ly when driving where there is a vehi-
cle or structure near.
In certain instances, the system may
not detect the vehicle approaching
from behind and the warning or
brake may not operate properly.
Always pay attention to your sur-
rounding while driving. When the vehicle is in a complex
parking environment
The system may not operate prop-
erly when the vehicle is in a com-
plex parking environment.
In certain instances, the system
may not be able to exactly deter-
mine the risk of collision for the
vehicles which are parking or
pulling out near your vehicle (e.g. a
vehicle escaping beside your vehi-
cle, a vehicle parking or pulling out
in the rear area, a vehicle
approaching your vehicle making a
turn, etc.).
In this case, the warning or brake
may not operate properly.
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Driving your vehicle
140 5
[A] : Vehicle
When the vehicle is parked diago-
nally
The system may not operate proper-
ly when the vehicle is parked diago-
nally.
In certain instances, when the diago-
nally parked vehicle is pulled out of
the parking space, the system may
not detect the vehicle approaching
from the rear left/right of your vehi-
cle. In this case, the warning or brake
may not operate properly.
Always pay attention to your sur-
rounding while driving. When the vehicle is on/near a
slope
The system may not operate proper-
ly when the vehicle is on/near a
slope.
In certain instances, the system may
not detect the vehicle approaching
from the rear left/right and the warning
or brake may not operate properly.
Always pay attention to your sur-
rounding while driving.
[A] : Structure, [B] : Wall
Pulling into the parking space
where there is a structure
The system may not operate properly
when pulling in the vehicle to the park-
ing space where there is a structure at
the back or side of your vehicle.
In certain instances, when backing
into the parking space, the system
may not detect the vehicle moving in
front of your vehicle. In this case, the
warning or brake may not operate
properly.
Always pay attention to the parking
space while driving.
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5141
Driving your vehicle
When the vehicle is parked rear-
ward
If the vehicle is parked rearward and
the sensor detects the another vehi-
cle in the rear area of the parking
space, the system can warn or con-
trol braking. Always pay attention to
the parking space while driving.
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Driving your vehicle
142 5
Your vehicle's fuel economy depends
mainly on your style of driving, where
you drive and when you drive.
Each of these factors affects how
many kilometers (miles) you can get
from a liter (gallon) of fuel. To operate
your vehicle as economically as pos-
sible, use the following driving sug-
gestions to help save money in both
fuel and repairs:
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a
moderate rate. Don't make "jack-
rabbit" starts or full-throttle shifts
and maintain a steady cruising
speed. Don't race between stop-
lights. Try to adjust your speed to
the traffic so you don't have to
change speeds unnecessarily.
Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos-
sible. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from other vehicles so you
can avoid unnecessary braking.
This also reduces brake wear.
Drive at a moderate speed. The
faster you drive, the more fuel your
vehicle uses. Driving at a moderate
speed, especially on the highway,
is one of the most effective ways to
reduce fuel consumption. Don't "ride" the brake pedal. This
can increase fuel consumption and
also increase wear on these com-
ponents. In addition, driving with
your foot resting on the brake pedal
may cause the brakes to overheat,
which reduces their effectiveness
and may lead to more serious con-
sequences.
Take care of your tires. Keep them
inflated to the recommended pres-
sure. Incorrect inflation, either too
much or too little, results in unnec-
essary tire wear. Check the tire
pressures at least once a month.
Be sure that the wheels are
aligned correctly. Improper align-
ment can result from hitting curbs
or driving too fast over irregular
surfaces. Poor alignment causes
faster tire wear and may also result
in other problems as well as
greater fuel consumption. Keep your vehicle in good condi-
tion. For better fuel economy and
reduced maintenance costs, main-
tain your vehicle in accordance
with the maintenance schedule in
chapter 8. If you drive your vehicle
in severe conditions, more frequent
maintenance is required (see
chapter 8 for details).
Keep your vehicle clean. For maxi-
mum service, your vehicle should
be kept clean and free of corrosive
materials. It is especially important
that mud, dirt, ice, etc. not be
allowed to accumulate on the
underside of the vehicle. This extra
weight can result in increased fuel
consumption and also contribute to
corrosion.
Travel lightly. Don't carry unneces-
sary weight in your vehicle. Weight
reduces fuel economy.
Don't let the engine idle longer
than necessary. If you are waiting
(and not in traffic), turn off your
engine and restart only when
you're ready to go.
ECONOMICAL OPERATION

5143
Driving your vehicle
Remember, your vehicle does not
require extended warm-up. After
the engine has started, allow the
engine to run for 10 to 20 seconds
prior to placing the vehicle in gear.
In very cold weather, however, give
your engine a slightly longer warm-
up period.
Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine.
Lugging is driving too slowly in a
very high gear resulting in engine
bucking. If this happens, shift to a
lower gear. Over-revving is racing
the engine beyond its safe limit.
This can be avoided by shifting at
the recommended speed. Use your air conditioning sparingly.
The air conditioning system is
operated by engine power so your
fuel economy is reduced when you
use it.
Opening windows at high speeds
can reduce fuel economy.
Fuel economy is less in crosswinds
and headwinds. To help offset
some of this loss, slow down when
driving in these conditions.
Keeping a vehicle in good operating
condition is important both for econ-
omy and safety. Therefore, have an
authorized Kia dealer perform
scheduled inspections and mainte-
nance.
WARNING - Engine off
during motion
Never turn the engine off to
coast down hills or anytime the
vehicle is in motion. The power
steering and power brakes will
not function properly without
the engine running.
In addition, turning off the
engine start/stop button while
driving could engage the steer-
ing wheel lock, resulting in loss
of vehicle steering. Keep the
engine on and downshift to an
appropriate gear for an engine
braking effect.

Driving your vehicle
144 5
Hazardous driving conditions
When hazardous driving conditions
are encountered such as water,
snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar haz-
ards, follow these suggestions:
Drive cautiously and allow extra
distance for braking.
Avoid sudden braking or steering.
When braking with non-ABS
brakes pump the brake pedal with
a light up-and-down motion until
the vehicle is stopped.
Do not pump the brake pedal on a
vehicle equipped with ABS. If stalled in snow, mud, or sand,
use the second gear. Accelerate
slowly to avoid spinning the drive
wheels.
Use sand, rock salt, or other non-
slip material under the drive
wheels to provide traction when
stalled in ice, snow, or mud.
Reducing the risk of a rollover
This multi-purpose passenger vehi-
cle is defined as a Sports Utility
Vehicle (SUV). Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. SUV's have
higher ground clearance and a nar-
rower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-
road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher
center of gravity than ordinary vehi-
cles. An advantage of the higher
ground clearance is a better view of
the road, which allows you to antici-
pate problems. They are not
designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional passenger
vehicles, any more than low-slung
sports vehicles are designed to per-
form satisfactorily in off-road condi-
tions. Due to this risk, driver and pas-
sengers are strongly recommended
to buckle their seat belts. In a rollover
crash, an unbelted person is signifi-
cantly more likely to die than a per-
son wearing a seat belt. There are
steps that a driver can make to
reduce the risk of a rollover.
SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
WARNING- Downshifting
Do not downshift with a dual
clutch transmission while driv-
ing on slippery surfaces. The
sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid
and result in an accident.