engine KIA NIRO PHEV 2021 Owners Manual

5189
Driving your vehicle
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: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 neces-
sary 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.
Snow tires
If you mount snow tires on your vehi-
cle, 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
handling in all weather conditions.
Keep in mind that the traction provid-
ed by snow tires on dry roads may
not be as high as your vehicle's orig-
inal equipment tires. You should drive
cautiously even when the roads are
clear. Check with the tire dealer for
maximum speed recommendations.
Do not install studded tires without
first checking local, state and munic-
ipal regulations for possible restric-
tions against their use.
WINTER DRIVING

Driving your vehicle
190 5
Tire chains
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are
thinner, they can be damaged by
mounting some types of snow chains
on them. Therefore, the use of snow
tires is recommended instead of
snow chains. Do not mount tire
chains on vehicles equipped with
aluminum wheels; snow chains may
cause damage to the wheels. If snow
chains must be used, use wire-type
chains with a thickness of less than
0.47 in (12 mm). Damage to your
vehicle caused by improper snow
chain use is not covered by your
vehicle manufacturers warranty.When using tire chains, install tire
chains only on the front tires.
The snow chain connecting hooks
may be damaged from contacting
vehicle components causing the
snow chains to come loose from the
tire. Make sure the snow chains are
SAE class “S” certified.
Always check chain installation for
proper mounting after driving
approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5 to
1 km) to ensure safe mounting.
Retighten or remount the chains if
they are loose.
If your vehicle has 18 inch tires, do
not use tire chains.
They can damage your vehicle
(wheel, suspension and body).Chain installation
When installing chains, follow the
manufacturer's instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with chains installed. If
you hear the chains contacting the
body or chassis, stop and tighten
them. If they still make contact, slow
down until it stops. Remove the
chains as soon as you begin driving
on cleared roads.
When mounting snow chains, park
the vehicle on level ground away
from traffic. Turn on the vehicle
Hazard Warning flashers and place a
triangular emergency warning device
behind the vehicle if available.
Always place the vehicle in P (Park),
apply the parking brake and turn off
the engine before installing snow
chains.
CAUTION- Snow chains
Make sure the snow chains are
the correct size and type for
your tires. Incorrect snow
chains can cause damage to the
vehicle body and suspension
and may not be covered by your
vehicle manufacturer warranty.
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Driving your vehicle
192 5
To keep locks from freezing
To keep the locks from freezing,
squirt an approved de-icer fluid or
glycerine into the key opening. If a
lock is covered with ice, squirt it with
an approved de-icing fluid to remove
the ice. If the lock is frozen internally,
you may be able to thaw it out by
using a heated key. Handle the heat-
ed key with care to avoid injury.
Use approved window washer
anti-freeze in system
To keep the water in the window
washer system from freezing, add an
approved window washer anti-freeze
solution in accordance with instruc-
tions on the container. Window wash-
er anti-freeze is available from an
authorized Kia dealer and most auto
parts outlets. Do not use engine
coolant or other types of anti-freeze
as these may damage the paint fin-
ish.
Don’t let your parking brake
freeze
Under some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged
position. This is most likely to happen
when there is an accumulation of
snow or ice around or near the rear
brakes or if the brakes are wet. If
there is a risk the parking brake may
freeze, apply it only temporarily while
you put the gear shift lever in P (Park,
Dual clutch transmission) and block
the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot
roll. Then release the parking brake.
Don't let ice and snow accu-
mulate underneath
Under some conditions, snow and
ice can build up under the fenders
and interfere with the steering. When
driving in severe winter conditions
where this may happen, you should
periodically check underneath the
vehicle to be sure the movement of
the front wheels and the steering
components are not obstructed.
Carry emergency equipment
Depending on the severity of the
weather, you should carry appropri-
ate emergency equipment. Some of
the items you may want to carry
include tow straps or chains, flash-
light, emergency flares, sand, shov-
el, jumper cables, window scraper,
gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, blan-
ket, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
We do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.

What to do in an emergency
Road warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
• Hazard warning flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
In case of an emergency while driving . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
• If the engine stalls at a crossroad or crossing. . . . . . . 6-3
• If you have a flat tire while driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
• If the engine stalls while driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
If the engine will not start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
• If engine doesn't turn over or turns over slowly . . . . 6-4
• If engine turns over normally but does not start . . . . 6-4
Emergency starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
• Before Jump Starting (For Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
• Method to disconnect the (-) cable for regular
maintenance (For Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
• Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
• Push-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
If the engine overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . . . 6-13
• Check tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
• Low tire pressure telltale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
• Low tire pressure position telltale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
• Changing a tire with TPMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
If you have a flat tire (with spare tire) . . . . . . . . . 6-19
• Jack and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
• Removing and storing the spare tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
• Changing tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
If you have a flat tire (with Tire Mobility Kit) . . 6-28
• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29
• Notes on the safe use of the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . 6-30
• Components of the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
• Using the Tire Mobility Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33
• Distributing the sealant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35
• Checking the tire inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36
• Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39
• Towing service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39
• Removable towing hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-40
• Emergency towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41
If An Accident Occurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-446

63
What to do in an emergency
If the engine stalls at a cross-
road or crossing
If the engine stalls at a crossroad or
crossing, set the shift lever in the N
(Neutral) position and then push the
vehicle to a safe place.
If you have a flat tire while
driving
If a tire goes flat while you are driv-
ing:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal and let the vehicle slow
down while driving straight ahead.
Do not apply the brakes immedi-
ately or attempt to pull off the road
as this may cause a loss of con-
trol. When the vehicle has slowed
to such a speed that it is safe to do
so, brake carefully and pull off the
road. Drive off the road as far as
possible and park on firm level
ground. If you are on a divided
highway, do not park in the median
area between the two traffic lanes.2. When the vehicle is stopped, turn
on your emergency hazard flash-
ers, set the parking brake and put
the transmission in P (Park).
3. Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle. Be sure they all get out on
the side of the vehicle that is away
from traffic.
4. When changing a flat tire, follow
the instruction provided later in
this section.
If the engine stalls while driv-
ing
1. Reduce your speed gradually,
keeping a straight line. Move cau-
tiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try to start the hybrid system
again. If your vehicle will not start,
contact an authorized Kia dealer
or seek other qualified assistance.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
If there was a check engine light and
loss of power or stall and if safe to do
so, wait at least 10 seconds to restart
the vehicle after it stalls. This may
reset the car so it will no longer run
at low power (limp home) condition.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY WHILE DRIVING

What to do in an emergency
4 6
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
If engine doesn't turn over or
turns over slowly
1. Be sure the shift lever is in N
(Neutral) or P (Park) and the
emergency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to
be sure they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light
dims or goes out when you oper-
ate the starter, the battery is dis-
charged.
4. Check the starter connections to
be sure they are securely tight-
ened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to
start it. See instructions for "Jump
starting".
If engine turns over normally
but does not start
1. Check the fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in the
LOCK position, check all connec-
tors at the ignition coils and spark
plugs. Reconnect any that may be
disconnected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine
compartment.
4. If the engine still does not start,
call an authorized Kia dealer or
seek other qualified assistance.
WARNING - Push/
pull start
Do not push or pull the vehicle
to start it. Push or pull starting
may cause the catalytic con-
verter to overload and create a
fire hazard.

65
What to do in an emergency
EMERGENCY STARTING
Before Jump Starting
(For Hybrid)
Over discharge of 12V battery
- Press the reconnection
(“12V Batt Reset”) switch (1) :
This car has a reconnection switch
which can reset the over discharged
12V battery and enable getting the
car started without jump-start.
Press the “12V Batt Reset” switch
(1) located on the lower left dash.
Immediately start car by stepping
on the brake pedal and pressing
the Start switch within few seconds. To charge 12V battery, keep driving
or idling the car more than 30 min-
utes.
If you do not start the vehicle imme-
diately after pressing the “12V Batt
Reset” switch (1), the power of 12V
battery is automatically disconnected
after few seconds to save the 12V
battery from additional discharge. If
the 12V battery is disconnected prior
to starting the vehicle, press “12V
Batt Reset” switch (1) again and then
immediately start the car as
explained above.
Repeated use of the “12V Batt
Reset” switch (1) without a sufficient
engine ON cycle (30 Min+) may
cause over discharge of the 12V bat-
tery, which will prevent car starting. If
the 12V battery is over discharged to
a point that the reset does not work,
try to jump-start the vehicle. (refer to
jump-starting)After starting the vehicle (HEV
Ready), the 12V battery is being
charged whether the engine is run-
ning or not. Although there is no
engine-sound, it is not necessary to
step on the accelerator pedal.
Once the 12V battery is fully dis-
charged and reconnected, the 12V
battery is initialized.
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69
What to do in an emergency
Jump starting procedure
1. Make sure the booster battery is
12-volt and that its negative termi-
nal is grounded.
2. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, do not allow the vehicles
to come in contact.
3. Turn off all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect the jumper cables in the
exact sequence shown in the illus-
tration. First connect one end of a
jumper cable to the positive termi-
nal of the discharged battery (1),
then connect the other end to the
positive terminal of the booster
battery (2).
Proceed to connect one end of the
other jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the booster battery (3),
then the other end to a solid, sta-
tionary, metallic point (for example,
the engine lifting bracket) away
from the battery (4). Do not con-
nect it to or near any part that
moves when the engine is cranked.WARNING- Battery
cables
Do not connect the jumper cable
from the negative terminal of the
booster battery to the negative
terminal of the discharged bat-
tery, directly. This can cause the
discharged battery to overheat
and crack and/or cause degra-
dation.
Connect the jumper cable from
the negative terminal of the
booster battery to the chassis
ground in the engine room.WARNING- Electrolyte
Do not charge or discharge
arbitrarily. It may lead to fault,
electric shock or burns.
Do not damage the battery in
any way, including dropping it,
impacting it, or piercing it with
a sharp object. It may cause
electrolyte leakage or fire.
Breakdown of the unit may
lead to electrolyte leakage or
flammable gas generation. If
this occurs, contact an author-
ized Kia dealer immediately.
If electrolyte leaks out, avoid
contact with eyes, skin or
clothes. In event of accident,
flush with water and get med-
ical help immediately.
Do not place near open flame
or incinerate. It may lead to
fire or explosion.
Keep battery out of reach of
children or animals.
Keep the battery away from
moisture and liquid. Do not
touch or use if liquids have
been spilled on the battery.
WARNING- Sulfuric acid
risk
Automobile batteries contain
sulfuric acid. When jump start-
ing your vehicle, be careful not
to get sulfuric acid on yourself,
your clothing, or on the vehicle.
This acid is poisonous and
highly corrosive.

What to do in an emergency
10 6
Do not allow the jumper cables to
contact anything except the cor-
rect battery terminals or the cor-
rect ground. Do not lean over the
battery when making connections.
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with
the booster battery and let it run at
2,000 rpm, then start the engine
of the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
If the cause of your battery discharg-
ing is not apparent, you should have
your vehicle checked by an author-
ized Kia dealer.
Push-starting
Vehicles equipped with dual clutch
transmission lock system cannot be
push-started.
Follow the directions in this section
for jump-starting.
WARNING - Tow starting
vehicle
Never tow a vehicle to start it.
When the engine starts, the
vehicle can suddenly surge for-
ward and could cause a colli-
sion with the tow vehicle.

611
What to do in an emergency
IF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
If your temperature gauge indicates
overheating, you will experience a
loss of power, or hear loud pinging or
knocking, the engine is probably too
hot. If this happens, you should:
1. Turn on the emergency warning
flasher and stop in a safe place.
Move the shift lever to P (Park)
and engage the parking brake.
2. If hot steam does not come out
from the engine room, carefully
open the engine room and check
whether the water pump connec-
tor is properly engaged. If the con-
nector is not properly engaged,
stop the engine immediately and
properly engage the connector.
Then, turn the engine on.
3. Turn on the air conditioner.4. If the “HEV Warning” light turns on
in the driver instrument cluster, or
engine coolant or hot steam emits
from the engine coolant filler, stop
the engine immediately. Then, call
the nearest authorized Kia dealer
for assistance. If the “Engine
Warning” light remains illuminated
or the engine coolant is not flowing
out, keep the engine running.
Open the engine hood for ventila-
tion to help cool down the engine.5. Check whether the engine coolant
temperature is low enough by
checking its temperature. If the
engine coolant level is low, please
check the connecting parts
between the radiator hose, heater
hose, and water pump for any signs
of leakage. When there is no sign of
leakage, please refill the engine
coolant. If causes and signs of
engine overheating such as warn-
ing light illumination, engine coolant
leakage, or cooling fan malfunction
are found, stop the vehicle the ear-
liest. Then, call the nearest author-
ized Kia dealer for assistance.
WARNING- Under the
Hood
While the engine is running,
keep hair, hands and clothing
away from moving parts such
as the fan and drive belts to pre-
vent injury.
WARNING- Radiator Cap
Do not remove the
radiator cap when the
engine is hot. This
can allow coolant to
blow out of the open-
ing and cause seri-
ous burns.