warning KIA Optima 2008 2.G Manual Online

439
Driving your vehicle
✽ ✽
NOTICEIf you don’t hear an audible warning
sound or if the buzzer sounds intermit-
tently when shifting the gear to “R” posi-
tion, this may indicate a malfunction in
the rear parking assist system. If this
occurs, have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Kia dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
CAUTION
1. The rear parking assist system
may not sound sequentially
depending on the speed and
shapes of the objects detected.
2. The rear parking assist system
may malfunction if the vehicle
bumper height or sensor installa-
tion has been modified or dam-
aged. Any non-factory installed
equipment or accessories may
also interfere with the sensor per-
formance.
3. Sensor may not recognize
objects less than 40 cm (15 in.)
from the sensor, or it may sense
an incorrect distance. Use cau-
tion.
4. When sensor is frozen or stained
with snow, dirt, or water, sensor
may be inoperative until the
stains are removed using a soft
cloth.
5. Do not push, scratch or strike the
sensor. Sensor damage could
occur.
WARNING
Pay close attention when the vehi-
cle is driven close to objects on the
road, particularly pedestrians,
especially children. Be aware that
some objects may not be detected
by the sensors, due to the object’s
distance, size or material, all of
which can limit the effectiveness of
the sensor. Always perform a visu-
al inspection to make sure the vehi-
cle is clear of all obstructions
before moving the vehicle in any
direction.
CAUTION
This system can only sense objects
within the range and location of the
sensors; It can not detect objects in
other areas where sensors are not
installed. Also, small or slim
objects, such as poles or objects
located between sensors may not
be detected by the sensors.
Always visually check behind the
vehicle when driving back up.
Be sure to inform any drivers in the
vehicle that may be unfamiliar with
the system regarding the systems
capabilities and limitations.
Your new vehicle warranty does not
cover any accidents or damage to
the vehicle or its occupants due to
rear parking assist system malfunc-
tion. Always drive safely and cau-
tiously.

445
Driving your vehicle
Windshield washers In the OFF position, pull the lever gently
toward you to spray washer fluid on the
windshield and to run the wipers 2-3
cycles.
Use this function when the windshield is
dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will con-
tinue until you release the lever.If the washer does not work, check the
washer fluid level. If the fluid level is not
sufficient, you will need to add appropri-
ate non-abrasive windshield washer fluid
to the washer reservoir.
The reservoir filler neck is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the
passenger side.
✽ ✽
NOTICETo prevent possible damage to the wash-
er pump, do not operate the washer
when the fluid reservoir is empty.
CAUTION
When the ignition switch is ON and
the windshield wiper switch is
placed in the AUTO mode, use cau-
tion in the following situations to
avoid any injury to the hands or
other parts of the body:
Do not touch the upper end of the
windshield glass facing the rain
sensor.
Do not wipe the upper end of the
windshield glass with a damp or
wet cloth.
Do not put pressure on the wind-
shield glass.
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
contact with the windshield and
obscure your vision.
OMG045032L

447
Driving your vehicle
Front windshield deicer (if equipped)To activate the front windshield deicer,
press the front windshield deicer button.
The indicator on the button illuminates
when the deicer is ON.
The front windshield deicer automatically
turns off after 20 minutes or when the
ignition switch is turned off. To turn off the
defroster, press the front windshield
deicer button again.
The front windshield deicer is designed
to defrost wiper blades. If you want to
defrost and defog on the front wind-
shield, refer to “Windshield Defrosting
and Defogging” in this section.The hazard warning flasher causes the
rear tail lights and front turn signal lights
to flash on and off, which serves as a
warning to other drivers to exercise cau-
tion when approaching or passing your
vehicle.
To activate the flasher, depress the haz-
ard warning flasher switch. This switch
operates in any ignition switch position.
To turn the flashers off, depress the
switch again.
OMG045100
OMG065001
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

Driving your vehicle52 4Air intake control button This is used to select outside (fresh) air
position or recirculated air position.
To change the air intake control position,
push the control button.
Recirculated air position
The indicator light on the but-
ton is illuminated when the
recirculated air position is
selected.
Use this position only for
short period with the recircu-
lated air position selected, air
from passenger compart-
ment will be drawn through
the climate control system
and heated or cooled accord-
ing to the function selected.
Outside (fresh) air position
With the outside (fresh) air
position selected, air enters
the vehicle from outside and
is heated or cooled according
to the function selected.
✽ ✽
NOTICEProlonged use of the air conditioning
with the “recirculated air position”
selected, will result in excessively dry air
in the passenger compartment.
WARNING
- Recirculated
air
Continued climate control system
operation in the recirculated air
position may allow humidity to
increase inside vehicle which
may fog the glass and obscure
visibility.
Do not sleep in a vehicle with air
conditioning or heating system
on. It may cause serious harm or
death due to a drop in the oxygen
level and/or body temperature.
Continued climate control system
operation in the recirculated air
position can slightly reduce oxy-
gen levels which can lead to
cause drowsiness or sleepiness,
and loss of vehicle control. Set
the air intake control to the out-
side (fresh) air position as much
as possible while driving.
OMG045041

459
Driving your vehicle
WARNING -
Recirculated air
Continued climate control system
operation in the recirculated air
position may allow humidity to
increase inside vehicle which
may fog the glass and obscure
visibility.
Do not sleep in a vehicle with air
conditioning or heating system
on. It may cause serious harm or
death due to a drop in the oxygen
level and/or body temperature.
Continued climate control system
operation in the recirculated air
position can slightly reduce oxy-
gen levels which can lead to
cause drowsiness or sleepiness,
and loss of vehicle control. Set
the air intake control to the out-
side (fresh) air position as much
as possible while driving.
OMG045039

Driving tips2 5FUEL REQUIREMENTSGasoline engine (unleaded)Your new Kia vehicle is designed to use
only unleaded fuel with a minimum
Octane Rating of 87 Anti-Knock Index
(AKI).✽ ✽
NOTICENEVER USE LEADED FUEL. The use
of leaded fuel is detrimental to the cat-
alytic converter and will damage the
engine control system’s oxygen sensor
and affect emission control.
Never add any fuel system cleaning
agents to the fuel tank other than what
Kia has specified. (Consult an
Authorized Kia Dealer for details.)Gasoline containing alcohol and
methanolGasohol, a mixture of gasoline and
ethanol (also known as grain alcohol),
and gasoline or gasohol containing
methanol (also known as wood alcohol)
are being marketed along with or instead
of leaded or unleaded gasoline.
Do not use gasohol containing more than
10% ethanol, and do not use gasoline or
gasohol containing any methanol. Either
of these fuels may cause drivability prob-
lems and damage to the fuel system.Discontinue using gasohol of any kind if
drivability problems occur.
Vehicle damage or driveability problems
may not be covered by the manufactur-
er’s warranty if they result from the use
of:
1. Gasohol containing more than 10%
ethanol.
2. Gasoline or gasohol containing
methanol.
3. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
✽ ✽
NOTICENever use gasohol which contains
methanol. Discontinue use of any gaso-
hol product which impairs drivability.
The emission control system of your
vehicle is covered by a written limited
warranty. Please see the warranty infor-
mation contained in the Warranty &
Consumer Information Manual in your
vehicle.Vehicle modifications This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification of your Kia could affect its
performance, safety or durability, may
violate governmental safety and emis-
sions regulations, and void the vehicle’s
warranty.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from any modification
may not be covered under warranty.Engine exhaust gas precautions
(carbon monoxide)
WARNING -
Exhaust
Engine exhaust gases contain car-
bon monoxide (CO). Though color-
less and odorless, it is dangerous
and could be lethal if inhaled.
Follow the instructions following to
avoid CO impairment.EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

53
Driving tips
Carbon monoxide can be present with
other exhaust fumes. Therefore, if you
smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have it inspected and
repaired immediately. If you ever sus-
pect exhaust fumes are coming into
your vehicle, drive it only with all the
windows fully open. Have your vehicle
checked and repaired immediately.
Do not operate the engine in confined
or closed areas (such as garages) any
more than what is necessary to move
the vehicle in or out of the area.
When the vehicle is stopped in an
open area for more than a short time
with the engine running, adjust the
ventilation system (as needed) to draw
outside air into the vehicle.
Never sit in a parked or stopped vehi-
cle for any extended time with the
engine running.
When the engine stalls or fails to start,
excessive attempts to re-start the
engine may cause damage to the
emission control system.
Operating precautions for catalytic
converters Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter emission control device.
Therefore, the following precautions
must be observed:
Use only UNLEADED FUEL for gaso-
line engine (unleaded).
Do not operate the vehicle when there
are signs of engine malfunction, such
as misfire or a noticeable loss of per-
formance.
Do not misuse or abuse the engine.
Examples of misuse are coasting with
the ignition off and descending steep
grades in gear with the ignition off. Do not operate the engine at high idle
speed for extended periods (5 minutes
or more).
Do not modify or tamper with any part
of the engine or emission control sys-
tem. All inspections and adjustments
must be made by an authorized Kia
dealer.
Failure to observe these precautions
could result in damage to the catalytic
converter and to your vehicle.
Additionally, such actions could void your
warranties.
WARNING
- Fire
A hot exhaust system can ignite
flammable items under your vehi-
cle. Do not park the vehicle over or
near flammable objects, such as
grass, vegetation, paper, leaves,
etc.

Driving tips4 5BEFORE DRIVING Before entering vehicle: Be sure that all windows, outside mir-
ror(s), and outside lights are clean.
Check the condition of the tires.
Check under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
Be sure there are no obstacles behind
you if you intend to back up.Necessary inspections Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid
should be checked on a regular basis,
with the exact interval depending on the
fluid. Further details are provided in
Section 7, Maintenance.
Before starting Close and lock all doors.
Position the seat so that all controls are
easily reached.
Adjust the inside and outside rearview
mirrors.
Be sure that all lights work.
Check all gauges.
Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position.
Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are famil-
iar with your vehicle and its equipment.
WARNING
- Driving under
the influence of alcohol or
drugs
Drinking and driving is dangerous.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgement. Driving
while under the influence of drugs
is as dangerous or more dangerous
than driving drunk.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or take
drugs and drive.
If you are drinking or taking drugs,
don’t drive. Do not ride with a driv-
er who has been drinking or taking
drugs. Choose a designated driver
or call a cab.

55
Driving tips
SUGGESTIONS FOR ECONOMICAL OPERATIONYour 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 possible, use the fol-
lowing driving suggestions to help save
money in both fuel and repairs:
Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once the
engine is running smoothly, begin driv-
ing. Remember, engine warm-up may
take a little longer on cold days.
Save fuel by accelerating slowly after
stopping.
Keep the engine in tune and follow the
recommended periodic maintenance
schedule. This will increase the life of
all parts and lower your operating
costs.
Do not use the air conditioner unnec-
essarily.
Slow down when driving on rough
roads.
For longer tire life and better fuel econ-
omy, always keep the tires inflated to
the recommended pressures. Maintain a safe distance from other
vehicles to avoid sudden stops. This
will reduce wear on brake linings and
pads. Driving in such a way will also
save fuel because extra fuel is required
to accelerate back to driving speed.
Do not carry unnecessary weight in the
vehicle.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This can cause
needless wear, possible damage to the
brakes, and poor fuel economy.
Improper wheel alignment results in
faster tire wear and lower fuel econo-
my.
Open 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 con-
dition is important both for economy and
safety. Therefore, have an authorized Kia
dealer perform scheduled inspections
and maintenance.
WARNING
- Engine off dur-
ing 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 run-
ning. Instead, keep the engine on
and downshift to an appropriate
gear for engine braking effect.

Driving tips6 5SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONSHazardous driving conditions When hazardous driving conditions are
encountered such as water, snow, ice,
mud, sand, or similar hazards, follow
these suggestions:
Drive cautiously and allow extra dis-
tance for braking.
Avoid sudden movements in 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. If stalled in snow, mud, or sand, use
second gear. Accelerate slowly to
avoid spinning the drive wheels.
Use sand, rock salt, tire chains, or
other non-slip material under the drive
wheels to provide traction when stalled
in ice, snow, or mud.
Rocking the vehicle If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to
free it from snow, sand, or mud, first turn
the steering wheel right and left to clear
the area around your front wheels. Then,
shift back and forth between 1 (First) and
R (Reverse) in vehicles equipped with a
manual transaxle or R (Reverse) and any
forward gear in vehicles equipped with
an automatic transaxle. Do not race the
engine, and spin the wheels as little as
possible. If you are still stuck after a few
tries, have the vehicle pulled out by a tow
vehicle to avoid engine overheating and
possible damage to the transaxle.✽ ✽
NOTICEProlonged rocking may cause engine
over-heating, transaxle damage or fail-
ure, and tire damage.
CAUTION
- ABS
Do not pump the brake pedal on a
vehicle equipped with ABS.
WARNING
- Downshifting
Downshifting with an automatic
transaxle, while driving on slippery
surfaces can cause an accident.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. Be
careful when downshifting on slip-
pery surfaces.
WARNING
- Spinning tires
Do not spin the wheels, especially
at speeds more than 56 km/h (35
mph). Spinning the wheels at high
speeds when the vehicle is station-
ary could cause a tire to overheat,
explode and injure bystanders.