towing KIA PICANTO 2012 Owner's Manual

Maintenance
18
7
Severe driving conditions
A : Repeated short distance driving
B : Extensive idling
C : Driving in dusty, rough roads
D : Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive
materials or in very cold weather
E : Driving in sandy areas
F : More than 50 % driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 32°C (90°F) G : Driving in mountainous areas.
H : Towing a trailer
I : Driving for patrol car, taxi, commercial car or vehicle tow-
ing
J : Driving over 170 km/h (106 mile/h)
K : Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions
L : Driving in very cold weather
Maintenance itemMaintenance operationMaintenance intervalsDriving condition
Disc brakes and pads, calipers and rotorsIInspect more frequently
depending on the conditionC, D, E, G, H
Parking brakeIInspect more frequently
depending on the conditionC, D, G, H
Driveshaft and bootsIInspect more frequently
depending on the conditionB, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
Climate control air filter (if equipped)RReplace more frequently
depending on the conditionC, E

Index
4
I
Economical operation ....................................................5-45
Electronic power steering ..............................................4-37
Electronic stability program (ESP) ................................5-37
Emergency starting ..........................................................6-5
Jump starting ..............................................................6-5
Push starting ................................................................6-6
Emergency stop signal (ESS) ........................................5-43
Emergency towing ..........................................................6-22
Emergency while driving ..................................................6-3
Emergency commodity ..................................................6-25
Emission control system ................................................7-76 Crankcase emission control system ..........................7-76
Evaporative emission control system ........................7-76
Exhaust emission control system ..............................7-77
Engine compartment..................................................2-4, 7-2
Engine coolant ................................................................7-24
Engine number ..................................................................8-7
Engine oil ........................................................................7-22
Engine overheats ..............................................................6-7
Engine start/stop button ....................................................5-6
Engine will not start..........................................................6-4
Evaporative emission control system..............................7-76
Exhaust emission control system ....................................7-77
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items ................7-19
Exterior care....................................................................7-70 Flat tire ..............................................................................6-8
Changing tires ............................................................6-9
Jack and tools ..............................................................6-8
Removing and storing the spare tire ..........................6-9
Fluid Automatic transaxle fluid ..........................................7-28
Washer fluid ..............................................................7-30
Brake fluid ................................................................7-27
Folding the rear seat........................................................3-10
Front seat adjustment - manual ........................................3-4
Fuel filler lid ..................................................................4-28
Fuel gauge ......................................................................4-44
Fuel requirements ............................................................1-2
Fuses ..............................................................................7-51 Fuse/relay panel description......................................7-55
Instrument panel fuse ................................................7-52
Multi fuse ..................................................................7-54
Memory fuse ............................................................7-53
Gauge Fuel gauge ................................................................4-44
Glassroof, see sunroof ....................................................4-31
Glove box ......................................................................4-103
F
G
E

Index
8
I
Special driving conditions ..............................................5-47
Driving at night ........................................................5-48
Driving in flooded areas............................................5-50
Driving in the rain ....................................................5-49
Hazardous driving conditions ..................................5-47
Highway driving ........................................................5-50
Rocking the vehicle ..................................................5-47
Smooth cornering ......................................................5-48
Speedometer....................................................................4-44
Starting difficulties, see engine will not start ..................6-4
Starting the engine ............................................................5-9
Steering wheel ................................................................4-35 Electronic power steering..........................................4-35
Heated steering wheel ..............................................4-36
Horn ..........................................................................4-37
Tilt steering ..............................................................4-35
Steering wheel audio control ........................................4-111
Storage compartment ....................................................4-103 Glove box ................................................................4-103
Sunglass holder ......................................................4-103
Sunglass holder ............................................................4-103
Sunroof............................................................................4-31
Sunvisor ........................................................................4-106 Tachometer ......................................................................4-44
Tailgate ............................................................................4-19
Tilt steering ....................................................................4-35
Tire specification and pressure label ................................8-7
Tires and wheels ......................................................7-41, 8-2
Checking tire inflation pressure ................................7-42
Recommended cold tire inflation pressures ..............7-41
Tire care ....................................................................7-41
Tire maintenance ......................................................7-46
Tire replacement ........................................................7-45
Tire rotation ..............................................................7-43
Tire sidewall labeling ................................................7-47
Tire traction ..............................................................7-46
Wheel alignment and tire balance ............................7-44
Wheel replacement ....................................................7-46
Towing ............................................................................6-21 Emergency towing ....................................................6-22
Transaxle Automatic transaxle ..................................................5-27
Manual transaxle ......................................................5-24
Tripmeter ........................................................................4-46
Trip computer..................................................................4-45T

321
Safety features of your vehicle
When using the rear centre seat belt, the
buckle with the “CENTER” mark must beused.To release the seat belt:
When you want to release the seat belt,
press the button (1) in the locking buckle.Stowing the rear seat belt
The rear seat belt buckles can be stowed
in the pocket between the rear seatback
and cushion when not in use.
The centre seat belt can be stowed with
the plate and webbing rolled in the pock-
et between the rear seatback and cush-
ion. (2-point static type belt, if equipped)
OTA032025OTA030027B210A02NF-2
WARNING
The centre lap belt latching mecha-
nism is different from those for the
rear seat shoulder belts. When fas-tening the rear seat shoulder belts
or the centre lap belt, make sure
they are inserted into the correct
buckles to obtain maximum protec-
tion from the seat belt system and
assure proper operation.

Features of your vehicle
64
4
Non-operational conditions of rear parking assist system
The rear parking assist system may
not operate properly when:
1. Moisture is frozen to the sensor. (It will
operate normally when the moisture has been cleared.)
2. The sensor is covered with foreign matter, such as snow or water, or the
sensor cover is blocked. (It will operate
normally when the material is removed
or the sensor is no longer blocked.)
3. Driving on uneven road surfaces (unpaved roads, gravel, bumps, gradi-ent).
4. Objects generating excessive noise (vehicle horns, loud motorcycle
engines, or truck air brakes) are within
range of the sensor.
5. Heavy rain or water spray exists.
6. Wireless transmitters or mobile phones are within range of the sensor.
7. The sensor is covered with snow.
8. Trailer towing The detecting range may decrease when:
1. The sensor is stained with foreign mat-
ter such as snow or water. (The sens-
ing range will return to normal when
removed.)
2. Outside air temperature is extremely hot or cold.
The following objects may not be rec-
ognized by the sensor:
1. Sharp or slim objects such as ropes, chains or small poles.
2. Objects which tend to absorb the sen- sor frequency such as clothes, spongy
material or snow.
3. Undetectable objects smaller than 1 m (40 in.) in height and narrower than 14
cm (6 in.) in diameter. Rear parking assist system pre- cautions
The rear parking assist system may
not sound sequentially depending on the speed and shapes of the objectsdetected.
The rear parking assist system may malfunction if the vehicle bumperheight or sensor installation has been
modified or damaged. Any non-factory
installed equipment or accessories
may also interfere with the sensor per-
formance.
The sensor may not recognize objects less than 40 cm (15 in.) from the sen-
sor, or it may sense an incorrect dis-
tance. Use caution.
When the sensor is frozen or stained with snow, dirt, or water, the sensor
may be inoperative until the stains are
removed using a soft cloth.
Do not push, scratch or strike the sen- sor. Sensor damage could occur.

5
Before driving / 5-3
Key positions / 5-4
ENGINE START/STOP button / 5-6
Starting the engine / 5-9
ISG(idle stop and go) system / 5-12
Manual transaxle / 5-16
Automatic transaxle / 5-19
Brake system / 5-25
Economical operation / 5-37
Special driving conditions / 5-39
Winter driving / 5-43
Trailer towing / 5-47
Vehicle weight / 5-55
Driving your vehicle

521
Driving your vehicle
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle
backward.N (Neutral)
The wheels and transaxle are not
engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or service brakes are applied.
D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving posi-
tion. The transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear sequence, providing the
best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing grades, depress the
accelerator fully, at which time the
transaxle will automatically downshift to
the lower gear.
✽✽
NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into D (Drive).
3 (Third gear)
Use for towing a trailer during hill climb-
ing or to use engine braking downhill.
"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd
and 3rd gears. This means that no shift-
up to 4th gear is performed. However, theshift-up to 4th gear is done when the car
speed exceeds a certain value to prevent
the engine from over-revving. Manually
move the selector to "D" when returning
to normal driving condition.
2 (Second gear)
Use for driving on a slippery road, hill
climbing or engine braking downhill. "2"
automatically shifts between first and
second gears. This means that no shift-up to 3rd gear is
performed. However, the shift-up to thirdgear is done when the car speed
exceeds a certain value to prevent the
engine from over-revving. Manually move
the selector to "D" returning to normal
driving condition.
CAUTION
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R(Reverse); you may damage thetransaxle if you shift into R(Reverse) whilst the vehicle is in
motion, except as explained in“Rocking the vehicle” in this sec- tion.

547
Driving your vehicle
If you are considering towing with with
your car, you should first check with your
country’s Department of Motor Vehicles
to determine their legal requirements.
Since laws vary the requirements for tow-
ing trailers, cars, or other types of vehi-
cles or apparatus may differ. Ask an
authorised KIA dealer for further details
before towing.✽✽NOTICE - For Europe
 The technically permissible maximum load on the rear axle(s) may be
exceeded by not more than 15 % and
the technically permissible maximum
laden mass of the vehicle may be
exceeded by not more than 10 % or
100 kg (220.4 lbs), whichever value is
lower. In this case, do not exceed 100
km/h (62.1 mph) for vehicle of catego-
ry M1 or 80 km/h (49.7 mph) for vehi-
cle of category N1.
 When a vehicle of category M1 is tow- ing a trailer, the additional load
imposed at the trailer coupling device
may cause the tyre maximum load
ratings to be exceeded, but not by
more than 15 %. In this case, do not
exceed 100 km/h (62.1 mph) and
increase the tyre inflation pressure by
at least 0.2 bar.Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify
what the vehicle trailering capacity is for
your vehicle, you should read the infor-
mation in “Weight of the trailer” thatappears later in this section.
Remember that trailering is different than
just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling,
durability, and fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering requires correct equip-
ment, and it has to be used properly.
This section contains many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your
safety and that of your passengers.
Please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the
engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and
tyres are forced to work harder against
the load of the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively higher
speeds and under greater loads. This
additional burden generates extra heat.
The trailer also considerably adds wind
resistance, increasing pulling require-
ments.
TRAILER TOWING (FOR EUROPE)
WARNING
- Towing a trail-
er
If you don't use the correct equip-
ment and drive improperly, you can
lose control when you pull a trailer.
For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well - or even at all. You and your
passengers could be seriously or
fatally injured. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps inthis section.
WARNING - Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total
trailer weight, gross combination
weight, gross vehicle weight, grossaxle weight and trailer tongue loadare all within the limits.
CAUTION
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by yourwarranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section.

Driving your vehicle
48
5
✽✽
NOTICE - Location of trailer mounting
The mounting hole for hitches are locat-
ed on both sides of the underbody
behind the rear tyres. ✽✽
NOTICE
Install a trailer after remove the towing
hook at the right side of the vehicle.
After using trailer, dissemble the trailer
and install the towing hook to its origi-
nal position.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few rea-
sons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
Do you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a
trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to
seal the holes later when you removethe hitch.
If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can
get into your vehicle, as well as dirt and
water.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches. Use only a frame-mountedhitch that does not attach to the
bumper.
KIA trailer hitch accessory is available at an authorised KIA dealer.
OTA060012OTA060013L

549
Driving your vehicle
Safety chains
You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not
drop to the road if it becomes separatedfrom the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer. Follow the man-
ufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your trailer.
And, never allow safety chains drag on
the ground.Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to your
country’s regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed and operating correctly.
If your trailer weighs more than the max-
imum trailer weight without trailer brakes
loaded, then it needs its own brakes and
they must be adequate. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
Don’t tap into your vehicle's brake sys-
tem. Driving with a trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting out
for the open road, you must get to know
your trailer. Acquaint yourself with the
feel of handling and braking with the
added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not
nearly so responsive as your vehicle is
by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
connector(s), lights, tyres and mirror
adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer mov-
ing and then apply the trailer brake con-
troller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This lets you check your electri-
cal connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and trailer brakes are still working.
WARNING
- Trailer brakes
Do not use a trailer with its own
brakes unless you are absolutely
certain that you have properly set
up the brake system. This is not a
task for amateurs. Use an experi-
enced, competent trailer shop for
this work.