Kia 2009 H-1, Owner'S Manual, Page: 193 / 336

Driving your vehicle
12 5
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 next lower gear.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into D (Drive).
2 (Second gear)
Use 2 (Second gear) for more power
when climbing hills and for increased
braking when going down hills. This posi-
tion also helps reduce wheel spin on slip-
pery surfaces. When the shift lever is
placed in 2 (Second gear), the transaxle
will automatically shift from first to sec-
ond gear.
1 (First gear)
Move the shift lever to this position in
hard pulling situations and for climbing
steep grades.
CAUTION
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R
(Reverse); you may damage the
transaxle if you shift into R while
the vehicle is in motion, except
when "Rocking the vehicle"
explained in this section.
CAUTION
Do not exceed the recommended
maximum speed in 2 (Second gear)
or 1 (First gear). Operating the vehi-
cle above the maximum speed rec-
ommended for 2 (Second gear) or 1
(First gear) may cause excessive
heat which could damage the auto-
matic transaxle.