Kia Optima 2004, Owner'S Manual

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SPECIAL DRIVING
CONDITIONS
HAZARDOUS DRIVING
When hazardous driving is encountered
because of water, snow, ice, mud, sand,
or similar hazard, follow these sugges-
tions:
•
Drive cautiously and allow extra
distance for braking.
• Avoid sudden movements in braking
or steering.
• When braking in vehicles without
anti-lock brakes, depress the brake
pedal with a controlled up-and- down
motion until the vehicle is stopped.
• When starting from a stop in snow,
mud, or sand, use second gear and
accelerate slowly to avoid spinning
the front wheels. Low gear may be
used, if necessary.
• Use sand, rock salt, tire chains, or
other non-slip material under the
front wheels to provide traction when
stalled on ice, snow, or mud.
WARNING - DOWNSHIFTING
Downshifting into first gear with a
manual transaxle or into low 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 slippery surfaces.
ROCKING THE VEHICLE
If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to
free it from snow, sand, or mud, move
the shift lever of an automatic transaxle
from D (Drive) to R (Reverse) in a
repeat pattern while depressing the
accelerator gently. With a manual
transaxle, move the shift lever back and
forth from 1 (First) to R (Reverse).
Do not race the engine. If you are still
stuck after a couple minutes of rocking,
have the vehicle pulled out by a tow
vehicle to avoid engine overheating and
possible damage to the transaxle.
NOTICE :
Prolonged rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle damage or
failure, and tire damage.
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