Kia Optima 2017, Owner'S Manual, Page: 542 / 776

CAUTION
Pulling a trailer improperly can dam‐
age your vehicle and result in costly
repairs not covered by your warran‐
ty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this section.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identi‐
fy what the vehicle trailering capacity is
for your vehicle, you should read the in‐
formation in Weight of the trailer on
page 6-137.
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 cor‐
rect equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
This section contains many time-tes‐
ted, important trailering tips and safety
rules. Many of these are important for
your safety and that of your passen‐
gers. Please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the
engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies,
and tires 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, in‐
creasing the pulling requirements.
OJF055184L
NOTICE
n Location of trailer mounting
(Continued)
(Continued)
The mounting hole for hitches are
located on both sides of the under‐
body behind the rear tires.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few
reasons 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 re‐
move the hitch.
If you do not seal them, deadly car‐
bon monoxide (CO) from your ex‐
haust 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 to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach
to the bumper.
• Kia trailer hitch accessary is available
at an authorized Kia dealer.
Driving your vehicle
6-132