2023 Kia Sportage Winter Driving and Trailer Towing

When it comes to the harsh conditions of winter driving and pulling a trailer, the 2023 Kia Sportage proves to be a great companion, changing the way winter driving and pulling a trailer are done with unwavering trust. This car shows how committed Kia is to giving drivers an unbeatable experience, even in the worst winter weather, by always putting safety and speed first. Its strong powertrain choices and advanced all-wheel drive systems give it the best traction and control on snowy roads. Its towing capabilities show how versatile and strong it is, making it a reliable partner for hauling trailers for work or play. The 2023 Kia Sportage is ready for when the snow covers the ground and trailers call for an adventure. It is the perfect combination of capability and comfort, providing an exhilarating and reassuring winter driving and towing experience, setting a new standard in automotive excellence for those who refuse to be limited by the elements.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque

Winter driving

Severe weather conditions in the winter result in greater wear and other problems. To minimize the problems of winter driving, you should follow these suggestions:

Snowy or icy conditions
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be necessary to use snow tires or to install tire chains on your tires. If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and type of the original equipment tires. Failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. Furthermore, speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns are potentially very hazardous practices. During deceleration, use vehicle braking to the fullest extent. Sudden brake applications on snowy or icy roads may cause skids to occur. You need to keep sufficient distance between the vehicle in operation in front of your vehicle. Also, apply the brake gently. It should be noted that installing tire chains on the tire will provide a greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids. Tire chains are not legal in all states. Check state laws before fitting tire chains.

Snow tires
If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels to balance your vehicle’s handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that the traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may not be as high as your vehicle’s original equipment tires. You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations. Do not install studded tires without first checking local, state and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.

WARNING
Snow tire size
Snow tires should be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle’s standard tires. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.

Tire chains

wire-type

fabric-type

Since the sidewalls of radial tires are thinner, they can be damaged by mounting some types of snow chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tires is recommended instead of snow chains. Do not mount tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminium wheels; snow chains may cause damage to the wheels. If snow chains must be used, use fabric-type chains for 18/19 inch tires or wire-type chains for 17 inch tires with a thickness of less than 0.47 inches (12 mm). Damage to your vehicle caused by improper snow chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty. When using tire chains, attach them to the drive wheels as follows.

• * FWD/AWD: Front Wheel Drive
•  Front-wheel drive vehicle moves the front wheel as a power source. Thus, snow chains must be mounted to front tires.
• All-wheel drive vehicles must mount snow chains to the front tires only. In this case, minimize the driving distance in order to prevent damage to the all-wheel drive system.
• After mounting snow chains, drive slowly. If you hear noise caused by chains contacting the body, slow down until the noise stops and remove the chain as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads to prevent damage.
• Wrong size chains or improperly installed chains can damage your vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body and wheels. Therefore, when installing snow chain, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and mount them as tightly as possible. Drive slowly (less than 20 mph (30 km/h)) with chains installed.

CAUTION

• Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for your tires. Incorrect snow chains can cause dam-age to the vehicle body and suspension and may not be covered by your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty. Also, the snow chain connecting hooks may be damaged from contacting vehicle components causing the snow chains to come loose from the tire. Make sure the snow chains are SAE class “S” certified.
• Always check chain installation for proper mounting after driving approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5 to 1 km) to ensure safe mounting. Retighten or remount the chains if they are loose.
• Fabric-type chains must be used on the vehicle with 18/19 inch (235/ 60R18, 235/55R19) tires.

Use high-quality ethylene glycol coolant
Your vehicle is delivered with high-quality ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling system. It is the only type of coolant that should be used because it helps prevent corrosion in the cooling system, lubricates the water pump and prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or replenish your coolant in accordance with the maintenance schedule in section 8.
Before winter, have your coolant tested to ensure that its freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures anticipated during the winter.

Check battery and cables
Winter puts additional burdens on the battery system. Visually inspect the battery and cables as described in section 8. Have the level of charge in your bat-tery checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Change to “winter weight” oil if necessary
In some climates it is recommended that a lower viscosity “winter weight” oil be used during cold weather. If you aren’t sure what weight oil you should use, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Check spark plugs and ignition system
Inspect your spark plugs as described in “Scheduled maintenance service” and replace them if necessary. Also check all ignition wiring and components to be sure they are not cracked, worn or damaged in any way.

To keep locks from freezing
To keep the locks from freezing, squirt an approved deicer fluid or glycerin into the key opening. If a lock is covered with ice, squirt it with an approved de-icing fluid to remove the ice. If the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to thaw it out by using a heated key. Handle the heated key with care to avoid injury.

Use approved window washer anti-freeze in the system
To keep the water in the window washer system from freezing, add an approved window washer anti-freeze solution in accordance with the instructions on the container. Window washer anti-freeze is available from an authorized Kia dealer and most auto parts outlets. Do not use engine coolant or other types of anti-freeze as these may damage the paint finish.

Don’t let your parking brake freeze
Under some conditions, your parking brake can freeze in the engaged position. This is most likely to happen when there is an accumulation of snow or ice around or near the rear brakes or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk the parking brake may freeze, temporarily apply it with the gear in P (Park). Also, block the rear wheels in advance, so the vehicle may not roll. Then release the parking brake.

Don’t let ice and snow accumulate underneath
Under some conditions, snow and ice can build up under the fenders and interfere with the steering. When driving in severe winter conditions where this may happen, you should periodically check underneath the vehicle to be sure the movement of the front wheels and the steering components is not obstructed.

Carry emergency equipment
Depending on the severity of the weather, you should carry appropriate emergency equipment. Some of the items you may want to carry include tire chains, tow straps or chains, flashlight, emergency flares, sand, shovel, jumper cables, window scraper, gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, blanket, etc.

Do not place objects or materials in the engine compartment
Putting objects or materials in the engine compartment may cause an engine failure or combustion, because they may block the engine cooling. Such damage will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Drive your vehicle when water vapor condenses and accumulates inside the exhaust pipes
When the vehicle is stopped for a long time in winter while the engine is running, water vapor may condense and accumulate inside the exhaust pipes. Water in the exhaust pipes may cause noise, etc., but it is drained driving at medium to high speed.

Trailer towing (if equipped)

If you are considering towing your vehicle, you should first check with your country’s Department of Motor Vehicles to determine their legal requirements. Since laws vary the requirements for towing trailers, cars, or other types of vehicles or apparatus may differ. Kia recommends to ask an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING
Towing a trailer
If you don’t use the correct equipment 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 in this section.

WARNING
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.

CAUTION
Any part of the rear number plate or lighting devices of the vehicle must not be obscured by the mechanical coupling device. If the rear number plate and/or lighting devices can be obscured partially by any part of the mechanical coupling device, mechanical coupling devices that can not be easily removed or repositioned without use of any tool, except an easily operated (i.e. an effort not exceeding 20 N·m) release key which is supplied by the manufacturer of the coupling device, are not permitted for use. Please note that the mechanical coupling device that is fitted and not in use must always be removed or repositioned if the rear number plate and/or rear lighting devices are obscured by any part of the mechanical coupling device.

NOTICE

• 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 220.4 lbs (100 kg), whichever value is lower. In this case, do not exceed 60 mph (100 km/h) for vehicle of category M1 or 50 mph (80 km/h) for vehicle of category N1.
• When towing a trailer, the additional load imposed at the trailer coupling device may cause the rear tire maxi-mum load ratings to be exceeded, but not by more than 15%. In such a case, do not exceed 60 miles (100km/h), and the rear tire pressure should be at least 0.2 bar (20 kPa) above the tire pressure(s) as recommended for normal use (i.e. without a trailer attached).

CAUTION
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, refer to “Weight of the trailer” which appears 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 equipment, 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, transmission, 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, increasing pulling requirements.

NOTICE
Location of trailer mounting
The mounting holes for hitches are located on both sides of the underbody behind the rear tires.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque

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 remove the 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-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
• Any part of the rear number plate or lighting devices of the vehicle must not be obscured by the mechanical coupling device. Please note that the mechanical coupling device that is fit-ted and not in use must always be removed or repositioned if the rear number plate and/or rear lighting devices are obscured by any part of the mechanical coupling device.
  If the rear number plate and/or lighting devices can be obscured partially by any part of the mechanical coupling device, mechanical coupling devices that can not be easily removed or repositioned without use of any tools, except an easily operated (i.e. an effort not exceeding 20Nm)  release key which is supplied by the manufacturer of the coupling device, are not permitted for use.
  Please note that the mechanical coupling device that is fitted and not in use must always be removed or repositioned if the rear number plate and/or rear lighting devices are obscured by any part of the mechanical coupling device.
• Kia trailer hitch accessory is available at an authorized Kia dealer.

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 separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’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 properly installed and operating correctly.
If your trailer weighs more than the maximum 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 system.

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 experienced, competent trailer shop for this work.

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, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical 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.

The following distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And, because of the increased vehicle length, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move your hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Making turns
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden manoeuvres. Signal well in advance.

Turn signals when towing a trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly connected, the trailer lights will also flash to alert other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes, or stop. When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signals when, in fact, they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. You must also check the lights every time you disconnect and then reconnect the wires.
Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to your vehicle’s lighting system. Use only an approved trailer wiring harness. Have yourself assisted by a professional workshop in installing the wiring harness. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING
Failure to use an approved trailer wiring harness could result in damage to the vehicle’s electrical system and/or personal injury.

Driving on grades
Reduce the speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer operate efficiently.  On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.

CAUTION

•  When towing a trailer on steep grades (in excess of 6 %) pay close attention to the engine coolant temperature gauge to ensure the engine does not overheat. If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves across the dial towards “H (HOT) (or 260 °F/130 °C)”, pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, and allow the engine to idle until it cools down. You may proceed once the engine has cooled sufficiently.
•  You must decide the driving speed depending on trailer weight and uphill grade to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.

Parking on hills
Generally, if you have a trailer attached to your vehicle, you should not park your vehicle on a hill. People can be seriously or fatally injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged if unexpectedly roll downhill.

WARNING
Parking on a hill
Parking your vehicle on a hill with a trailer attached could cause serious injury or death, should the trailer break lose.
However, if you ever have to park your trailer on a hill, here’s how to do it:

1. Pull the vehicle into the parking space. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the curb (right if headed downhill, left if headed uphill).
2. Set the parking brake and shut off the vehicle.
3. Place chocks under the trailer wheels on the downhill side of the wheels.
4. Start the vehicle, hold the brakes, shift to neutral, release the parking brake and slowly release the brakes until the trailer chocks absorb the load.
5. Reapply the brakes, reapply the parking brake.
6. Shut off the vehicle and release the vehicle brakes but leave the parking brake set.

WARNING
Parking brake
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the parking brake is not firmly set. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be seriously or fatally injured.

When you are ready to leave after parking on a hill

1. Apply your brakes and hold the brake pedal down while you:
   • Start your engine;
   • Shift into gear; and
   • Release the parking brake.
2. Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Maintenance when trailer towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when you regularly pull a trailer. Important items to pay particular attention to include engine oil, axle lubricant and cooling system fluid. Brake condition is another important item to frequently check. Each item is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections before you start your trip. Don’t forget to also maintain your trailer and hitch. Follow the maintenance schedule that accompanies your trailer and check it periodically. Preferably, conduct the check at the start of each day’s driving. Most importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts should be tight.

CAUTION

• Due to higher load during trailer usage, overheating might occur in hot days or during uphill driving. If the coolant gauge indicates overheating, switch off the A/C and stop the vehicle in a safe area to cool down the engine.
•  When towing, check the transmission fluid more frequently.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with an air conditioner, you should install a condenser fan to improve engine performance when towing a trailer.

If you do decide to pull a trailer
Here are some important points if you decide to pull a trailer:

• Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway control.
• Do not do any towing with your vehicle during its first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in order to allow the engine to properly break in. Failure to heed this caution may result in serious engine or transmission damage.
• When towing a trailer, consult an authorized Kia dealer on additional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed (less than 60 mph (100 km/h)).
• On a long uphill grade, do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower.
• The chart contains important considerations that have to do with weight:

Item		Smartstream G2.5 GDi
		AT
Maximum trailer weight	With brake system	2,500 lbs. (1,134 kg)
	Without brake system	1,653 lbs. (750 kg)
Maximum tongue weight		220 lbs. (100 kg)

Weight of the trailer

• A: Tongue Load
• B: Total Trailer Weight
  What is the maximum safe weight of a trailer? It should never weigh more than the maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes. But even that can be too heavy.
  It depends on how you plan to use your trailer. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how often your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. The ideal trailer weight can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

Weight of the trailer tongue

• A: Gross Axle Weight
• B: Gross Vehicle Weight
  The tongue load of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total gross vehicle weight (GVW) of your vehicle. This weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will also be carrying that weight. The trailer tongue should weigh a maximum of 10 % of the total loaded trailer weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load permissible. After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to correct them simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

WARNING
Trailer

• Never load a trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front. The front should be loaded with approximately 60% of the total trailer load; the rear should be loaded with approximately 40% of the total trailer load.
•  Never exceed the maximum weight limits of the trailer or trailer towing equipment. Improper loading can result in damage to your vehicle and/or personal injury. Check weights and loading at a commercial scale or high-way patrol office equipped with scales.
• An improperly loaded trailer can cause loss of vehicle control.

FAQs

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Kia Sportage 2023 User Guide
Download Manuals: https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html
2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque