2022 Kia Telluride Driving Conditions, Winter Driving, and Trailer Towing Guidelines

The 2022 Kia Telluride is a strong and flexible SUV that does well in many different types of driving situations. This makes it a good choice for people who want comfort, safety, and the ability to tow. When equipped with its available all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the Telluride offers exceptional stability and grip, making it perfect for driving on rough terrain and in bad weather, especially in the winter. It can easily pull trailers, boats, or campers thanks to its towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it a great vehicle for both family vacations and outdoor activities. This detailed guide will look at the Telluride’s performance in different driving situations, its winter driving features to help you deal with harsh weather and its towing abilities. It will give you a full picture of why the 2022 Kia Telluride is a great SUV for a wide range of driving needs.

2023 Kia Telluride Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Special driving conditions

If driving conditions deteriorate due to poor weather or road conditions, you should pay even more attention than usual to your driving.
Hazardous driving conditions
When hazardous driving conditions are encountered such as water, snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar hazards, follow these suggestions:

• Drive cautiously and allow extra distance for braking.
• Avoid sudden braking or steering.
• When braking with non-ABS brakes pump the brake pedal with a light up-and-down motion until the vehicle is stopped.
•  Do not pump the brake pedal on a vehicle equipped with ABS.
• If stalled in snow, mud, or sand, use the second gear. Accelerate slowly to avoid spinning the drive wheels.
• Use sand, rock salt, or other nonslip material under the drive wheels to provide traction when stalled in ice, snow, or mud.

Reducing the risk of a rollover
This multi-purpose passenger vehicle is defined as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. SUVs have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary vehicles. An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road, which allows you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional passenger vehicles, any more than low-slung sports vehicles are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions. Due to this risk, drivers and passengers are strongly recommended to buckle their seat belts.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. There are steps that a driver can make to reduce the risk of a rollover.
If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, do not load your roof rack with heavy cargo, and never modify your vehicle in any way.

WARNING
Rollover
As with other Sports Utility vehicles (SUV), failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of con-trol, an accident or vehicle rollover.

• Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
• Specific design characteristics  (higher ground clearance, narrower track, etc.) give this vehicle a higher center of gravity than ordinary vehicles.
• An SUV is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional vehicles.
• Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
• In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled up.

WARNING
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide safe ride and handling capability. Do not use tires and wheels that are different in size and type from the originally installed ones. It can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could lead to steering failure or rollover and serious injury. When replacing the tires, be sure to equip all four tires with the tire and wheel of the same size, type, tread, brand and load-carrying capacity.

Rocking the vehicle
If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, first turn the steering wheel right and left to clear the area around your front wheels. Then, shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and any forward gear.
Do not race the vehicle, and spin the wheels as little as possible. If you are still stuck after a few tries, have the vehicle pulled out by a tow vehicle to avoid vehicle overheating and possible damage to the reduction gear.

WARNING
Sudden Vehicle Movement
Do not attempt to rock the vehicle if people or objects are nearby. The vehicle may suddenly move forward or backward as it becomes unstuck.

CAUTION
Vehicle rocking
Prolonged rocking may cause vehicle overheating, reduction gear damage or failure, and tire damage.

CAUTION
Spinning tires
Do not spin the wheels, especially at speeds more than 35 mph (56 km/ h). Spinning the wheels at high speeds when the vehicle is stationary could overheat and damage tires, and the rotating wheels may fly away and injure bystanders.

The Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) should be turned OFF prior to rocking the vehicle.
Smooth cornering
Avoid braking or gear changing in corners, especially when roads are wet. Ideally, corners should always be taken under gentle acceleration. If you follow these suggestions, tire wear will be held to a minimum.
Driving at night
Because night driving presents more hazards than driving in the daylight, here are some important tips to remember:

• Slow down and keep more distance between you and other vehicles, as it may be more difficult to see at night, especially in areas where there may not be any street lights.
• Adjust your mirrors to reduce the glare from other driver’s headlights.
  Keep your headlights clean and properly aimed. (On vehicles not equipped with the automatic headlight aiming feature.) Dirty or improperly aimed headlights will  make it much more difficult to see at night.
• Avoid staring directly at the headlights of oncoming vehicles. You could be temporarily blinded, and it will take several seconds for your eyes to readjust to the darkness.

Driving in the rain
Rain and wet roads can make driving dangerous, especially if you’re not prepared for the slick pavement.
Here are a few things to consider when driving in the rain:

• A heavy rainfall will make it harder to see and will increase the distance needed to stop your vehicle, so slow down.
•  Keep your windshield wiping equipment in good shape. Replace your windshield wiper blades when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield.
•  If your tires are not in good condition, making a quick stop on wet pavement can cause a skid and possibly lead to an accident. Be sure your tires are in good shape.
• Turn on your headlights to make it easier for others to see you.
• Driving too fast through large puddles can affect your brakes. If you must go through puddles, try to drive through them slowly.
• If you believe you may have gotten your brakes wet, apply them lightly while driving until normal braking operation returns.

Driving in flooded areas
Avoid driving through flooded areas unless you are sure the water is no higher than the bottom of the wheel hub. Drive through any water slowly. Allow adequate stopping distance because brake performance may be affected.
After driving through water, dry the brakes by gently applying them several times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
Driving on unpaved roads
Drive carefully on unpaved roads because your vehicle may be damaged by rocks or the roots of trees. Become familiar with the on unpaved road conditions where you are going to drive before you begin driving.
Highway driving
Tires
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to specification. Low tire inflation pressures will result in overheating and possible failure of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires which may result in reduced traction or tire failure.

Never exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure shown on the tires.

WARNING
Under/overinflated tires
Always check the tires for proper inflation before driving. Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause poor handling, loss of vehicle control, and sudden tire failure leading to accidents, injuries, and even death.

WARNING
Tire tread
Always check the tire tread before driving your vehicle. Worn-out tires can result in loss of vehicle control. Worn-out tires should be replaced as soon as possible. 

Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil High-speed travel consumes more fuel than urban motoring. Do not forget to check both the engine coolant and engine oil.
Drive belt
A loose or damaged drive belt may result in overheating of the engine.

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 kids.  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 equip-ment 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

Since the sidewalls on some radial tires are thinner than other types of tires, they may be damaged by mounting certain types of tire chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tires is recommended instead of tire chains. Do not mount tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; if unavoidable, use AutoSock (fabric snow chain). Install the tire chain after reviewing the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Damage to your vehicle caused by improper tire chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.

NOTICE

• Install AutoSock (fabric snow chain) on the front tires for FWD vehicles or for AWD vehicles. It should be noted that installing AutoSock (fabric snow chain) on the tires will provide a greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids.
• Do not install studded tires without first checking local and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.

CAUTION
When using AutoSock (fabric snow chain):

• Wrong size chains or improperly installed chains can damage your vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.
• If you hear noise caused by chains contacting the body, retighten the chain to prevent contact with the vehicle body.
• To prevent body damage, retighten the chains after driving 0.3~0.6 miles (0.5~1.0 km).

Chain installation
When using tire chains, chains should be installed on the front wheels. This also applies to all four-wheel vehicles.
When installing AutoSock (fabric 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. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tighten them. If they still make contact, slow down until the noise stops.

Remove the AutoSock (fabric snow chain) as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.

WARNING
Mounting chains
When mounting snow chains, park the vehicle on level ground away from traffic. Turn on the vehicle Hazard Warning flashers and place a triangular emergency warning device behind the vehicle if available. Always place the vehicle in P (Park), apply the parking brake and turn off the engine before installing snow chains.

2023 Kia Telluride Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

WARNING
Tire chains

• The use of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
• Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h)
• or the chain manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, sharp turns, and other road hazards, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
• Avoid sharp turns or locked wheel braking.

CAUTION

• Chains that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.
• Stop driving and retighten the chains any time you hear them hitting the vehicle.

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. 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. The level of charge in your battery can be checked by an authorized Kia dealer or a service station.

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. Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capacities” recommendations. 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 vehicle 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, apply it only temporarily while you put the gear shift dial in P (Park) and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot 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. In severe winter conditions, you should periodically check underneath the vehicle to be sure the movement of the front wheels and the steering components are 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 tow straps or chains, flashlights, emergency flares, sand, shovel, jumper cables, window scraper, gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, blanket, etc.
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

WARNING
Towing a trailer
Always check your towing equipment to confirm the correct equipment size and installation before use. Using incompatible or incorrectly installed trailer equipment can affect the vehicle operation and endanger you and your passengers.

You may require an additional wiring harness connector to install a trailer hitch. Please contact an authorized Kia dealer for more details.

WARNING
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, GCW (Gross Combination Weight), GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), GAW (Gross Axle Weight) and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.

CAUTION
Trailer installation
Follow the instructions in this section when pulling a trailer. Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty.

Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in
“Weight of the trailer”.
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 adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.

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:

• Will 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 to them. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
• 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 to drag on the ground.

Trailer brakes

If your trailer is equipped with a braking system, make sure it conforms to your state’s regulations and that it is properly installed and operating correctly.
If your trailer weight exceeds the maximum allowed weight without trailer brakes, then the trailer will also require its own brakes as well. 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 or modify 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 any 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. Due to the added load to the engine when going uphill the vehicle may also take longer to pass than it would on flat ground.
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 near the edge of the road. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance before turning or lane changes.
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.
An authorized Kia dealer can assist you in installing the wiring harness.

CAUTION
Always use an approved trailer wiring harness. Failure to use an approved trailer wiring harness could result in damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.

Driving on grades
Reduce 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.
If your trailer weighs more than the maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes and you have an automatic transmission, you should drive in D (Drive) when towing a trailer.
Operating your vehicle in D (Drive) when towing a trailer will minimize heat build-up and extend the life of your transmission.
Towing uphill
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), 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 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 they unexpectedly roll downhill.
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 up hill).
2.  If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, place the vehicle in P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake and shut off the engine.
4. Place chocks under the trailer wheels on the downhill side of the wheels.
5. 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.
6. Reapply the brakes, reapply the parking brake and shift the vehicle to P (Park) for automatic transmission.
7. Shut off the vehicle and release the vehicle brakes but leave the parking brake set.

When you are ready to leave after parking on a hill

1. With the automatic transmission in P (Park), 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, automatic transmission fluid, 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 accompanied 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
Air conditioning (A/C)
Do not use the air conditioning while using your vehicle to tow uphill. Due to higher load during trailer usage, overheating might occur on hot days or during uphill driving.

• When towing check transmission fluid more frequently.

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, be sure to consult an authorized Kia dealer for further information 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		(Gasoline) 3.8 GDi
		lbs. (kg)
Maximum trailer weight	Without brake system	1,650 (750)
	With brake system	5,000 (2,267)
Maximum tongue weight		500 (227)

Weight of the trailer

Tongue Load      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.

Gross Axle Weight  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 will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will also be carrying that weight.
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
Always follow the loading instructions provided with your trailer. Improper loading can effect vehicle operation and result in an accident.

FAQ