KIA Sportage 2008 User Manual

Page 220

Driving tips

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 dis-
tance 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 condi-

tion, 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 pud-

dles 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.

Winter driving

• We recommend that you carry

emergency equipment, including
tire chains, a window scraper,
windshield de-icer, a bag of sand
or salt, flares, a small shovel and
jumper cables.

• Make sure you have sufficient eth-

ylene-glycol coolant in the radiator.

• Check the battery condition and

cables. Cold temperatures reduce
the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in excellent condition to
provide enough winter starting
power.

• Make sure the engine oil viscosity

is suitable for cold weather.

• Check the ignition system for loose

connections and damage.