Kia Sportage: Maintenance when trailer towing. If you do decide to pull a trailer

Maintenance when trailer towing

Frequent towing places additional demands on your Kia Sportage, so some maintenance may be needed more often than under normal driving conditions. Pay particular attention to the engine oil, axle lubricant, cooling system fluid and brake condition. This manual explains how to check these items, and its Index can help you locate the relevant instructions quickly. If you are planning a trip with a trailer, review the maintenance guidance before you set off.

Maintain the trailer and hitch as well as the vehicle. Follow the trailer’s maintenance schedule and inspect it regularly, preferably at the beginning of each day’s drive. Check that all hitch nuts and bolts are secure and tight.

CAUTION

• Towing increases the load on the vehicle, which may cause the engine to overheat in hot weather or while climbing a hill. If the coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, switch off the A/C and stop in a safe place. Allow the engine to cool before continuing.

• Check the transmission fluid more frequently when towing a trailer.

• If your Kia Sportage is not equipped with air conditioning, install a condenser fan to improve engine performance when towing a trailer.

If you do decide to pull a trailer

Before towing with your Kia Sportage, review these points and make sure your vehicle and trailer are prepared for the journey:

• Consider fitting a sway control device. A hitch dealer can advise you about suitable sway control equipment.

• Do not tow a trailer during the first 2,000 km (1,200 miles) of driving. This allows the engine to break in properly. Ignoring this restriction may cause serious damage to the engine or transmission.

• When towing, Kia recommends consulting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner about any additional requirements, including a towing kit.

• Drive at a moderate speed and keep below 100 km/h (60 mph).

• On a long uphill grade, do not exceed 70 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower.

• Use the chart to review the relevant weight limits. For further information, refer to “Reference weight and distance when towing a trailer.”

Weight of the trailer

The maximum safe trailer weight must not exceed the specified limit for a trailer equipped with brakes. However, the maximum permitted weight may not be suitable for every journey or driving situation.

Choose a trailer weight with your intended use in mind. Factors such as speed, altitude, road gradients, outside temperature and how frequently you tow can all affect the appropriate trailer weight. Any special equipment fitted to your Kia Sportage may also need to be taken into account.

Weight of the trailer tongue

The trailer tongue load is an important part of the total gross vehicle weight (GVW). GVW includes the vehicle’s kerb weight, the people travelling in it and any cargo being carried. When a trailer is attached, its tongue load must also be included because that weight rests on the vehicle.

The tongue load must not exceed 10% of the trailer’s total loaded weight or the maximum permitted trailer tongue load, whichever limit applies.

After loading the trailer, weigh the complete trailer and then measure the tongue load separately. Compare both figures with the applicable limits. If the weight distribution is unsuitable, you may be able to correct it by moving items within the trailer.

WARNING

• Never load more weight at the rear of the trailer than at the front. Aim to place approximately 60% of the total trailer load in the front section and approximately 40% in the rear.

• Do not exceed the maximum weight limits for the trailer or towing equipment. Incorrect loading can damage your Kia Sportage or the equipment and may cause personal injury. Have the trailer and its load weighed at a commercial scale or a highway patrol office equipped with scales.

• An improperly loaded trailer can make the vehicle difficult to control.

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