Kia Sportage: Safe 4WD operation. Driving in sand or mud

• Do not attempt to drive through deep water or mud. These conditions can stall the engine or block the exhaust pipes.

• Avoid descending steep hills unless you can maintain full control of the vehicle; doing so requires considerable skill.

• When climbing or descending a hill, travel as straight as possible. Use extreme caution on steep slopes: depending on the gradient, terrain and water or mud conditions, the Kia Sportage could overturn.

• Learn how a 4WD vehicle behaves when cornering. Do not assume that experience with a conventional front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle will apply in 4WD mode. Begin at a lower speed and drive cautiously.

• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel when travelling on unpaved roads.

• Make sure every passenger is wearing a seat belt before setting off.

WARNING

• On-road and off-road conditions that call for all-wheel drive can place much greater stress on the Kia Sportage than normal road use. Reduce speed and stay alert to changes in the surface and tyre grip. If you are unsure whether it is safe to continue, stop and assess the safest way forward.

• Driving across the slope of a steep hill can be extremely dangerous. Even a small change in wheel angle may destabilise the vehicle. The Kia Sportage may also lose stability if it stops moving forward while under power. It could roll over without warning, leaving little time to correct the situation and potentially causing serious injury or death.

• Slow down before turning. An all-wheel-drive vehicle has a higher centre of gravity than a conventional front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, increasing the risk of rollover if a corner is taken too quickly.

• Do not grip the inside of the steering wheel while driving on unpaved roads. A sudden steering movement or kickback after the wheels strike an object may injure your arm and cause you to lose control of the steering.

• In strong winds, the vehicle’s higher centre of gravity can reduce steering control. Lower your speed and take extra care.

• Drive slowly through water. Travelling too fast may allow water into the engine compartment and wet the ignition system, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly. If the vehicle is tilted when this happens, it may roll over.

• Take corners at a safe, moderate speed.

• Avoid abrupt steering inputs, including sudden lane changes and fast, sharp turns.

• Losing control at high speed greatly increases the risk of a rollover.

• In a collision, an occupant who is not wearing a seat belt is significantly more likely to be killed than one who is properly restrained.

• Loss of control can occur if two or more wheels leave the roadway and the driver oversteers while trying to return to it. If the Kia Sportage leaves the road, do not steer sharply back into the traffic lanes. Slow down first, then return to the road when it is safe.

CAUTION

If a front or rear wheel spins in mud, snow or similar conditions, gently pressing the accelerator further may help the vehicle move clear. Avoid running the engine continuously at high speed, as this could damage the 4WD system.

NOTE

• Do not drive through water that is deeper than the bottom of the vehicle.

• After driving through mud or water, check the brakes. While moving slowly, press the brake pedal several times until normal braking force returns.

• If you regularly drive off-road in sand, mud or water, shorten the scheduled maintenance intervals described in the maintenance schedule. After off-road use, wash the vehicle thoroughly, paying particular attention to its underside.

• Because driving torque is delivered to all four wheels, tyre condition has a significant effect on 4WD performance. Fit four tyres of the same size and type.

• A full-time 4WD vehicle cannot be towed by a conventional tow truck. Transport it on a flatbed truck.

Driving in sand or mud

• Maintain a slow, steady speed. Apply the accelerator gently to help prevent wheelspin and keep the vehicle moving safely.

• Leave enough space between the Kia Sportage and the vehicle ahead.

• Reduce speed and check the surface and road conditions as you proceed.

• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking and sharp turns, as these actions can cause the vehicle to become stuck.

• If the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand or mud, the tyres may not operate as expected. This may be the system protecting the transmission; it does not necessarily indicate a malfunction.

Advantages of 4WD

Helps improve stability when driving in a straight line. Can enhance vehicle control while cornering. Supports mobility in demanding conditions, including snow, rain and sand...

Emergency precautions

Tyres Fit all four wheels with tyres that match in size, type, tread pattern, brand and load-carrying capacity. Do not fit tyres or wheels that differ in size or type from those...