Kia Optima: Driving your vehicle / Special driving conditions

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.

WARNING - Downshifting

Do not downshift with an automatic transmission while driving on slippery surfaces. The sudden change in tire speed could cause the tires to skid and result in an accident.

• Rocking the vehicle
• Smooth cornering, Driving at night
• Driving in the rain
• Driving in flooded areas, Driving off-road
• Highway driving