DRIVING TIPS
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Emission Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Before Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Suggestions for Economical Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Special Driving Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Overloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24
Label Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
5
5-1
DRIVING TIPS
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Gasoline Engine (Unleaded) Gasoline Engine (Leaded) Gasoline Containing Alcohol and
Methanol
Your new Kia vehicle is designed to In countries using LEADED FUEL,
use only unleaded fuel having an your new Kia vehicle must use LEAD- Gasohol, a mixture of gasoline and
octane rating of 91 or higher. ED FUEL. Your new Kia Vehicle is ethanol (also known as grain alco-
designed to correspond to LEADED hol), and gasoline or gasohol con-
Your new Kia is designed to obtain
FUEL specifically. Please check your taining methanol (also known as
maximum performance with
vehicle whether your vehicle can use wood alcohol) are being marketed
UNLEADED FUEL, as well as mini-
LEADED FUEL or not. along with or instead of leaded or
mize exhaust emissions and spark
unleaded gasoline.
plug fouling.
Do not use gasohol containing more
than 10% ethanol, and do not use
=' NOTICE
='
gasoline or gasohol containing any
NEVER USE LEADED FUEL. The
methanol. Either of these fuels may
use of leaded fuel is detrimental to the
cause drivability problems and dam-
catalytic converter and will damage
age to the fuel system.
the engine control system s oxygen
Discontinue using gasohol of any
sensor and affect emission control.
kind if drivability problems occur.
Never add any fuel system cleaning
agents to the fuel tank other than what
Kia has specified. (Consult an
Authorized Kia Dealer for details.)
5-2
DRIVING TIPS
Vehicle damage or driveability prob- =' NOTICE
='
lems may not be covered by the man-
Never use gasohol which contains
ufacturer s warranty if they result from
methanol. Discontinue use of any gaso-
the use of:
hol product which impairs drivability.
1. Gasohol containing more than
10% ethanol.
2. Gasoline or gasohol containing
methanol.
3. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
5-3
DRIVING TIPS
EMISSION CONTROL
Engine Exhaust Gas Precautions " When the vehicle is stopped in an
SYSTEM
open area for more than a short
(Carbon Monoxide)
Vehicle Modifications
time with the engine running, adjust
Engine exhaust gases contain car-
This vehicle should not be modified. the ventilation system (as needed)
bon monoxide. Though colorless and
Modification of your Kia could affect to draw outside air into the vehicle.
odorless, it is dangerous and could
its performance, safety or durability
" Never sit in a parked or stopped
be lethal if inhaled.
and may even violate governmental
vehicle for any extended time with
" Carbon monoxide can be present
safety and emissions regulations.
the engine running.
with other exhaust fumes.
In addition, damage or performance
" Inspect the emission control sys-
Therefore, if you smell exhaust
problems resulting from any modifi-
tem whenever engine stalls.
fumes of any kind inside your vehi-
cation may not be covered under
" If the engine stalls or fails to start,
cle, have it inspected and repaired
warranty.
do not re-engaging the starter over
immediately by an authorized Kia
3 times. If the engine stalls or re-
dealer or other competent repair
engaged excessively, it may cause
shop. If you ever suspect exhaust
damage to the emission control
fumes are coming into your vehicle,
system.
drive it only with all the windows
fully open. Have your vehicle
checked and repaired immediately.
" Do not operate the engine in con-
fined or closed areas (such as
garages) any more than what is
necessary to move the vehicle in or
out of the area.
5-4
DRIVING TIPS
Operating Precautions for " Do not operate the engine at high
idle speed for extended periods (5
Catalytic Converters
minutes or more).
Your vehicle is equipped with a cat-
" Do not modify or tamper with any
alytic converter emission control
part of the engine or emission con-
device.
trol system. All inspections and
Therefore, the following precautions
adjustments must be made by a
must be observed:
qualified technician.
" Use only UNLEADED FUEL for
Failure to observe these precautions
gasoline engine (unleaded).
could result in damage to the catalyt-
" Do not park the vehicle over or near
ic converter and to your vehicle.
flammable objects, such as dry
Additionally, such actions could void
grass, paper, leaves, etc. Under
your warranties.
certain conditions, they could be
ignited by a hot exhaust system.
" Do not operate the vehicle when
there are signs of engine malfunc-
tion, such as misfire or a noticeable
loss of performance.
" Do not misuse or abuse the engine.
Examples of misuse are coasting
with the ignition off and descending
steep grades in gear with the igni-
tion off.
5-5
DRIVING TIPS
BEFORE DRIVING
Before entering vehicle: Necessary Inspections Before Starting
" Be sure that all windows, outside
Fluid levels, such as engine oil, " Close and lock all doors.
mirror(s), and outside lights are
engine coolant, brake/clutch fluid,
" Position the seat so that all controls
clean.
and washer fluid should be checked
are easily reached.
" Check the condition of the tires. on a regular basis, with the exact
" Adjust the inside and outside
interval depending on the fluid.
" Check under the vehicle for any
rearview mirrors.
Further details are provided in
sign of leaks.
" Be sure that all lights work.
Section 7, Maintenance.
" Be sure there are no obstacles
" Check all gauges.
behind you if you intend to back up.
" Check the operation of warning
lights when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
" Release the parking brake and
make sure the brake warning light
goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and its
equipment.
5-6
DRIVING TIPS
Drunk Driving Drugs and Driving
Drinking and driving is dangerous. Driving while under the influence of
Drunk driving is the number one con- drugs is as dangerous or more dan-
tributor to the highway death toll each gerous than driving drunk, depending
year. Alcohol impairs a driver s judg- on the drug used and the quantity
ment, vision and muscular coordina- consumed. Don't take drugs and
tion. Even a small amount of alcohol drive.
will affect a driver s reflexes, percep-
tions and judgment.
Please don t drink and drive, or ride
with a driver who has been drinking.
Choose a designated driver if you re
with a group, or if you re alone, call a
cab.
5-7
DRIVING TIPS
SUGGESTIONS FOR ECO-
" Do not use the air conditioner " Open windows at high speeds can
NOMICAL OPERATION
unnecessarily. reduce fuel economy.
Your vehicle's fuel economy depends
" Slow down when driving on rough " Fuel economy is less in crosswinds
mainly on your style of driving, where
roads. and headwinds. To help offset
you drive and when you drive.
some of this loss, slow down when
" For longer tire life and better fuel
Each of these factors affects how
driving in these conditions.
economy, always keep the tires
many miles (kilometers) you can get
inflated to the recommended pres-
from a gallon (liter) of fuel. To operate
sures. Keeping a vehicle in good operating
your vehicle as economically as pos-
condition is important both for econo-
sible, use the following driving sug- " Maintain a safe distance from other
my and safety. Therefore, have an
vehicles to avoid sudden stops.
gestions to help save money in both
authorized Kia dealer perform sched-
This will reduce wear on brake lin-
fuel and repairs:
uled inspections and maintenance.
ings and pads. Driving in such a
" Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once
way will also save fuel because
the engine is running smoothly,
extra fuel is required to accelerate
WARNING - Engine off Motion
begin driving. Remember, engine
back to driving speed.
warm-up may take a little longer on
Never turn the engine off to coast
" Do not carry unnecessary weight in
cold days.
down hills or anytime the vehicle
the vehicle.
is in motion. The power steering
" Save fuel by accelerating slowly
" Do not rest your foot on the brake and power brakes will not function
after stopping.
pedal while driving. This can cause without the engine running.
" Keep the engine in tune and follow
needless wear, possible damage to Instead, downshift to an appropri-
the recommended periodic mainte-
the brakes, and poor fuel economy. ate gear for engine braking effect.
nance schedule. This will increase
" Improper wheel alignment results
the life of all parts and lower your
in faster tire wear and lower fuel
operating costs.
economy.
5-8
DRIVING TIPS
SPECIAL DRIVING
WARNING - Downshifting Rocking the Vehicle
CONDITIONS
Downshifting into 1(First) gear
Hazardous Driving Conditions
If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to
with a manual transaxle, or L (Low)
free it from snow, sand, or mud, first
When hazardous driving conditions
with an automatic transaxle, while
turn the steering wheel right and left
are encountered such as water,
driving on slippery surfaces can
to clear the area around your front
snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar haz-
cause an accident. The sudden
wheels. Then, shift back and forth
ards, follow these suggestions:
change in tire speed could cause
between 1 (First) and R (Reverse) in
" Drive cautiously and allow extra
the tires to skid. Be careful when
vehicles equipped with a manual
distance for braking.
downshifting on slippery surfaces.
transaxle or R (Reverse) and any for-
" Avoid sudden movements in brak-
ward gear in vehicles equipped with
ing or steering.
an automatic transaxle. Do not race
the engine. If you are still stuck after
" When braking, pump the brake
a couple minutes of rocking, have the
pedal with a light up-and-down
vehicle pulled out by a tow vehicle to
motion until the vehicle is stopped.
avoid engine overheating and possi-
" If stalled in snow, mud, or sand, use
ble damage to the transaxle.
second gear. Accelerate slowly to
avoid spinning the drive wheels.
" Use sand, rock salt, tire chains, or
other non-slip material under the
drive wheels to provide traction
when stalled in ice, snow, or mud.
5-9
DRIVING TIPS
=' NOTICE Driving at Night Driving in the Rain
='
Prolonged rocking may cause engine
Because night driving presents more Rain and wet roads can make driving
over-heating, transaxle damage or fail-
hazards than driving in the daylight, dangerous, especially if you re not
ure, and tire damage.
here are some important tips to prepared for the slick pavement. Here
remember: are a few things to consider when
driving in the rain:
WARNING - Spinning Tires " Slow down and keep more distance
between you and other vehicles, as " A heavy rainfall will make it harder
Do not spin the wheels especially
it may be more difficult to see at to see and will increase the dis-
at speeds more than 35 mph
night, especially in areas where tance needed to stop your vehicle,
(56 km/h). Spinning the wheels at
there may not be any street lights. so slow down.
high speeds when the vehicle is
stationary could cause a tire to " Adjust your mirrors to reduce the " Keep your windshield wiping equip-
overheat, explode and injure byst- glare from other driver's headlights. ment in good shape. Replace your
anders. windshield wiper blades when they
" Keep your headlights clean and
show signs of streaking or missing
properly aimed. Dirty or improperly
areas on the windshield.
aimed headlights will make it much
more difficult to see at night. " If your tires are not in good condi-
tion, making a quick stop on wet
" Avoid staring directly at the head-
pavement can cause a skid and
lights of oncoming vehicles. You
possibly lead to an accident. Be
could be temporarily blinded, and it
sure your tires are in good shape.
will take several seconds for your
eyes to readjust to the darkness. " Turn on your headlights to make it
easier for others to see you.
5-10
DRIVING TIPS
" Driving too fast through large pud- Winter Driving " Use antifreeze-formulated wind-
dles can affect your brakes. If you shield washer fluid. (Do not use
" We recommend that you carry
must go through puddles, try to engine coolant antifreeze.)
emergency equipment, including
drive through them slowly.
" Do not use the parking brake if it
tire chains, a window scraper, wind-
" If you believe you may have gotten might freeze. When parking, shift to
shield de-icer, a bag of sand or salt,
your brakes wet, apply them lightly P (Park) with an automatic
flares, a small shovel and jumper
while driving until normal braking transaxle, or to 1 (First) or R
cables.
operation returns. (Reverse) with a manual transaxle
" Make sure you have sufficient eth-
and block the rear wheels.
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.
5-11
DRIVING TIPS
Snow tires WARNING - Snow tire size
If you mount snow tires on your Kia, Snow tires should be equivalent in
make sure they are radial tires of the size and type to the vehicle's stan-
same size and load range as the orig- dard tires. Otherwise, the safety
inal tires. Mount snow tires on all four and handling of your vehicle may
wheels to balance your vehicle s han- be adversely affected.
dling in all weather conditions. Keep
in mind that the traction provided by
Do not install studded tires without
snow tires on dry roads may not be
first checking local, state and munici-
as high as your vehicle's original
1GHA2135
pal regulations for possible restric-
equipment tires. You should drive
tions against their use.
cautiously even when the roads are
Tire chains
clear. Check with the tire dealer for
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are
maximum speed recommendations.
thinner, they can be damaged by
mounting some types of snow chains
on them. Therefore, the use of snow
tires is recommended instead of
snow chains. Do not mount tire
chains on vehicles equipped with alu-
minum wheels, snow chains may
cause damage to the wheels. If snow
chains must be used, use wire-type
chains with a thickness of less than
15 mm. Damage to your vehicle
caused by improper snow chain use
is not covered by your vehicle manu-
facturers warranty.
Install them only on the front tires.
5-12
DRIVING TIPS
Chain installation
CAUTION
WARNING - Tire chains
When installing chains, follow the
" Make sure the snow chains are
" The use of chains may adversely
manufacturer's instructions and
the correct size and type for your
affect vehicle handling.
mount them as tightly as you can.
tires. Incorrect snow chains can
" Do not exceed 30 km/h (20 mph)
Drive slowly with chains installed. If
cause damage to the vehicle
or the chain manufacturer s rec-
you hear the chains contacting the
body and suspension and may
ommended speed limit, whichev-
body or chassis, stop and tighten
not be covered by your vehicle
er is lower.
them. If they still make contact, slow
manufacturer warranty. Also, the
" Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
down until it stops. Remove the
snow chain connecting hooks
holes, sharp turns, and other
may be damaged from contact- chains as soon as you begin driving
road hazards, which may cause
on cleared roads.
ing vehicle components causing
the vehicle to bounce.
the snow chains to come loose
from the tire. Make sure the snow " Avoid sharp turns or locked-
WARNING
chains are SAE class  S certi- wheel braking.
When mounting snow chains, park
fied. Cable-type, or plastic-type
" Chains that are the wrong size or
the vehicle on level ground away
snow chain can also be used.
improperly installed can damage
from traffic. Turn on the vehicle
" Always check chain installation your vehicle's brake lines, sus-
Hazard Warning flashers and place
for proper mounting after driving pension, body and wheels.
a triangular emergency warning
approximately 0.5 to 1 km to
" Stop driving and retighten the
device behind the vehicle if avail-
ensure safe mounting.
chains any time you hear them
able. Always place the vehicle in
Retighten or remount the chains
hitting the vehicle.
park (P), apply the parking brake
if they are loose.
and turn off the engine before
installing snow chains.
5-13
DRIVING TIPS
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 sev-
eral times while the vehicle is moving
slowly.
5-14
DRIVING TIPS
TRAILER TOWING
(FOR EUROPE ONLY)
Engine
5 Seats 6 Seats
WARNING - Towing a Trailer
Item
If you don't use the correct equip-
Maximum Without brake 530
0
ment and drive properly, you can
trailer System (1168)
lose control when you pull a trailer.
For example, if the trailer is too
weight With brake 1250
0
heavy, the brakes may not work
kg (Ibs.) System (2756)
well - or even at all. You and your
Maximum permissible
passengers could be seriously or
fatally injured. Pull a trailer only if
static vertical load on 50
you have followed all the steps in -
the coupling device (110)
this section.
kg (Ibs.)
=' NOTICE Recommended distance
='
Pulling a trailer improperly can dam- from rear wheel center 1116
-
age your vehicle and result in costly
to coupling point (44)
repairs not covered by your warranty.
mm (Inch)
To pull a trailer correctly, follow the
advice in this section.
5-15
DRIVING TIPS
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To iden-
tify what the vehicle trailering capaci-
ty is for your vehicle, you should read
the information in  Weight of the
Trailer that appears later in this sec-
tion. Remember that trailering is dif-
ferent than just driving your vehicle
by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, durability, and fuel econo-
my. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
This section contains many time-test-
ed, important trailering tips and safe-
ty rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your pas-
sengers. Please read this section
carefully before you pull a trailer.
RSTRA
5-16
DRIVING TIPS
Load-pulling components such as the If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer Weight of the trailer
engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, How heavy can a trailer safely be? It
Here are some important points if you
and tires are forced to work harder should never weigh more than 1250
decide to pull a trailer:
against the load of the added weight. kg (2756 lbs.). But even that can be
" Consider using a sway control. You
The engine is required to operate at too heavy.
can ask a hitch dealer about sway
relatively higher speeds and under
It depends on how you plan to use
control.
greater loads. This additional burden
your trailer. For example, speed, alti-
generates extra heat. The trailer also
" After your odometer indicates 500
tude, road grades, outside tempera-
adds considerably to wind resistance,
miles (800 km) or more, you can
ture and how much your vehicle is
increasing the pulling requirements.
tow a trailer. For the first 500 miles
used to pull a trailer are all important.
that you tow a trailer, don t drive
The ideal trailer weight can also
over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don t
depend on any special equipment
make starts at full throttle. This
that you have on your vehicle.
helps your engine and other parts
of your vehicle  wear in at the
heavier loads.
" Always drive your vehicle at a mod-
erate speed (less than 100 km/h).
" The important considerations have
to do with weight:
5-17
DRIVING TIPS
Weight of the trailer tongue CAUTION Hitches
The tongue load of any trailer is an
" Never load a trailer with more It's important to have the correct hitch
important weight to measure
weight in the rear than in the equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
because it affects the total gross
front. The front should be loaded going by, and rough roads are a few
vehicle weight (GVW) of your vehicle.
with approximately 60% of the reasons why you ll need the right
This weight includes the curb weight
total trailer load; the rear should hitch. Here are some rules to follow:
of the vehicle, any cargo you may
be loaded with approximately
" Will you have to make any holes in
carry in it, and the people who will be
40% of the total trailer load.
the body of your vehicle when you
riding in the vehicle. And if you will
" Never exceed the maximum install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
tow a trailer, you must add the tongue
weight limits of the trailer or trail- be sure to seal the holes later when
load to the GVW because your vehi-
er towing equipment. Improper you remove the hitch.
cle will also be carrying that weight.
loading can result in damage to If you don t seal them, deadly car-
The trailer tongue should weigh a
your vehicle and/or personal bon monoxide (CO) from your
maximum of 10% of the total loaded
injury. Check weights and load- exhaust can get into your vehicle,
trailer weight. After you've loaded
ing at a commercial scale or as well as dirt and water.
your trailer, weigh the trailer and then
highway patrol office equipped
" The bumpers on your vehicle are
the tongue, separately, to see if the
with scales.
not intended for hitches. Do not
weights are proper. If they aren t, you
attach rental hitches or other
may be able to correct them simply
bumper-type hitches to them. Use
by moving some items around in the
only a frame-mounted hitch that
trailer.
does not attach to the bumper.
5-18
DRIVING TIPS
Safety chains Trailer brakes Driving with a trailer
You should always attach chains If your trailer weighs more than 530 Towing a trailer requires a certain
between your vehicle and your trailer. kg (1168 Ibs.) loaded, then it needs amount of experience. Before setting
Cross the safety chains under the its own brakes and they must be ade- out for the open road, you must get to
tongue of the trailer so that the quate. Be sure to read and follow the know your trailer. Acquaint yourself
tongue will not drop to the road if it instructions for the trailer brakes so with the feel of handling and braking
becomes separated from the hitch. you ll be able to install, adjust and with the added weight of the trailer.
maintain them properly. And always keep in mind that the
Instructions about safety chains may
vehicle you are driving is now a good
be provided by the hitch manufactur- " Don t tap into your vehicle's brake
deal longer and not nearly so respon-
er or by the trailer manufacturer. system.
sive as your vehicle is by itself.
Follow the manufacturer s recom-
mendation for attaching safety Before you start, check the trailer
CAUTION
chains. Always leave just enough hitch and platform, safety chains,
Do not use a trailer with its own
slack so you can turn with your trailer. electrical connector(s), lights, tires
brakes unless you are absolutely
And, never allow safety chains to and mirror adjustment. If the trailer
certain that you have properly set
drag on the ground. has electric brakes, start your vehicle
up the brake system. This is not a
and trailer moving and then apply the
task for amateurs. Use an experi-
trailer brake controller by hand to be
enced, competent trailer shop for
sure the brakes are working. This lets
this work.
you check your electrical connection
at the same time.
5-19
DRIVING TIPS
During your trip, check occasionally Following distance Backing up
to be sure that the load is secure, and
Stay at least twice as far behind the Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
that the lights and any trailer brakes
vehicle ahead as you would when with one hand. Then, to move the
are still working.
driving your vehicle without a trailer. trailer to the left, just move your hand
This can help you avoid situations to the left. To move the trailer to the
that require heavy braking and sud- right, move your hand to the right.
den turns. Always back up slowly and, if possi-
ble, have someone guide you.
Passing
Making turns
You ll need more passing distance up
ahead when you re towing a trailer. When you re turning with a trailer,
And, because you re a good deal make wider turns than normal. Do
longer, you ll need to go much farther this so your trailer won t strike soft
beyond the passed vehicle before shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
you can return to your lane. or other objects. Avoid jerky or sud-
den maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
5-20
DRIVING TIPS
Turn signals when towing a trailer Do not connect a trailer lighting sys- Driving on grades
tem directly to your vehicle s lighting
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle Reduce speed and shift to a lower
system. Use only an approved trailer
has to have a different turn signal gear before you start down a long or
wiring harness.
flasher and extra wiring. The green steep downgrade. If you don t shift
arrows on your instrument panel will Your Authorized Kia Dealer can down, you might have to use your
flash whenever you signal a turn or assist you in installing the wiring har- brakes so much that they would get
lane change. Properly connected, the ness. hot and no longer operate efficiently.
trailer lights will also flash to alert
On a long uphill grade, shift down
other drivers you re about to turn,
CAUTION and reduce your speed to around 45
change lanes, or stop.
mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibil-
Failure to use an approved trailer
When towing a trailer, the green ity of engine and transaxle overheat-
wiring harness could result in
arrows on your instrument panel will ing.
damage to the vehicle electrical
flash for turns even if the bulbs on the
system and/or personal injury. If your trailer weighs more than 530
trailer are burned out. Thus, you may
kg (1168 Ibs.) and you have an auto-
think drivers behind you are seeing
matic transaxle, you should drive in D
your signals when, in fact, they are
(Drive) when towing a trailer.
not. It s important to check occasion-
ally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working. You must also check the
lights every time you disconnect and
then reconnect the wires.
5-21
DRIVING TIPS
Operating your vehicle in D (Drive) Parking on hills However, if you ever have to park
when towing a trailer will minimize your trailer on a hill, here s how to do
Generally, you should not park your
heat buildup and extend the life of it:
vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a
your transaxle. If you have a manual
hill. People can be seriously or fatally 1. Apply your brakes, but don t shift
transaxle, drive in fourth gear (or, as
injured, and both your vehicle and the into gear.
you need to, a lower gear).
trailer can be damaged if they begin a
2. Have someone place chocks
downhill trajectory.
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
WARNING - Parking on a Hill
place, release the brakes until the
chocks absorb the load.
Parking your vehicle on a hill with
a trailer attached could cause seri-
4. Reapply the brakes. Apply your
ous injury or death, should a down
parking brake, and then shift to R
hill trajectory happen.
(Reverse) for a manual transaxle
or P (Park) for an automatic
transaxle.
5. Release the brakes.
5-22
DRIVING TIPS
WARNING - Parking Brake When you are ready to leave after Maintenance When Trailer Towing
parking on a hill
It can be dangerous to get out of
Your vehicle will need service more
your vehicle if the parking brake is 1. With the manual transaxle in N
often when you regularly pull a trailer.
not firmly set. (Neutral) or automatic transaxle in
Important items to pay particular
P (Park), apply your brakes and
If you have left the engine running, attention include engine oil, automat-
hold the brake pedal down while
the vehicle can move suddenly. ic transaxle fluid, axle lubricant and
you:
You or others could be seriously cooling system fluid. Brake condition
or fatally injured. " Start your engine; is another important item to frequent-
ly check. Each item is covered in this
" Shift into gear; and
manual, and the Index will help you
" Release the parking brake.
find them quickly. If you re trailering,
2. Slowly remove your foot from the
it s a good idea to review these sec-
brake pedal.
tions before you start your trip.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
Don t forget to also maintain your
of the chocks.
trailer and hitch. Follow the mainte-
nance schedule that accompanied
4. Stop and have someone pick up
your trailer and check it periodically.
and store the chocks.
Preferably, conduct the check at the
start of each day s driving. Most
importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts
should be tight.
5-23
DRIVING TIPS
OVERLOADING VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN)
CAUTION
The gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your
vehicle are on the manufacturer's
label attached to the driver's door.
Exceeding these ratings can
cause an accident or vehicle dam-
age. You can calculate the weight
of your load by weighing the items
(or people) before putting them in
1FJB6001
the vehicle. Be careful not to over-
load your vehicle.
5-24
DRIVING TIPS
LABEL INFORMATION
Type A Type B
There are several important labels
and identification numbers located on
your vehicle. The label locations are
identified in the illustrations follows:
2FJA502/2FJA502A 1FJB1034A
Tire Specification / Pressure Label Airbag Warning Label
5-25