Kia Sportage: Suggestions for economical operation - Driving tips - Kia Sportage Owner's ManualKia Sportage: Suggestions for economical operation

Your vehicle's fuel economy depends mainly on your style of driving, where you drive and when you drive. Each of these factors affects how many kilometers (miles) you can get from liter (a gallon) of fuel.To operate your vehicle as economically as possible, use the following driving suggestions to help save money in both fuel and repairs: • Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving. Remember, engine warm-up may take a little longer on cold days. • Save fuel by accelerating slowly after stopping. • Keep the engine in tune and follow the recommended periodic maintenance schedule. This will increase the life of all parts and lower your operating costs. • Do not use the air conditioner unnecessarily. • Slow down when driving on rough roads. • For longer tire life and better fuel economy, always keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressures. • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden stops. This will reduce wear on brake linings and pads. Driving in such a way will also save fuel because extra fuel is required to accelerate back to driving speed. • Do not carry unnecessary weight in the vehicle. • Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This can cause needless wear, possible damage to the brakes, and poor fuel economy. • Improper wheel alignment results in faster tire wear and lower fuel economy. • Open windows at high speeds can reduce fuel economy. • Fuel economy is less in crosswinds and headwinds. To help offset some of this loss, slow down when driving in these conditions. Keeping a vehicle in good operating condition is important both for economy and safety. Therefore, have an authorized Kia dealer perform scheduled inspections and maintenance.

WARNING - Engine off during motion Never turn the engine off to coast down hills or anytime the vehicle is in motion. The power steering and power brakes will not function without the engine running. Instead, keep the engine on and downshift to an appropriate gear for engine braking effect.

    Before driving
    Before entering vehicle: • Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(s), and outside lights are clean. • Check the condition of the tires. • Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks. • ...

    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 ext ...

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    This indicator alerts you that the passenger’s side airbag has been automatically shut off. It does mean there is a problem with your side airbags. not When you turn the ignition switc ...

    Instrument panel/interior trim and cluster lens
    Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a clean, damp, white cotton cloth, then use a clean and dry white cotton cloth to dry these areas. • Avoid cleaners or poli ...

    Securing the load
    There are tie down hooks located in the cargo area as shown. The tie down hooks can be used to secure cargo with ropes or other types of straps. Do not apply a total load of more than 22 lb ...