Kia Telluride: Driving your vehicle / Special driving conditions

When weather or road conditions become difficult, the Kia Telluride should be driven with greater care, smoother control inputs, and more space between your vehicle and surrounding traffic.

Hazardous driving conditions

When driving through water, snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar road hazards, follow these recommendations to help maintain traction and control:

• Drive cautiously and allow a longer braking distance than usual.

• Avoid sudden braking, sharp steering, or abrupt acceleration.

• Do not pump the brake pedal on a Kia Telluride equipped with ABS. Apply steady brake pressure and allow the system to operate.

• If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, or sand, shift to 2nd gear and accelerate gently to reduce wheel spin and improve the chance of regaining traction.

• Use sand, rock salt, or another suitable non-slip material under the drive wheels to improve grip when the vehicle is stuck on ice, snow, or mud.

Reducing the risk of a rollover

The Kia Telluride is classified as a multi-purpose passenger vehicle, commonly known as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Like other utility vehicles, it may have a higher rollover risk than some conventional passenger cars because of its design and intended versatility.

SUVs generally have higher ground clearance and may have different track-width characteristics to support a wider range of driving conditions, including rough or uneven surfaces. This higher seating position can provide a better view of the road ahead, helping the driver recognize potential hazards earlier.

However, the same design characteristics that improve visibility and utility can also result in a higher center of gravity compared with lower passenger vehicles. For this reason, the Kia Telluride is not intended to corner at the same speeds as conventional cars, just as low-slung sports cars are not intended for demanding off-road use.

All occupants should wear seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an unbelted occupant is far more likely to suffer fatal injuries than a properly restrained occupant. To help reduce rollover risk while driving:

• Avoid sharp turns, sudden lane changes, and abrupt steering maneuvers whenever possible.

• Do not place heavy cargo on the roof rack, as this can raise the vehicle’s center of gravity.

• Never modify the vehicle in a way that could affect its suspension, ride height, wheels, tires, or handling characteristics.

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WARNING

Rocking your vehicle

If your Kia Telluride becomes stuck in snow, ice, sand, or mud, you may need to rock the vehicle free. Before attempting this, turn the steering wheel from side to side to help clear the area around the drive wheels. Then carefully shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear.

Avoid excessive engine speed and do not allow the drive wheels to spin. If the vehicle remains stuck after several attempts, have it pulled free to prevent engine overheating or possible transmission damage.

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CAUTION

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TIP

Smooth turning

Avoid braking or shifting gears while cornering, particularly on wet or slippery roads. Whenever possible, enter the turn at an appropriate speed and accelerate gently through the curve. Smooth steering and throttle inputs help maintain stability while reducing unnecessary tire wear.

Driving at night

Night driving presents additional challenges because visibility is reduced. Keep these important recommendations in mind whenever you drive your Kia Telluride after dark:

• Reduce your speed and increase the distance between your vehicle and others, especially on roads with limited or no street lighting.

• Adjust your mirrors properly to minimize glare from the headlights of vehicles behind you.

• Keep the headlamps clean and properly aimed if your vehicle is not equipped with an automatic headlamp leveling system. Dirty or misaligned headlamps significantly reduce nighttime visibility.

• Avoid looking directly into the headlights of approaching vehicles. Temporary glare can reduce your vision and your eyes may require several seconds to readjust to the surrounding darkness.

Driving in the rain

Rain and wet pavement reduce tire traction and can make driving significantly more hazardous, particularly if road conditions change unexpectedly.

When driving in rainy conditions, consider the following recommendations:

• Heavy rain reduces visibility and increases stopping distance. Slow down and allow additional space between your Kia Telluride and the vehicle ahead.

• Keep the windshield wipers in good operating condition. Replace the wiper blades whenever they begin to streak, chatter, or leave portions of the windshield uncleared.

If your tires are not in proper condition, stopping suddenly on wet pavement can cause the vehicle to lose traction and skid, increasing the risk of a collision. Inspect your tires regularly and make sure they remain in good condition before driving your Kia Telluride.

• Switch on your headlights during rainy conditions so other drivers can see your vehicle more easily, even during daylight hours.

• Driving quickly through deep puddles can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of hydroplaning. Whenever possible, slow down and pass through standing water carefully.

• If you suspect the brakes have become wet, lightly apply the brake pedal several times while driving at a safe speed until normal braking performance returns.

Hydroplaning

When enough water collects on the road and vehicle speed is sufficiently high, the tires may lose contact with the pavement and begin to ride on a thin layer of water. If this occurs, steering and braking effectiveness can be greatly reduced. The safest approach is to SLOW DOWN whenever road surfaces are wet.

The likelihood of hydroplaning increases as tire tread becomes worn. For additional information, refer to the Tires and wheels section of your Kia Telluride owner's manual.

Driving in flooded areas

Avoid driving through flooded roads unless you are certain the water level remains below the bottom of the wheel hubs. If you must pass through water, proceed slowly and steadily to minimize the possibility of water entering critical vehicle components.

After leaving the flooded area, allow extra stopping distance because wet brakes may not perform normally. Dry the brakes by applying gentle brake pressure several times while driving at a low speed until full braking performance returns.

Highway driving

Before extended highway trips, adjust tire pressures to the recommended specifications. Underinflated tires generate excessive heat, which can shorten tire life and increase the possibility of tire failure.

Avoid operating your Kia Telluride with tires that are excessively worn, damaged, or otherwise compromised, as this can reduce traction, stability, and overall driving safety.

Never inflate your tires beyond the maximum pressure specified on the tire sidewall.

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WARNING

High-speed driving typically increases fuel consumption compared with city driving. Before a long journey, check the engine coolant level and engine oil level to help ensure reliable operation of your Kia Telluride.

A worn, loose, or damaged drive belt can reduce engine performance and may contribute to engine overheating. Inspect the drive belt regularly and replace it whenever necessary according to the recommended maintenance schedule.