Kia Sportage 2023 Owner's Manual page 398

Driving your vehicle
Don't let your parking brake
freeze
Under some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged posi-
tion. This is most likely to happen when
there is an accumulation of snow or ice
around or near the rear brakes or if the
brakes are wet. If there is a risk the park-
ing brake may freeze, temporarily apply
it with the gear in P (Park). Also, block
the rear wheels in advance, so the vehi-
cle may not roll. Then release the park-
ing brake.
Don't let ice and snow accumu-
late underneath
Under some conditions, snow and ice
can build up under the fenders and
interfere with the steering. When driving
in severe winter conditions where this
may happen, you should periodically
check underneath the vehicle to be sure
the movement of the front wheels and
the steering components is not
obstructed.
Carry emergency equipment
Depending on the severity of the
weather, you should carry appropriate
emergency equipment. Some of the
items you may want to carry include tire
chains, tow straps or chains, flashlight,
emergency flares, sand, shovel, jumper
cables, window scraper, gloves, ground
cloth, coveralls, blanket, etc.
5 174
Do not place objects or materials
in the engine compartment
Putting objects or materials in the
engine compartment may cause an
engine failure or combustion, because
they may block the engine cooling. Such
damage will not be covered by the man-
ufacturer's warranty.
Drive your vehicle when water
vapor condenses and accumu-
lates inside the exhaust pipes
When the vehicle is stopped for a long
time in winter while the engine is run-
ning, water vapor may condense and
accumulate inside the exhaust pipes.
Water in the exhaust pipes may cause
noise, etc., but it is drained driving at
medium to high speed.
Winter driving