Kia Sportage 2023 Manual page 260

Driving your vehicle
僅 For Europe
- The technically permissible maxi-
mum load on the rear axle(s) may
be exceeded by not more than 15%
and the technically permissible
maximum laden mass of the vehi-
cle may be exceeded by not more
than 10% or 100 kg (220.4 lbs),
whichever value is lower. In this
case, do not exceed 100 km/h (62.1
mph) for vehicle of category M1 or
80 km/h (49.7 mph) for vehicle of
category N1.
- When towing a trailer, the addi-
tional load imposed at the trailer
coupling device may cause the rear
tyre maximum load ratings to be
exceeded, but not by more than
15%. In such a case, do not exceed
100km/h, and the rear tyre pres-
sure should be at least 20 kPa(0.2
bar) above the tyre pressure(s) as
recommended for normal use (i.e.
without a trailer attached).
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few rea-
sons why you'll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
僅 Do you have to make any holes in the
body of your vehicle when you install
a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure
to seal the holes later when you
remove the hitch.
If you don't seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle, as well as
dirt and water.
僅 The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
6 54
hitches. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the
bumper.
僅 Any part of the rear number plate or
lighting devices of the vehicle must
not be obscured by the mechanical
coupling device.
If the rear number plate and/or light-
ing devices can be obscured partially
by any part of the mechanical cou-
pling device, mechanical coupling
devices that can not be easily
removed or repositioned without use
of any tools, except an easily operated
(i.e. an effort not exceeding 20 Nm)
release key which is supplied by the
manufacturer of the coupling device,
are not permitted for use.
Please note that the mechanical cou-
pling device that is fitted and not in
use must always be removed or repo-
sitioned if the rear number plate and/
or rear lighting devices are obscured
by any part of the mechanical cou-
pling device.
僅 Kia trailer hitch accessory is available
at an authorised Kia dealer/service
partner.
Safety chains
You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue
will not drop to the road if it becomes
separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or
by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave
just enough slack so you can turn with
your trailer. And, never allow safety
chains drag on the ground.
Trailer towing