Kia CERATO 2018 Owner's Manual page 426

Driving your vehicle
NOTICE
n Location of trailer mounting
The mounting hole for hitches are
located on both sides of the under‐
body behind the rear tires.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few
reasons why you ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
• 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 re‐
move the hitch.
If you do not seal them, deadly car‐
bon monoxide (CO) from your ex‐
haust can get into your vehicle, as
well as dirt and water.
• The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach
to the bumper.
6-72
• Kia trailer hitch accessary is available
at an authorized Kia dealer/service
partner.
Safety chains
You should always attach chains be‐
tween 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 safe‐
ty chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to your
country s regulations and that it is
properly installed and operating cor‐
rectly.
If your trailer weight exceeds the maxi‐
mum allowed weight without trailer
brakes, then the trailer will also require
its own brakes as well. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trail‐
er brakes so you ll be able to install, ad‐
just and maintain them properly.
• Do not tap into or modify your vehi‐
cle's brake system.
WARNING
n Trailer brakes
Do not use a trailer with its own
brakes unless you are absolutely
certain that you have properly set
up the brake system. This is not a
task for amateurs. Use an experi‐
enced, competent trailer shop for
this work.
Driving with a trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you must get to
know your trailer. Acquaint yourself
with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehi‐
cle you are driving is now a good deal
longer and not nearly so responsive as
your vehicle is by itself.