Kia Niro Hybrid Owner's Manual page 428

Drivinþ your vehicle
Tire chains
Since the sidewalls oý radial tires are
thinner, they can be damaþed by
mountinþ some types oý snow chains
on them. Thereýore, the use oý snow
tires is recommended instead oý snow
chains. Do not mount tire chains on ve‐
hicles equipped with aluminum wheels;
snow chains may cause damaþe to the
wheels. Iý snow chains must be used,
use wire-type chains with a thickness
oý less than 12 mm (0.47 in). Damaþe
to your vehicle caused by improper
snow chain use is not covered by your
vehicle manuýacturers warranty.
When usinþ tire chains, install tire
chains only on the ýront tires.
7-88
CAUTION
• Make sure the snow chains are the
correct size and type for your
tires. Incorrect snow chains can
cause damage to the vehicle body
and suspension and may not be
covered by your vehicle manufac‐
turer warranty. Also, the snow
chain connecting hooks may be
damaged from contacting vehicle
components causing the snow
chains to come loose from the tire.
Make sure the snow chains are
SAE class "S" certified.
• Always check chain installation for
proper mounting after driving ap‐
proximately 0.5 to 1 km (0.3 to
0.6 miles) to ensure safe mount‐
ing. Retighten or remount the
chains if they are loose.
• If your vehicle has 18 inch tires, do
not use tire chains. They can dam‐
age your vehicle (wheel, suspen‐
sion and body).
Chain installation
When installinþ chains, ýollow the man‐
uýacturer's instructions
them as tiþhtly as you can. Drive slowly
with chains installed. Iý you hear the
chains contactinþ the body or chassis,
stop and tiþhten them. Iý they still
make contact, slow down until it stops.
Remove the chains as soon as you be‐
þin drivinþ on cleared roads.
WARNING
n Mounting chains
When mounting snow chains, park
the vehicle on level ground away
from traffic. Turn on the vehicle
Hazard Warning flashers and place a
triangular emergency warning device
behind the vehicle if available. Al‐
ways place the vehicle in P (Park),
apply the parking brake and turn off
the engine before installing snow
chains.
and mount