Kia Optima Hybrid 2017 Owner's Manual page 521

Driving your vehicle
Tire chains
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are
thinner, they can be damaged by
mounting some types of snow chains
on them. Therefore, the use of snow
tires is recommended instead of snow
chains. Do not mount tire chains on ve‐
hicles equipped with aluminum wheels;
snow chains may cause damage to the
wheels. If snow chains must be used,
use wire-type chains with a thickness
of less than 12 mm (0.47 in). Damage
to your vehicle caused by improper
snow chain use is not covered by your
vehicle manufacturers warranty.
Install tire chains only on the front
tires.
7-104
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 mounting.
Retighten or remount the chains if
they are loose.
Chain installation
When installing chains, follow the man‐
ufacturer's instructions and
them as tightly as you can. Drive slowly
with chains installed. If you hear the
chains contacting the body or chassis,
stop and tighten them. If they still
make contact, slow down until it stops.
Remove the chains as soon as you be‐
gin driving 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.
WARNING
n Tire chains
• The use of chains may adversely
affect vehicle handling.
• Do not exceed 30 km/h (20 mph)
or the chain manufacturer's rec‐
ommended speed limit, whichever
mount is lower.
(Continued)