Kia 2011 RIO Owner's Manual page 183

Driving tips
Snow tires
If you mount snow tires on your Kia,
make sure they are radial tires of the
same size and load range as the original
tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels
to balance your vehicle's handling in all
weather conditions. Keep in mind that the
traction provided by snow tires on dry
roads may not be as high as your vehi-
cle's original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads are
clear. Check with the tire dealer for max-
imum speed recommendations.
WARNING
- Snow tire size
Snow tires should be equivalent in
size and type to the vehicle's stan-
dard tires. Otherwise, the safety and
handling of your vehicle may be
adversely affected.
Do not install studded tires without first
checking local, state and municipal regu-
lations for possible restrictions against
their use.
5 8
Tire chains
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are
thinner, they can be damaged by mount-
ing some types of snow chains on them.
Therefore, the use of snow tires is rec-
ommended instead of snow chains. Do
not mount tire chains on vehicles
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
0.59 in (15 mm). Damage to your vehicle
caused by improper snow chain use is
not covered by your vehicle manufactur-
ers warranty.
Install tire chains only on the front tires.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
• Make sure the snow chains are the
correct size and type for your tires.
Incorrect snow chains can cause dam-
age to the vehicle body and suspension
and may not be covered by your vehi-
cle manufacturer 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"
1JBA4068 certified.
• Always check chain installation for
proper mounting
approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles (0.5 to 1
km) to ensure
Retighten or remount the chains if
they are loose.
WARNING
If your vehicle is equipped with
205/45R16 size tires, do not install
tire chains. This may cause damage
to the vehicle (wheels, suspension
and body) by chains contacting the
body.
after driving
safe mounting.