Driving Your Vehicle Kia 2020-Optima

Driving a Kia Optima 2020 can be a pleasant and satisfying experience, especially if you follow some tips to keep your vehicle safe and well-maintained. The Kia Optima 2020 offers comfort and ease of driving, as well as the latest safety and technology features that help you stay focused while driving. However, like any other vehicle, this car requires regular care and attention to remain in good condition and can be used safely. In this article, we will discuss some tips and guidelines that can help you drive the Kia Optima 2020 safely and optimally.

Be sure the exhaust system does not leak.

The exhaust system should be checked whenever the vehicle is raised to change the oil or for any other purpose. If you hear a change in the sound of the exhaust or if you drive over something that strikes the underneath side of the vehicle, have the exhaust system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Kia dealer.

⚠ WARNING – Engine exhaust

Do not inhale exhaust fumes or leave your engine running in a enclosed area for a prolonged time. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can cause unconsciousness and death by asphyxiation.

⚠ WARNING – Open trunk

Do not drive with the trunk open. Poisonous exhaust gases can enter the passenger compartment. If you must drive with the trunk open proceed as follows:

1. Close all windows.
2. Open side vents.
3. Set the air intake control at “Fresh”, the air flow control at “Floor” or “Face” and the fan at the highest speed.

BEFORE DRIVING

Before entering vehicle

• Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(s), and outside lights are clean.
• Check the condition of the tires.
• Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
• Be sure there are no obstacles behind you if you intend to back up.

Necessary inspections

Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid should be checked on a regular basis, at the exact interval depending on the fluid. Further details are provided in chapter 7, “Maintenance”.

⚠ WARNING – Distracted driving

Focus on the road while driving. The driver’s primary responsibility is in the safe and legal operation of the vehicle. Use of any handled devices, other equipment or vehicle systems that distract the driver should not be used during vehicle operation.

Before starting

• Close and lock all doors.
• Position the seat so that all controls are easily reached.
• Buckle your seat belt.
• Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirrors.
• Be sure that all lights work.
• Check all gauges.
• Check the operation of warninglights when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
• Input any phone numbers or map locations (if vehicle equipped with a navigation system) that you may need during your trip.
• Release the parking brake and make sure the brake warning light goes out.

For safe operation, be sure you are familiar with your vehicle and its equipment.

⚠ WARNING – Fire risk

When you intend to park or stop the vehicle with the engine on, be careful not to depress the accelerator pedal for a long period of time. It may overheat the engine or exhaust system and cause fire.

⚠ WARNING – Check surroundings

Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before putting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

KEY POSITIONS (IF EQUIPPED)

Illuminated ignition switch

Whenever a front door is opened, the ignition switch will illuminate for your convenience, provided the ignition switch is not in the ON position. The light will go off immediately when the ignition switch is turned on. It will also go off after about 30 seconds when the door is closed.

Ignition switch position

LOCK

The ignition key can be removed only in the LOCK position.

ACC (Accessory)

The electrical accessories are operative. If the driver experiences difficulty moving the ignition switch to the ACC position, turn the key while at the same time turning the steering wheel right and left to release the internal tension.

ON

The warning lights can be checked before the engine is started. This is the normal running position after the engine is started. Do not leave the ignition switch ON if the engine is not running to prevent battery discharge.

START

Turn the ignition switch to the START position to start the engine. The engine will crank until you release
the key; then it returns to the ON position. The brake warning light can be checked in this position.

The anti-theft steering column lock (if equipped) is not a substitute for the parking brake. Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is engaged in P (Park) for automatic transmission, set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not taken.

⚠ WARNING – Ignition switch

Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK or ACC while the vehicle is moving. This would result in loss of directional control and braking function, which could cause an accident.

⚠ WARNING – Key holder

Do not attach small purses, multiple keys, or any other heavy accessories to the driver’s key chain used to start the vehicle. It is possible for the driver to accidently cause the key inserted in the vehicle to change the ignition position to the ACC position while the vehicle is moving thereby increasing the risk of an accident and causing the deactivation of several safety features.

Starting the engine

⚠ WARNING – Proper footwear

Always wear appropriate shoes when operating your vehicle. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots, sandals, etc.) may interfere with your ability to use the brake and accelerator pedal.

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). Depress the brake pedal fully. You can also start the engine when the shift lever is in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to START and hold it there until the engine starts (a maximum of 10 seconds),
   then release the key. It should be started without depressing the accelerator.
4. Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving at moderate engine speeds. (Steep accelerating and decelerating should be avoided.)

⚠ WARNING – Steering wheel

Never reach for any controls through the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. The presence of your hand or arm in this area could cause a loss of vehicle control.

If the engine stalls while you are in motion, do not attempt to move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. If traffic and road conditions permit, you may put the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position while the vehicle is still moving and turn the ignition switch to the START position in an attempt to restart the engine.

⚠ CAUTION – Starter

Do not engage the starter for more than 10 seconds. If the engine stalls or fails to start, wait 5 to 10 seconds before reengaging the starter. Improper use of the starter may damage it.

ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON (IF EQUIPPED)

Illuminated engine start/stop button

Whenever the front door is opened, the engine start/stop button will illuminate for your convenience. The
light will go off after about 30 seconds when the door is closed. When all entrances are closed, if you lock the vehicle by using the transmitter or the smart key, the light will go off immediately.

Engine start/stop button position

OFF

To turn off the engine (START/RUN position) or vehicle power (ON position), press the engine start/stop button with the shift lever in the P (Park) position. When you press the engine start/stop button without the shift lever in the P (Park) position, the engine start/stop button will not change to the OFF position but to the ACC position.

In an emergency situation while the vehicle is in motion, you are able to turn the engine off and to the ACC
position by pressing the engine start/stop button for more than 2 seconds or 3 times successively within 3 seconds. If the vehicle is still moving, you can restart the engine without depressing the brake pedal by pressing the engine start/stop button with the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.

ACC(Accessory)

Press the engine start/stop button while it is in the OFF position without depressing the brake pedal. Accessory is displayed on the LCD of the cluster. If the engine start/stop button is in the ACC position for more than 1 hour, the button is turned off automatically to prevent battery discharge.

ON

Press the engine start/stop button while it is in the ACC position without depressing the brake pedal. The warning lights can be checked before the engine is started. Do not leave the engine start/stop button in the ON position for a long time. The battery may discharge, because the engine is not running.

START/RUN

To start the engine, depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/ STOP button with the shift lever in the P (Park) or the N (Neutral) position. For your safety, start the engine with the shift lever in the P (Park) position. If you press the engine start/stop button without depressing the brake pedal for automatic transmission/dual clutch transmission vehicles, the engine will not start and the engine start/stop button changes as follow: OFF ➔ ACC ➔ ON ➔ OFF or ACC

✽ NOTICE

If you leave the ENGINE START/ STOP button in the ACC or ON position for a long time, the battery will discharge.

⚠ WARNING – Starting vehicle

Never press the engine start/stop button while the vehicle is in motion except in an emergency. This would result in loss of directional control and braking function, which could cause an accident.

Starting the engine with a smart key

1. Carry the smart key or place it inside the vehicle.
2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied
3. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). Depress the brake pedal fully. You can also start the engine when the shift lever is in the N (Neutral) position.
4. Press the engine start/stop button while depressing the brake pedal.It should be started without depressing the accelerator.
5. Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving at moderate engine speeds. (Steep accelerating and decelerating should be avoided.)
   • Even if the smart key is in the vehicle, if it is far away from you, the engine may not start.
   • When the engine start/stop button is in the ACC position or above, if any door is opened, the system checks for the smart key. If the smart key is not in the vehicle, a message “key is not in the vehicle” will appear on the LCD display. And if all doors are closed, the chime will sound for 5 seconds. The indicator or warning will turn off while the vehicle is moving. Always have the smart key with you.

⚠ WARNING – Unintended vehicle movement

Never leave the smart key in the vehicle with children or vehicle occupants who are unfamiliar with the vehicle operation. Pushing the engine start/stop button while the smart key is in the vehicle may result in unintended engine activation and/or unintended vehicle movement.

• If the battery is weak or the smart key does not work correctly, you can start the engine by pressing the engine start/stop button with the smart key.

The side with the lock button should contact the engine start/stop button directly. When you press the engine start/stop button directly with the smart key, the smart key should contact the button at a right angle.

• When the stop lamp fuse is blown, you can’t start the engine normally. Replace the fuse with a new one. If it is not possible, you can start the engine by pressing the engine start/stop button for 10 seconds while it is in the ACC position. The engine can start without depressing the brake pedal. But for your safety always depress the brake pedal before starting the engine.

Do not press the ENGINE START/ STOP button for more than 10 seconds except when the stop lamp fuse is blown.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Automatic transmission operation

The automatic transmission has 6 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.

✽ NOTICE

The first few shifts on a new vehicle, if the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are cycled a few times by the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal and the lock release button when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

⚠ WARNING – Leaving Vehicle

Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position; then set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Do not use the P position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is locked in the P position and set the parking brake fully. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed.

⚠ CAUTION – Transmission

To avoid damage to your transmission, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on. The transmission may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is
in motion.

When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle with the engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.

Transmission ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the drive wheels from rotating. Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

⚠ CAUTION – Shifting

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion, except when “Rocking the vehicle” explained in this chapter.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

Parking in N (Neutral) gear

Follow the steps below when parking and you want the vehicle to move when pushed.

1. After stopping your vehicle, depress the brake pedal and move the transmission shift lever to [P] with the ignition button in [ON] or while the engine is running.
2. If the parking brake is applied, release the parking brake.
   • For EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) equipped vehicles, depress the brake pedal with the ignition button in [ON] or while the engine is running to disengage the parking brake. If [AUTO HOLD] function is used while driving (If [AUTO HOLD] indicator is on in the cluster), press [AUTO HOLD] switch and [AUTO HOLD] function will be turned off.
3. While depressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition button [OFF].
   • For smart key equipped vehicles, the ignition switch can be moved to [OFF] only when the shift lever is in [P].
4. Change the gear shift lever to N while depressing the brake pedal and inserting a tool (e.g. flathead screw-driver) into the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] access hole at the same time. Then, the vehicle will move when external force is applied.

⚠ WARNING

• With the exception of parking in neutral gear so that you can push the vehicle, always park the vehicle in P for safety and apply the parking brake.
• Before parking in N gear, first make sure the parking ground is level and flat. Do not park in [N] gear on any slopes or gradients.

If parked and left in [N], the vehicle may move and cause serious damage or injury.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will automatically shift through a 6-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power. For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator fully, at which time the transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

Manual mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, manual mode is selected by pushing the shift lever left from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever right back into the main gate.

In manual mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to make gearshifts rapidly.
In contrast to a manual transmission, the manual mode allows gearshifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Up (+) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

Down (-) : Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.

• In manual mode, the driver must execute upshifts in accordance with road conditions, taking care to keep the engine speed below the red zone.
• In manual mode, only the 6 forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the main gate and then select R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
• In manual mode, downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• In manual mode, when the engine rpm approaches the red zone, shift points are varied to upshift auto matically.
• To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance and safety, the system may not execute certain gearshifts when the shift lever is operated.
• When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the +(up) position. This causes the transmission to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the -(down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.

Paddle shifter (if equipped)

The paddle shifter is available when the shift lever is in the D position or the manual mode.

With the shift lever in the D position

The paddle shifter will operate when the vehicle speed is more than 6.2mph(10km/h). Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear and the system changes from automatic mode to manual mode.

When the vehicle speed is lower than 6.2mph(10km/h), if you depress the accelerator pedal for more than 5
seconds or if you shift the shift lever from D (Drive) to manual mode and shift it from manual mode to D (Drive) again, the system changes from manual mode to automatic mode.

With the shift lever in the manual mode

Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

If you pull the [+] and [-] paddle shifters at the same time, you cannot shift the gear.

Shift lock system

For your safety, the automatic transmission has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed. To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine or turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise and vibration near the shift lever may be hear, and is a normal condition. Repeated operation can cause overheat condition, and stop operating, until sufficient cooled down.

⚠ WARNING – Shifting from park

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting out of the P (Park) position into another position to avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle which could injure persons in or around the vehicle.

Shift-lock override

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position into R (Reverse) position with the brake
pedal depressed, continue depressing the brake, then do the following:

1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Carefully remove the cap (1) covering the shift-lock release access hole.
4. Insert a tool (e.g. flathead screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the tool.
5. Move the shift lever.
6. Remove the tool from the shiftlock override access hole then install the cap.
7. Have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) (IF EQUIPPED)

Dual clutch transmission operation

The dual clutch transmission, is a manual transmission, that is electronically controlled and shifted, and
has seven forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual gear speeds are selected automatically when the shift lever is in the D (Drive) position.

⚠ WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position, then set the parking brake, and place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position.
• Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed.
• Do not use engine braking (rapidly shifting from a high gear to lower gear) on slippery roads. The vehicle may slip causing an accident.

⚠ CAUTION

• To avoid damage to your transmission, do not try to accelerate with the shift lever in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brake engaged.
• When stopped on a slope, do not hold the vehicle with accelerator pedal. Engage the service brake or the parking brake.
• When in any gear than P, and on an incline, if you release the brake pedal for more than 3 seconds, the vehicle may roll forward or backwards (unless vehicle hold is ON).

LCD display for transmission temperature and warning message

Transmission temperature Gauge

• Select trip computer mode on the LCD display and move to the transmission temperature screen to see the temperature of the dual clutch transmission.
• Try to drive so that the temperature gauge do not show high/overheat. When the transmission is over- heated, the warning message will display on the LCD. Follow the displayed message.
• The transmission temperature is displayed in three colors (white, orange and red) as it increases. (if equipped with the color type cluster) if equipped with the mono type cluster. temperature gauge is dis played in one color (white).
• Orange temperature gauge is displayed right before the warning message appears on the LCD display. (if equipped)

⚠ CAUTION

Increase (high temperature) of the transmission temperature gauge usually appears on an incline when the vehicle is stopped for a long time using accelerator pedal, without depressing the brake pedal.

Normal (below marking 10)

• In order to maintain the optimal gear shift performance, drive so that the temperature gauge is below the point (below marking 10).

✽ NOTICE

The temperature gauge may increase rapidly if clutch slip occurs excessively due to repeated stop and go driving on steep grades and when Hill Hold is maintained for a long time. In order to prevent excessive temperature increase, use the brake during low speed driving or when stopping the vehicle on a hill.

Before entering High/Overheat (from marking 10 to 14)

• This zone shows that the dual clutch temperature of the DCT is before entering the high/overheat zone. When the clutch temperature is within this zone (from marking 10 to 14), drive minimizing the clutch slip so that the temperature gauge is below the point (marking 10).
• If the dual clutch temperature continues to increase and reaches marking 14, the warning alarm sounds and the temperature gauge pops up on the cluster. The DCT warning message is not displayed.

High/Overheat (from marking 15 to 16)

• This zone shows that the dual clutch temperature of the DCT has entered the high/overheat zone. The DCT warning alarm sounds, warning message is displayed on the cluster and the temperature gauge disappears from the cluster. Follow the displayed warning message.
• To check the temperature status of the dual clutch when overheated, move to the temperature gauge screen by selecting the trip computer mode. Then, you can check the temperature status of the dual clutch.

DCT warning messages

This warning message is displayed when the vehicle is driven slowly on a grade and the vehicle detects that the brake pedal is not applied.

Steep grade

Driving up hills or on steep grades:

• To hold the vehicle on an incline use the foot brake or the parking brake.
• When in stop-and-go traffic on an incline, keep some distance ahead before moving the vehicle forward. Then hold the vehicle on the incline with the foot brake.
• If the vehicle is held on a hill by applying the accelerator pedal or by creeping forward with the brake pedal disengaged, the clutch and transmission may overheat which can result in damage. At this time, a warning message will appear on the LCD display.
• If the LCD warning is active, the foot brake must be applied.
• Ignoring the warnings can lead to damage to the transmission.