When driving a Kia Optima 2020, sometimes we cannot avoid emergency situations such as accidents, mechanical breakdowns, or even bad weather. In such situations, it is important for drivers to stay calm and know what actions to take to minimize risks and ensure the safety of themselves and passengers. Here are some tips on what to do in emergency situations while driving a Kia Optima 2020.
ROAD WARNING
Hazard warning flasher

The hazard warning flasher serves as a warning to other drivers to exercise extreme caution when approaching, overtaking, or passing your vehicle. It should be used whenever emergency repairs are being made or when the vehicle is stopped near the edge of a roadway.
Press the flasher switch with the ignition switch in any position. The flasher switch is located in the center facia panel. All turn signal lights will flash simultaneously.
- The hazard warning flasher operates whether your vehicle is running or not.
- The turn signals do not work when the hazard flasher is on.
- Care must be taken when using the hazard warning flasher while the vehicle is being towed.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY WHILE DRIVING
If the engine stalls at a crossroad or crossing
If the engine stalls at a crossroad or crossing, set the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position and then push the vehicle to a safe place.
If you have a flat tire while driving
If a tire goes flat while you are driving:
- Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and let the vehicle slow down while driving straight ahead. Do not apply the brakes immediately or attempt to pull off the road as this may cause a loss of control. When the vehicle has slowed to such a speed that it is safe to do so, brake carefully and pull off the road. Drive off the road as far as possible and park on firm level ground. If you are on a divided highway, do not park in the median area between the two traffic lanes.
- When the vehicle is stopped, turn on your emergency hazard flashers, set the parking brake and put the transmission in P (for Automatic transmission / Dual clutch transmission).
- Have all passengers get out of the vehicle. Be sure they all get out on the side of the vehicle that is away from traffic.
- When changing a flat tire, follow the instruction provided later in this section.
If the engine stalls while driving
- Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
- Turn on your emergency flashers.
- Try to start the engine again. If your vehicle will not start, contact an authorized Kia dealer or seek
other qualified assistance.
✽ NOTICE
If there was a check engine light and loss of power or stall and if safe to do so, wait at least 10 seconds to restart the vehicle after it stalls. This may reset the car so it will no longer run at low power (limp home) condition.
EMERGENCY STARTING

Connect cables in numerical order and disconnect in reverse order.
(A) : Jumper Cables
(B) : Booster battery
(C) : Discharged battery
Jump starting
Jump starting can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Therefore, to avoid harm to yourself or damage to your
vehicle or battery, follow these jump starting procedures. If in doubt, we strongly recommend that you have a competent technician or towing service jump start your vehicle.
⚠ CAUTION – Push/pull start to 12 Volt Battery
Use only a 12-volt jumper system. You can damage a 12-volt starting motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts beyond repair by use of a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt batteries in series or a 24-volt motor generator set).
⚠ WARNING – Battery
Never attempt to check the electrolyte level of the battery as this may cause the battery to rupture or explode.
⚠ WARNING – Frozen batteries
Do not attempt to jump start the vehicle if the discharged battery is frozen or if the electrolyte level is low as the battery may rupture or explode.
⚠ WARNING – Battery
Keep all flames or sparks awayfrom the battery. The battery produces hydrogen gas which will explode if exposed to flame or sparks.
⚠ WARNING – Sulfuric acid risk
When jump starting your vehicle, be careful not to get acid on yourself, your clothing or on the vehicle. Automobile batteries contain sulfuric acid. This is poisonous and highly corrosive.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)

(1) Low tire pressure telltale / TPMS malfunction indicator
(2) Low tire pressure position telltale (Shown on the LCD display)
Check tire pressure

- You can check the tire pressure in the information mode on the cluster.
- Refer to “User settings mode” in chapter 4.
- Tire pressure is displayed 1~2 minutes later after driving. If tire pressure is not displayed when the vehicle is stopped, “Drive to display” message displays. After
- driving, check the tire pressure.
- You can change the tire pressure unit in the user settings mode on the cluster.
- psi, kPa, bar (Refer to “User settings mode” in chapter 4).
✽ NOTICE
- The tire pressure may change due to factors such as parking condition, driving style, and altitudeabove sea level.
- The tire pressure shown on the dashboard may differ from the tire pressure measured by tire pressure gauge.
- Low tire pressure warning may sound when a tire’s pressure unit is equal or lower than nearby tires. This is a normal occurrence, which is due to the change in tire pressure along with tire temperature.
Low tire pressure telltale
Low tire pressure position telltale

When the tire pressure monitoring system warning indicators are illuminated, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. If the telltale illuminates, immediately reduce your speed, avoid hard cornering and anticipate increased stopping distances. You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible.
Inflate the tires to the proper pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s placard or tire inflation pressure label located on the driver’s side center pillar outer panel. If you cannot reach a service station or if the tire cannot hold the newly added air, replace the low pressure tire with the spare tire.
Then the TPMS malfunction indicator and the Low Tire Pressure telltale may turn on and illuminate after restarting and about 20 minutes of continuous driving before you have the low pressure tire repaired and replaced on the vehicle.
In winter or cold weather, the low tire pressure telltale may be illuminated if the tire pressure was adjusted to the recommended tire inflation pressure in warm weather. It does not mean your TPMS is malfunctioning because the decreased temperature leads to a proportional lowering of tire pressure.
When you drive your vehicle from a warm area to a cold area or from a cold area to a warm area, or the out-
side temperature is greatly higher or lower, you should check the tire inflation pressure and adjust the tires to the recommended tire inflation pressure.
When filling tires with more air, conditions to turn off the low tire pressure telltale may not be met. This is because a tire inflator has a margin of error in performance. The low tire pressure telltale will be turned off if the tire pressure is above the recommended tire inflation pressure.
⚠ WARNING – Low pressure damage
Do not drive on low pressure tires. Significantly low tire pressure can cause the tires to overheat and fail making the vehicle unstable resulting in increased braking distances and a loss of vehicle control.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
Jack and tools (if equipped)

The jack and wheel lug nut wrench are stored in the luggage compartment. Remove the panel indicated in the
illustration.
(1) Jack handle
(2) Jack
(3) Wheel lug nut wrench
Jacking instructions
The jack is provided for emergency tire changing only. To prevent the jack from “rattling” while the vehicle is in motion, store it properly. Follow jacking instructions to reduce the possibility of personal injury.
⚠ WARNING – Tire Jack
Do not place any portion of your body under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack since the vehicle can easily roll off the jack. Use vehicle support stands.
⚠ WARNING – Changing tires
Never attempt vehicle repairs in the traffic lanes of a public road or highway.
- Always move the vehicle completely off the road and onto the shoulder before trying to change a tire. The jack should be used on a firm level ground. If you cannot find a firm, level place off the road, call a towing service company for assistance.
- Be sure to use the correct front and rear jacking positions on the vehicle; never use the bumpers or any other part of the vehicle for jack support.
- Do not allow anyone to remain in the vehicle while it is on the jack.
- Make sure any children present are in a secure place away from the road and from the vehicle to be raised with the jack.
⚠ WARNING – Running vehicle on jack
Do not start or run the engine of the vehicle while the vehicle is on the jack as this may cause the vehicle to fall off the jack.
Removing and storing the spare tire (if equipped)

Turn the tire hold-down wing bolt counterclockwise. Store the tire in the reverse order of removal. To prevent the spare tire and tools from “rattling” while the vehicle is in motion, store them properly.

If it is hard to loosen the tire hold down wing bolt by hand, you can loosen it easily using the jack handle.
- Put the jack handle (1) inside of the tire hold-down wing bolt.
- Turn the tire hold-down wing bolt counterclockwise with the jack handle.
Use caution when utilizing the sharp jack handle.
⚠ WARNING – Touching surface of the luggage room floor
Do not touch the metal surface of the luggage room floor while the engine is operating or hot. Doing so could result in serious bodily injury. Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down or wear globes to remove the spare tire from the luggage room.
Changing tires (if equipped)

- Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park) with automatic transmission / dual clutch transmission.
- Activate the hazard warning flashers.

- Remove the wheel lug nut wrench, jack and spare tire from the vehicle.
- Block both the front and rear of the wheel that is diagonally opposite from the jack position.
⚠ WARNING – Jack location
To reduce the possibility of injury, be sure to use only the jack provided with the vehicle in the correct jack position; never use any other part of the vehicle for jack support.
⚠ WARNING – Changing a tire
- To prevent vehicle movement while changing a tire, always set the parking brake fully, and always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed.
- We recommend that the wheels of the vehicle be blocked, and that no person remain in a vehicle that is being jacked.

6. Loosen the wheel lug nuts counterclockwise one turn each, but do not remove any nut until the tire has been raised off the ground.

- Place the jack at the front (1) or rear (2) jacking position closest to the tire you are changing. Place
the jack at the designated locations under the frame. The jacking positions are plates welded to the
frame with two tabs and a raised dot to line up with the jack.

- Insert the wheel lug nut wrench into the jack and turn it clockwise, raising the vehicle until the tire just clears the ground. This measurement is approximately 1 in. (30 mm). Before removing the wheel lug nuts, make sure the vehicle is stable and that there is no chance for movement or slippage.
- Loosen the wheel nuts and remove them with your fingers. Slide the wheel off the studs and lay it flat so it cannot roll away. To put the wheel on the hub, pick up the spare tire, line up the holes with the studs and slide the wheel onto them. If this is difficult, tip the wheel slightly and get the top hole in the wheel lined up with the top stud. Jiggle the wheel back and forth until the wheel can slide over the other studs.
Wheels may have sharp edges. Handle them carefully to avoid possible severe injury. Before putting the
wheel into place, be sure that there is nothing on the hub or wheel (such as mud, tar, gravel, etc.) that prevents the wheel from fitting solidly against the hub.
⚠ WARNING – Installing a wheel
Make sure the wheel makes good contact with the hub when installed. If the contact of the mounting surface between the wheel and hub is not good, the wheel nuts could come loose and cause the loss of a wheel. Loss of a wheel may result in loss of control of the vehicle.
- To install the wheel, hold it on the studs, put the wheel nuts on the studs and tighten them finger tight. Jiggle the tire to be sure it is completely seated, then tighten the nuts as much as possible with your fingers again.
- Insert the wrench into the jack and lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the wheel nut wrench counterclockwise.

Position the wrench as shown in the drawing and tighten the wheel nuts. Be sure the socket is seated com-
pletely over the nut. Do not stand on the wrench handle or use an extension pipe over the wrench handle.
Go around the wheel, tightening every nut following the numerical sequence shown in the image until they are all tight. Double-check each nut for tightness. After changing wheels, have an authorized Kia dealer tighten the wheel nuts to their proper torque as soon as possible.
If you have a tire gauge, remove the valve cap and check the air pressure. If the pressure is lower than recommended, drive slowly to the nearest service station and inflate to the correct pressure. If it is too high, adjust it until it is correct. Always reinstall the valve cap after checking or adjusting the tire pressure. If the cap is not replaced, dust and dirt may get into the tire valve and air may leak from the tire. If you lose a valve cap, buy another and install it as soon as possible.
After you have changed the wheels, always secure the flat tire in its place and return the jack and tools to their proper storage locations.
⚠CAUTION – Reusing lug nuts
Make certain during wheel removal that the same nuts that were removed are reinstalled or, if replaced, that nuts with metric threads and the same chamfer configuration are used. Your vehicle has metric threads
on the wheel studs and nuts. Installation of a non-metric thread nut on a metric stud will not secure the wheel to the hub properly and will damage the stud so that it must be replaced.
Note that most lug nuts do not have metric threads. Be sure to use extreme care in checking for thread
style before installing aftermarket lug nuts or wheels. If in doubt, consult an authorized Kia dealer.
⚠ WARNING – Wheel studs
If the studs are damaged, they may lose their ability to retain the wheel. This could lead to the loss of the wheel and a collision resulting in serious injuries.
Jack label

The actual Jack label in the vehicle may differ from the illustration. For more detailed specifications, refer to the label attached to the jack.
- Model Name
- Maximum allowable load
- When using the jack, set your parking brake.
- When using the jack, stop the engine.
- Do not get under a vehicle that is supported by a jack.
- The designated locations under the frame
- When supporting the vehicle, the base plate of jack must be vertical under the lifting point.
- Move the shift lever to the P position on vehicles with automatic transmission.
- The jack should be used on firm level ground.
- Jack manufacturer
- Production date
- Representative company and address.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE (WITH TIRE MOBILITY KIT, IF EQUIPPED)

Please read the instructions before using the Tire Mobility Kit.
(1) Compressor
(2) Sealant bottle
The Tire Mobility Kit is a temporary fix to the tire and the tire should be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
⚠ CAUTION – One sealant for one tire
When two or more tires are flat, do not use the Tire Mobility Kit because the canister of sealant only contains enough sealant for one flat tire.
⚠ WARNING – Tire wall
Do not use the Tire Mobility Kit to repair large punctures or damage to the tire sidewalls. In these situations, the tire cannot be sealed completely and air will leak from the tire. This can result in tire failure.
⚠ WARNING – Speed with temporary fix
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) when driving with a tire sealed with the Tire Mobility Kit. While driving, if you experience any unusual vibration, ride disturbance or noise, reduce your speed and drive
with caution until you can safely pull off the side of the road.
Introduction

With the Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) you stay mobile even after experiencing a tire puncture. The system compressor and sealing compound effectively seal most punctures in a passenger car tire caused by nails or similar objects and reinflates the tire. After you ensure that the tire is properly sealed, you can drive cautiously on the tire at a max. speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) in order to reach a vehicle or tire dealer to have the tire replaced.
It is possible that some tires, especially with larger punctures or damage to the sidewall, cannot be sealed completely. Air pressure loss in the tire may adversely affect tire performance. For this reason, you should avoid abrupt steering or other driving maneuvers, especially if the vehicle is heavily loaded or if a trailer is in use. The Tire Mobility Kit is not designed or intended as a permanent tire repair method and is to be used for one tire only. This instruction shows you step by step how to temporarily seal the puncture. Read the section “Notes on the safe use of the Tire Mobility Kit”.
⚠ WARNING
- If sealant comes into contact with skin, wash the affected areas thoroughly. Seek medical attention if irritation develops and persists.
- If sealant comes into contact with the eyes, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- If sealant is swallowed, call a physician or poison control center immediately.
⚠ WARNING
Do not use the Tire Mobility Kit if a tire is severely damaged.
Components of the Tire Mobility Kit (TMK)

- Speed restriction label
- Sealant bottle and label with speed restriction
- Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel
- Connectors and cable for the power outlet direct connection
- Holder for the sealant bottle
- Compressor
- On/off switch
- Pressure gauge for displaying the tire inflation pressure
- Button for reducing tire inflation pressure
Connectors and cable are stored in the compressor housing.
⚠ WARNING – Expired sealant
Do not use the Tire sealant after the sealant has expired (i.e. after the expiration date on the sealant container). This can increase the risk of tire failure.
⚠ WARNING – Sealant
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- Do not swallow.
⚠ NOTICE
The sealant container and insert hose (3) cannot be reused.
Using the Tire Mobility Kit
- Detach the speed restriction label (1) from the sealant bottle (2), and place it in a highly visible place inside the vehicle such as on the steering wheel to remind the driver not to drive too fast.
- Filling the sealant Strictly follow the specified sequence, otherwise the sealant may escape under
high pressure.

⚠ CAUTION
Before using the tire repair kit, please read carefully the instruction attached on the sealant case. Detach the speed limit label on the sealant case and put it on a highly visible place. Always drive within the speed limit.

- Shake the sealant bottle.

4. Connect the filling hose (3) onto the connector of the sealant bottle.
5. Ensure that button (7) on the compressor is not pressed.

- Unscrew the valve cap from the valve of the defective wheel and screw filling hose (3) of the sealant
bottle onto the valve.

7. Insert the sealant bottle into the housing (5) of the compressor so that the bottle is upright.
8. Ensure that the compressor is switched off.

9. Connect between compressor and the vehicle power outlet using the cable and connectors (4).
✽ NOTICE
Only use the front passenger side power outlet.
- With the engine start/stop button position on: switch on the com- pressor and let it run for approxi-
mately 5~7 minutes to fill the sealant up to proper pressure (refer to the “Tires and wheels” in chapter 8). Be careful not to overinflate the tire and stay away from the tire when filling it. When the tire and wheel are damaged, do not use Tire Mobility Kit for your safety.
⚠ WARNING
Do not attempt to drive your vehicle if the tire pressure is below 29 psi (200 kPa). This could result in an accident due to sudden tire failure.
- Switch off the compressor.
- Detach the hose from the sealant bottle connector and from the tire valve.
Return the Tire Mobility Kit to its storage location in the vehicle.
⚠ WARNING
Carbon monoxide poisoning and suffocation is possible if the engine is left running in a poorly ventilated or unventilated location (such as inside a building)
TOWING
Towing service

If emergency towing is necessary, we recommend having it done by an authorized Kia dealer or a commercial tow-truck service. Proper lifting and towing procedures are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle. The use of wheel dollies or flatbed is recommended. It is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground (without dollies) and the front wheels off the ground.
If any of the loaded wheels or suspension components are damaged or the vehicle is being towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly under the front wheels. When being towed by a commercial
tow truck and wheel dollies are not used, the front of the vehicle should always be lifted, not the rear.
✽ NOTICE
If the EPB does not release normally, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer by loading the vehi-
cle on a flatbed tow truck and have the system checked.
⚠ WARNING – Side and curtain Air bag
If your vehicle is equipped with side and curtain air bag, set the ignition switch to LOCK or ACC position when the vehicle is being towed. The side and curtain air bag may deploy when the ignition is ON, and the rollover sensor detects the situation as a rollover.