Kia Sorento: Be sure the exhaust system does not leak. Before driving

Be sure the exhaust system does not leak

Perform regular visual checks on the exhaust system of your Kia Sorento whenever the vehicle is elevated on a lift for routine oil changes, seasonal tire rotations, or any other underbody maintenance service.

If you notice a sudden change or deeper pitch in the exhaust note, or if you drive over road debris or rocks that strike the undercarriage of your Kia Sorento, have the entire exhaust assembly inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

Engine exhaust

Never inhale harmful vehicle exhaust fumes or leave your engine running inside a closed garage, carport, or any enclosed area for a prolonged period. Exhaust emissions contain carbon monoxide—a dangerous, colorless, and odorless gas that can quickly cause sudden unconsciousness and death by asphyxiation if trapped around your Kia Sorento.

CAUTION

Open liftgate

Never drive your Kia Sorento with the rear tailgate or liftgate left open, as toxic engine exhaust gases can be sucked into the passenger cabin. If transporting oversized cargo requires you to drive with the liftgate open, follow these precise ventilation steps to protect occupants:

1. Completely close all side windows and sunroof glass.

2. Fully open all exterior side cabin ventilation vents.

3. Set the climate control fresh air intake to external mode, adjust the airflow distribution selector to Floor or Face, and crank the blower fan speed up to its highest setting.

Before driving

Before stepping into your Kia Sorento, take a moment to walk around and examine the vehicle condition and its immediate surroundings. Once inside, follow a structured pre-drive routine to ensure optimal safety and vehicle readiness, as detailed in this section.

Before entering the vehicle

• Ensure that all side windows, glass mirrors, and exterior lighting lenses are crystal clean and free of dirt or ice.

• Inspect all tires visually for proper inflation pressure, tread depth, and sidewall damage.

• Check the ground underneath your Kia Sorento for any puddles or signs of fluid leaks.

• Verify that the path behind your vehicle is completely clear of obstacles or pedestrians before reversing.

Necessary inspections

Critical fluid levels—including engine oil, engine coolant reservoir levels, brake fluid, and windshield washer solvent—must be checked on a regular schedule according to factory-recommended maintenance intervals. Comprehensive guidelines for checking these fluids are outlined in the Maintenance section.

CAUTION

Distracted driving

Maintain undivided attention on the road ahead while driving your Kia Sorento. Your primary legal and moral responsibility is the safe control of the vehicle. Avoid handling mobile devices, browsing screens, or interacting with auxiliary systems that could divert your focus.

Before starting

• Close and securely latch all passenger doors.

• Adjust your driver seat position and steering wheel so you can easily reach all pedals and controls without straining.

• Fasten your seat belt snugly across your lap and shoulder.

• Adjust the interior rearview mirror and exterior side mirrors for an unobstructed rear view.

• Verify that all headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are functioning properly.

• Check all instrument cluster gauges for normal readings.

• Confirm the proper illumination and bulb check operation of warning lights when the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed to the ON position.

• Release the mechanical or electronic parking brake and verify that the red Brake Warning Light extinguishes on the dash.

For maximum driving safety, ensure you are thoroughly familiar with all operational features and safety equipment on your Kia Sorento.

NOTE

When you intend to park or stop your Kia Sorento with the engine running, avoid holding or pressing the accelerator pedal down for an extended period. Doing so can cause severe overheating in the engine bay or exhaust manifold components, presenting a fire hazard.

WARNING

Check surroundings

Always perform a visual scan of the immediate surroundings around your Kia Sorento for people, especially small children, before shifting the transmission gear selector into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

CAUTION

Loose objects

Always store cargo, bottles, and personal items securely inside your Kia Sorento. During sudden braking maneuvers or sharp turns, rolling loose objects can slide into the footwell, jam beneath the brake or accelerator pedals, and cause a dangerous loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

Driving under the influence

Never operate your Kia Sorento while under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, prescription medications, or any impairing substances. Driving impaired drastically compromises your reflexes, depth perception, and split-second judgment.

WARNING

Proper footwear

Always wear sensible, appropriate driving shoes when operating your Kia Sorento. Unsuitable footwear—such as bulky ski boots, high heels, loose flip-flops, or sandals—can catch on carpet edges or prevent accurate modulation of the brake and accelerator pedals.

WARNING

California Proposition 65

Engine exhaust, vehicle operating fluids, and a wide variety of automotive components and interior cabin furnishings in your Kia Sorento contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm.

Driving your vehicle

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ENGINE START/STOP Button: (if equipped)

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