Understanding the use of a compact spare tire in your Kia Sorento

Your Kia Sorento comes equipped with a compact spare tire designed specifically to optimize trunk space. Because this spare tire is intentionally smaller than a conventional tire, it should be treated exclusively as a temporary, emergency solution to get you to a service location safely.

• Exercise caution and drive at reduced speeds when the compact spare is installed on your Kia Sorento. Treat the spare as a temporary fix and ensure you have your original tire and rim repaired or replaced with a standard, full-size tire at the earliest opportunity.

• For your safety and the mechanical integrity of your vehicle, never operate your Kia Sorento with more than one compact spare tire installed simultaneously.

WARNING

Spare tire usage

The compact spare tire provided with your Kia Sorento is strictly for emergency situations. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) while driving on the spare. Failing to address the original tire damage promptly can lead to premature failure of the spare, which may result in serious loss of vehicle control, injury, or fatality.

To ensure it is ready for immediate use, maintain the compact spare tire in your Kia Sorento at an inflation pressure of 60 psi (420 kPa).

NOTE

Pressure verification

Always check the inflation pressure immediately after installing the spare tire on your Kia Sorento and adjust the pressure to the specified 60 psi to ensure stable handling.

When operating your Kia Sorento with a compact spare tire, strict adherence to these safety precautions is essential:

• Strictly observe the 50 mph (80 km/h) speed limit. Exceeding this threshold significantly increases the risk of structural tire failure.

• Adjust your driving style to the road conditions. Navigate slowly and remain vigilant for road hazards; even minor impacts with potholes or road debris can cause irreparable damage to the compact spare.

• Avoid continuous or long-distance use, as this significantly increases the likelihood of tire failure, compromised vehicle stability, and potential personal injury.

• Ensure you never exceed the maximum load rating specified for your vehicle or the weight limits clearly molded into the sidewall of the compact spare tire.

• Be mindful of ground clearance. The compact spare's smaller diameter reduces the ride height of your Kia Sorento by approximately 1 inch (25 mm), making it easier to strike the undercarriage on speed bumps or steep driveway transitions.

• Do not attempt to use an automatic car wash while the compact spare is fitted to your vehicle.

• The compact spare is engineered exclusively for your specific vehicle model and must not be used on any other vehicle.

• The tread life of a compact spare is considerably shorter than that of a standard tire. Regularly inspect the condition of the spare and, if wear is detected, replace it with a tire of the exact same size and design specifications.

• Do not mix the compact spare with different wheels, standard tires, snow tires, or decorative trim rings. Combining these components can lead to mechanical interference and significant damage to your Kia Sorento.

• Limit yourself to using only one compact spare tire at any given time.

• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while your Kia Sorento is supported by a compact spare tire.