Kia Optima: Steering wheel - Features of your vehicle - Kia Optima Owners ManualKia Optima: Steering wheel

Power steering

Power steering uses energy from the engine to assist you in steering the vehicle.

If the engine is off or if the power steering system becomes inoperative, the vehicle may still be steered, but it will require increased steering effort.

Should you notice any change in the effort required to steer during normal vehicle operation, have the power steering checked by an authorized KIA dealer.

CAUTION:

Never hold the steering wheel against a stop (extreme right or left turn) for more than 5 seconds with the engine running. Holding the steering wheel for more than 5 seconds in either position may cause damage to the power steering pump.

NOTICE:

If the power steering drive belt breaks or if the power steering pump malfunctions, the steering effort will greatly increase.

NOTICE:

If the vehicle is parked for extended periods outside in cold weather (below - 10°C/14°F), the power steering may require increased effort when the engine is first started. This is caused by increased fluid viscosity due to the cold weather and does not indicate a malfunction.

When this happens, increase the engine RPM by depressing accelerator until the RPM reaches 1,500 rpm then release or let the engine idle for two or three minutes to warm up the fluid.

Tilt steering

Tilt steering allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle.

The steering wheel should be positioned so that it is comfortable for you to drive, while permitting you to see the instrument panel warning lights and gauges.

WARNING:

• Never adjust the angle of the steering wheel while driving. You may lose steering control and cause severe personal injury, death or accidents.

• After adjusting, push the steering wheel both up and down to be certain it is locked in position.

To change the steering wheel angle, pull down the lock release lever (1), adjust

To change the steering wheel angle, pull down the lock release lever (1), adjust the steering wheel to the desired angle (2) and height (if equipped) (3), then pull up the lock-release lever to lock the steering wheel in place. Be sure to adjust the steering wheel to the desired position before driving.

Horn

Horn

To sound the horn, press the horn symbol on your steering wheel.

Check the horn regularly to be sure it operates properly.

NOTICE:

To sound the horn, press the area indicated by the horn symbol on your steering wheel (see illustration). The horn will operate only when this area is pressed.

CAUTION:

Do not strike the horn severely to operate it, or hit it with your fist. Do not press on the horn with a sharppointed object.

    Sunroof
    If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, you can slide or tilt your sunroof with the sunroof control buttons located on the overhead console. 1. Slide button 2. Tilt button 3. Close button ...

    Mirrors
    Inside rearview mirror Adjust the rearview mirror to center on the view through the rear window. Make this adjustment before you start driving. WARNING: - Rear visibility Do not place objects in t ...

    See also:

    Parking brake
    WARNING: - Be sure the parking brake is fully released before driving. Failure to do so can cause brake failure and lead to an accident. - Do not release the parking brake from outside the vehicle ...

    Brake pad and lining
    While maintaining a speed of 30 to 40 mph (50 to 65 km/h), step on the brake pedal lightly. Repeat this five or more times. ...

    Audio operation precautions
    ...