KIA Niro: Parking on hills

Generally, if you have a trailer attached to your vehicle, you should not park your vehicle on a hill. People can be seriously or fatally injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged if unexpectedly roll down hill.

However, if you ever have to park your trailer on a hill, here's how to do it:

1. Pull the vehicle into the parking space.

   Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the curb (right if headed down hill, left if headed up hill).

2.  Set the parking brake and shut off the vehicle.
3.  Place chocks under the trailer wheels on the down hill side of the wheels.
4. Start the vehicle, hold the brakes, shift to neutral, release the parking brake and slowly release the brakes until the trailer chocks absorb the load.
5.  Reapply the brakes, reapply the parking brake.
6.  Shut off the vehicle and release the vehicle brakes but leave the parking brake set.

WARNING

• Parking your vehicle on a hill with a trailer attached could cause serious injury or death, should the trailer break loose.
• It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the parking brake is not firmly set. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.

  You or others could be seriously or fatally injured.

When you are ready to leave after parking on a hill

1. Apply your brakes and hold the brake pedal down while you:

• Start your engine;
• Shift into gear; and
• Release the parking brake.

2. Start your engine;
3. Shift into gear; and
4. Release the parking brake.

Maintenance when trailer towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when you regularly pull a trailer.

Important items to pay particular attention to include engine oil, axle lubricant and cooling system fluid. Brake condition is another important item to frequently check. Each item is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review these sections before you start your trip.

Don't forget to also maintain your trailer and hitch. Follow the maintenance schedule that accompanied your trailer and check it periodically. Preferably, conduct the check at the start of each day's driving. Most importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts should be tight.

CAUTION

• Due to higher load during trailer usage, overheating might occur in hot days or during uphill driving. If the coolant gauge indicates overheating, switch off the A/C and stop the vehicle in a safe area to cool down the engine.
• When towing, check the transmission fluid more frequently.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with an air conditioner, you should install a condenser fan to improve engine performance when towing a trailer.

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