Vehicle break-in process
No special break-in period is needed.
By following a few simple precautions for the first 1,000 km (600 miles) you may add to the performance, economy and life of your vehicle.
• Do not race the engine.
• Do not maintain a single speed for long periods of time, either fast or slow. Varying engine speed is needed to properly break-in the engine.
• Avoid hard stops, except in emergencies, to allow the brakes to seat properly.
• Avoid full-throttle starts.
See also:
Power steering
Checking the power steering fluid
level
With the vehicle on level ground, check
the fluid level in the power steering reservoir
periodically. The fluid should be
between MAX and MIN marks on th ...
Safety-Minded
As with the rest of the Kia line-up, the 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with
many safety features as standard equipment. This includes six airbags (dual
advanced front and front-seat mounted side as ...
Manual transaxle
Manual transaxle operation
The manual transaxle has 5 forward
gears.
This shift pattern is imprinted on the shift
knob. The transaxle is fully synchronized
in all forward gears so shifting to e ...


