I recently purchased a sportage phev, my first Kia, and I had some questions concerning the automated parking brake. When I switch from D to P, does it activate automatically, or do I have to manually engage it?
In my previous car, I always engaged it manually, but I’m not sure if I need to do so now. The brake switch is positioned in an uncomfortable way that makes it difficult to activate after switching.
And a query regarding the trunk. Around the battery, there is a good amount of room beneath the Styrofoam. Is it appropriate to leave it vacant or is there something we can store down there? I get that, given the heat, I shouldn’t jam too much items inside, but certain stuff?
The EPB will only activate on its own while you are descending or inclining. If not, you will need to manually activate it.
Things shouldn’t be kept under the foam tray where the battery is located. The ICCU and, I believe, the battery are present. However, you can store items in the tray.
If you’re parked on a hill and put the car in park, the brake should usually engage by itself to keep the car from rolling. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to set the brake manually. Personally, I’d rather it was either fully on or fully off so it’s more predictable, but that’s not how it works right now.
Typically, when switching from D to P, the automated parking brake should engage automatically, but it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or dealership to confirm. As for the trunk, the space around the battery under the Styrofoam can be used for storing lightweight, non-heat-sensitive items. Just ensure not to overcrowd it to avoid any issues with heat and battery performance. This setup has helped me maximize utility without compromising safety.
would prefer the tray to have more cutouts, yet