"Hatch must be open prior to lifting"

[Revvdmedia]

I recall seeing in the owner's manual that the hatch must be open prior to lifting the car like for changing tires. I can imagine forgetting to do this when I need to lift it, and I bet dealers dont always do it, although they likely use 4 point lifts. How important does this seem? I dont recall ever being recommended this on prior hatch/lift backs, this is new to me.

 

[moinmoin]

The point being made is not to operate the hatch when the car is jacked up (i.e. when a jack is being used)

Jacking up (i.e. using a jack) the vehicle will likely induce a certain amount of twist to the car's body. Therefore, do not operate the hatch under those conditions.

I see it as advice to open up the hatch prior to jacking if there is the need to get at the spare tire or the backspace of the car.

The jack being in the back together with the spare tire would mean, that the hatch gets opened up anyway before any jacking is taking place.
I think, that KIA put that into the manual "out of a preponderance of caution"...
4 point joists are not mentioned, so it does not apply IMHO.

 

[rocket23]

good luck reaching the hatch on a 4 point lift in the first place......

 

[MerlintheMad]

good luck reaching the hatch on a 4 point lift in the first place......

That's what step ladders are for.

 

[ZilWin]

good luck reaching the hatch on a 4 point lift in the first place......

You mean the lift doesn't run in both directions?

 

[BlaydeX15]

You mean the lift doesn't run in both directions?

Well, it is called a 'Lift', not a 'Lower'.