2006 KIA Rio service

Driving your vehicle10
4Disc brakes wear indicator Your vehicle has disc brakes.
When your brake pads are worn and it's
time for new pads, you will hear a high-
pitched warning sound from your front
brakes or rear brakes (if equipped). You
may hear this sound come and go or it
may occur whenever you depress the
brake pedal.
Please remember that some driving
conditions or climates may cause a
brake squeal when you first apply (or
lightly apply) the brakes. This is nor-
mal and does not indicate a problem
with your brakes.
✽ ✽
NOTICETo avoid costly brake repairs, do not
continue to drive with worn brake pads.
Parking brake To apply the parking brake, pull the park-
ing brake handle fully and firmly upward
while applying the service brake.
(Continued)
 Wet brakes may result in the vehi-
cle not slowing down at the usual
rate and pulling to one side when
the brakes are applied. After
going through water, apply the
brakes lightly to regain smooth
braking performance.
WARNING
- Brake wear
This brake wear warning sound
means your vehicle needs service.
If you ignore this audible warning,
you will eventually lose braking per-
formance, which could lead to a
serious accident.
CAUTION
Always replace brake pads as com-
plete front or rear axle sets to
ensure smooth brake performance.
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake
applied will cause excessive brake
pad and brake rotor wear.
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Driving your vehicle
Low brake fluid level warning
If the warning light remains on, it may
indicate that the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is low.
If the warning light remains on:
1. Drive carefully to the nearest safelocation and stop your vehicle.
2. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required. Then check all brake
components for fluid leaks.
3. Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are found, the warning light remains on or
the brakes do not operate properly.
Have it towed to any authorized Kia
dealer for a brake system inspection
and necessary repairs.
To check bulb operation, check whether
the parking brake and brake fluid warning
light illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
Trunk lid open
warning (if equipped)This warning light activates when the
trunk is not closed securely.Door ajar warningThis warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely.Low washer fluid level
warning indicator
(if equipped)This warning light indicates the washer
fluid reservoir is near empty. Refill the
washer fluid as soon as possible.Low fuel level
warningThis warning light indicates the fuel tank
is nearly empty. The warning light will
come on when the fuel level has dropped
to about 5.5~6.5 liters (1.5~1.7 gallons).
Refuel as soon as possible.
Headlight high beam
indicator This indicator illuminates when the head-
lights are on and in the high beam posi-
tion or when the turn signal lever is pulled
into the Flash-to-Pass position.Air bag warning
(if equipped) This warning light will blink or illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds each time
you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position.
If this indicator does not go out, or if it illu-
minates while the vehicle is being driven,
see an authorized Kia dealer for immedi-
ate service.Check fuel filler cap
warning This warning light indicates the fuel filler
cap is not tight securely.
Always make sure that the fuel filler cap
is tight.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle with a brake
warning light on is dangerous. If the
brake warning light remains on,
have the brakes checked and
repaired immediately by an author-
ized Kia dealer.
AIR
BAGCHECK FUELCAP
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Driving your vehicle36
4Air conditioning system opera-
tion tips  If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows for a short time to let the hot
air inside the vehicle escape.
 To help reduce moisture inside of win-
dows on rainy or humid days, decrease
the humidity inside the vehicle by oper-
ating the air conditioning system.
 During air conditioning system opera-
tion, you may occasionally notice a
slight change in engine speed at idle
as the air conditioning compressor
cycles. This is a normal system opera-
tion characteristic.
 Use the air conditioning system every
month if only for a few minutes to
ensure maximum system perform-
ance.
 When using the air conditioning sys-
tem, you may notice clear water drip-
ping (or even pudding) on the ground
under the passenger side of the vehi-
cle. This is a normal system operation
characteristic. 
The air conditioning system includes a
function that automatically turns the air
conditioning compressor off if engine
coolant temperature approaches an
over heating level. The air conditioning
compressor operation will resume
once engine coolant temperature
returns to the normal range. Also, the
air conditioning compressor is auto-
matically turned off for a few seconds
when the accelerator is fully depressed
(wide open throttle).
 When operating the air conditioning
system use the outside (fresh) air posi-
tion.
 Operating the air conditioning system
in the recirculated air position does
provide maximum cooling, however,
continual operation in this mode may
cause the air inside the vehicle to
become stale.
Checking the amount of air con-
ditioner refrigerant and compres-
sor lubricantWhen the amount of refrigerant is low,
the performance of the air conditioning is
reduced. Overfilling also has a bad influ-
ence on the air conditioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.✽ ✽
NOTICEWhen the performance of the air condi-
tioning system is reduced it is important
that the correct type and amount of oil
and refrigerant is used. Otherwise,
damage to the compressor and abnor-
mal system operation may occur.
CAUTION
The air conditioning system should
be serviced by an authorized Kia
dealer. Improper service may cause
serious injury.
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63
In case of an emergency
4. The coolant level should then bechecked. If the level in the reservoir is
low, look for leaks at the radiator hoses
and connections, heater hoses and
connections, radiator, and water
pump. If you find a major leak or anoth-
er problem that may have caused the
engine to overheat, do not operate the
engine until it has been corrected. Call
an authorized Kia dealer for assis-
tance. If you do not find a leak or other
problem, carefully add coolant to the
reservoir.
If the engine frequently overheats, have
the cooling system checked and repaired
by an authorized Kia dealer.
Jump starting Jump starting can be dangerous if done
incorrectly. Therefore, to avoid harm to
yourself or damage to your vehicle or
battery, follow the jump starting proce-
dures. If in doubt, we strongly recom-
mend that you have a competent techni-
cian or towing service jump start your
vehicle.✽ ✽ NOTICEUse only a 12-volt jumper system. You
can damage a 12-volt starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical
parts beyond repair by use of a 24-volt
power supply (either two 12-volt batter-
ies in series or a 24-volt motor generator
set).
WARNING
- Removing
radiator cap
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator are
hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam
may blow out under pressure. This
could cause serious injury.
EMERGENCY STARTING
WARNING
- Battery
• Keep all flames or sparks away
from the battery. The battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas which may
explode if exposed to flame or
sparks.
 Do not attempt to jump start the vehicle if the discharged battery
is frozen or if the electrolyte level
is low; the battery may rupture or
explode.
WARNING
- Battery
Never attempt to check the elec-
trolyte level of the battery as this
may cause the battery to rupture or
explode causing serious injury.
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In case of an emergency12
6Memory fuseYour vehicle is equipped with a memory
fuse to prevent battery discharge if your
vehicle is parked without being operated
for prolonged periods. Use the following
procedures before parking the vehicle for
prolonged period.
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Turn off the headlights and tail lights.
3. Open the driver-side knee bolster
cover and pull up the “MULT B/UP 10A
/ AUDIO 15A”.
✽ ✽NOTICE• If the memory fuse is pulled up from
the fuse panel, the warning chime,
audio, clock and interior lamps, etc.,
will not operate. Some items must be
reset after replacement.
 Even though the memory fuse is pulled up, the battery can still be dis-
charged by operation of the head-
lights or other electrical devices.
If emergency towing is necessary, we
recommend having it done by an author-
ized Kia dealer or a commercial tow-truck
service. Proper lifting and towing proce-
dures are necessary to prevent damage
to the vehicle. The use of wheel dollies or
flatbed equipment is recommended.
For trailer towing guidelines information,
refer to section 5 “Driving Tips”.
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TOWING
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In case of an emergency
3. Install the towing hook by turning itclockwise into the hole until it is fully
secured (2).
4. Remove the towing hook and install the cover after use.
Towing with a vehicle other than
a tow truck If towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by an authorized Kia
dealer or a commercial tow truck service. If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing hook
under the front or rear of the vehicle. Use
extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it
and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, power train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
 Do not use the tow hooks to pull a
vehicle out of mud, sand or other con-
ditions from which the vehicle cannot
be driven out under its own power.
 Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the vehicle doing the towing.
 The drivers of both vehicles should com- municate with each other frequently.
✽ ✽ NOTICE Attach a towing strap to the tow hook.
 Using a portion of the vehicle other
than the tow hooks for towing may
damage the body of your vehicle.
 Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles.
Securely fasten the cable or chain to
the towing hook provided.
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 Rear
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In case of an emergency16
6 Before emergency towing, check that
the hook is not broken or damaged.
 Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.
 Do not jerk the hook. Apply steady and even force.
 To avoid damaging the hook, do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle.
Always pull straight ahead.
 Use a towing strap less than 5m (16feet) long. Attach a white or red cloth
(about 30cm (12 inches) wide) in the
middle of the strap for easy visibility.
 Drive carefully so that the towing strap is not loosened during towing.
When your vehicle is being towed
by another vehicle other than a tow
truck (in case of an emergency) Turn the ignition switch to ACC so thesteering wheel isn’t locked.
 Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
 Release the parking bake.
 Vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles should not exceed 45 km/h
(28 mph) and should not be towed
more than 80 km (50 miles).
 Vehicles equipped with manual transaxle should not be towed in
excess of 88 km/h (55 mph) and
should not be towed more than 645 km
(400 miles).
 Press the brake pedal with more force than normal since you will have
reduced brake performance.
 More steering effort will be required because the power steering system
will be disabled.
 If you are driving down a long hill, the brakes may overheat and brake per-
formance will be reduced. Stop often
and let the brakes cool off.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing
the vehicle.
• Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the
emergency towing hook and tow-
ing cable or chain. The hook and
towing cable or chain may break
and cause serious injury or dam-
age.
 If the towing vehicle does not move easily, do not forcibly continue the
towing. Contact an authorized Kia
dealer or a commercial tow truck
service for assistance.
 Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
 Keep away from the vehicle dur- ing towing.
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619
In case of an emergency
Changing tires Jacking instructions
The jack is provided for emergency tire
changing only.
Follow jacking instructions to reduce the
possibility of personal injury.Tire replacement
1. Park on a level surface and apply theparking brake firmly.
2. Shift the shift lever into R (Reverse) with manual transaxle or P (Park) with
automatic transaxle.
3. Activate the hazard warning flasher.
WARNING
- Changing tires
 Never attempt vehicle repairs in the traffic lanes of a public road
or highway.
 Always move the vehicle com- pletely off the road and onto the
shoulder before trying to change
a tire. The jack should be used on
level firm ground. If you cannot
find a firm, level place off the
road, call a towing service com-
pany for assistance.
 Be sure to use the correct front and rear jacking positions on the
vehicle; never use the bumpers or
any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.
(Continued)
(Continued)
 The vehicle can easily roll off thejack causing serious injury or
death. No person should place
any portion of their body under a
vehicle that is supported only by
a jack ; use vehicle support
stands.
 Do not start or run the engine while the vehicle is on the jack.
 Do not allow anyone to remain in the vehicle while it is on the jack.
 Make sure any children present are in a secure place away from
the road and from the vehicle to
be raised with the jack.
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