2008 KIA CERATO coolant level

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Driving your vehicle
Engine temperature gauge
This gauge shows the temperature of the engine coolant when the igni-
tion switch is ON.
Do not continue driving with an over-
heated engine. If your vehicle over-
heats, refer to “Overheating” in the
Index.
✽✽
NOTICE
If the gauge pointer moves beyond
the normal range area toward the“H” position, it indicates overheat-ing that may damage the engine.
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge indicates the approx- imate amount of fuel remaining in thefuel tank.
Fuel tank capacity - 55 liters.
The fuel gauge is supplemented by a
low fuel warning light, which will illu-
minate when the fuel level has
dropped to about 8.5 liters. Trip computer (if equipped)
Trip computer is a microcomputer-
controlled driver information gauge
that displays information related to
driving, such as estimated distance
to empty, average speed and driving
time on the LCD.

Driving your vehicle
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The air conditioning system
includes a function that automati-
cally turns the air conditioningcompressor 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
automatically turned off for a few
seconds when the accelerator isfully depressed (wide open throt-tle).
When operating the air condition- ing system use the outside (fresh)air position.
Operating the air conditioning sys- tem 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
conditioner refrigerant andcompressor lubricant
When the amount of refrigerant is
low, the performance of the air con-
ditioning is reduced. Overfilling alsohas a bad influence on the air condi-tioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.Air conditioner refrigerant and
compressor lubricant
✽✽ NOTICE
When the performance of the air
conditioning system is reduced it is
important that the correct type and
amount of oil and refrigerant isused. Otherwise, damage to the
compressor and abnormal system
operation may occur.
CAUTION
The air conditioning system should be serviced by anauthorized Kia dealer. Improperservice may cause serious injury.

Driving tips
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BEFORE DRIVING
Before entering vehicle:
Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(s), and outside lights are clean.
Check the condition of the tires.
Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
Be sure there are no obstacles behind you if you intend to back up.
Necessary inspections
Fluid levels, such as engine oil,
engine coolant, brake fluid, and
washer fluid should be checked on a
regular basis, with the exact interval
depending on the fluid. Further
details are provided in Section 7,
Maintenance. Before starting
Close and lock all doors.
Position the seat so that all con-
trols are easily reached.
Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirrors.
Be sure that all lights work.
Check all gauges.
Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
Release the parking brake and make sure the brake warning lightgoes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and itsequipment.
WARNING - Driving under
the influence of alcohol or drugs
Drinking and driving is danger-
ous. Drunk driving is the num-
ber one contributor to the high-
way death toll each year. Even asmall amount of alcohol will
affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.
You are much more likely to
have a serious accident if you
drink and drive.
If you are drinking or taking
drugs, don’t drive. Do not ridewith a driver who has beendrinking or taking drugs.Choose a designated driver orcall a cab. Driving while under the influ-
ence of drugs is as dangerous
or more dangerous than drivingdrunk.

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In case of an emergency
OVERHEATING
If your temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss
of power, or if you hear a loud knock-
ing or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated. Should any of
these symptoms occur, use the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn on the hazard warning flash- er, then drive to the nearest safe
location and stop your vehicle; set
the automatic transaxle in P
(Park), or shift the manual
transaxle to N (Neutral) and apply
the parking brake.
2. Make sure the air conditioner is off.
3. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator, stop the engine and
call an Authorized Kia Dealer for
assistance. If coolant is not boiling out, allowthe engine to idle and open the
hood to permit the engine to cool
gradually.
If the temperature does not go
down with the engine idling, stop
the engine and allow sufficient
time for it to cool.
4. The coolant level should then be checked. If the level in the reser-
voir is low, look for leaks at the
radiator hoses and connections,
heater hoses and connections,
radiator, and water pump. If youfind a major leak or another prob-
lem that may have caused the
engine to overheat, do not operatethe engine until it has been cor-
rected. Call an Authorized Kia
Dealer for assistance. If you do not
find a leak or other problem, care-
fully add coolant to the reservoir.
If the engine frequently overheats,
have the cooling system checkedand repaired by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
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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 seri-
ous injury.

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Maintenance
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NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (cont.)
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE ITEMNumber of months or driving distance, whichever comes first
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Miles×1,000 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Km×1,000 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120
Valve clearance *4
Gasoline
Vapor hose and fuel filler cap
I I I I
Fuel tank air filter (if equipped) I I R I I R I I
Vacuum and crankcase ventilation hosesGasolineIIII
Vacuum hose (for VGT) (if equipped) Diesel
III IIIII
Vacuum pump and vacuum hose DieselIII IIIII
Vacuum pump oil hose DieselIII IIIII
Fuel filterGasoline RR
Fuel filter cartridge *6
Diesel R R R R
Fuel lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I I I Cooling system
Inspect every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 48 months *5
Inspect “Coolant level and leak” every day
Inspect “Water pump” when replacing the drive belt or timing belt
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace. R : Replace or change. *4 : Inspect for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. A qualified technician should
perform the operation.
*5 : For your convenience, it can be replaced prior to it's interval when you do maintenance of other items.
*6 : If the diesel fuel specifications don't meet the European standards EN590, replace it more frequently.
Consult an authorized KIA dealer for details.

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Maintenance
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OWNER MAINTENANCE
Owner maintenance schedule
The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be per-
formed by the owner or an
Authorized Kia Dealer at the fre-quencies indicated to help ensure
safe, dependable operation of your
vehicle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your deal-
er as soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks
are generally not covered by war-
ranties and you may be charged for
labor, parts and lubricants used.
When you stop for fuel:
Check the engine oil level.
Check coolant level in coolant reservoir.
Check the windshield washer fluid level.
Look for low or under-inflated tires.
While operating your vehicle:
Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of
exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steer-
ing effort or looseness in the steer-
ing wheel, or change in its straight-ahead position.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on smooth, levelroad.
When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel
or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs,
check the transaxle fluid level.
Check automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
Check parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is
normal).
WARNING
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot
coolant and steam may blow out
under pressure. This could
cause serious injury.

Maintenance
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At least monthly:
Check coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flash-
ers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year
(i.e., every Spring and Fall) :
Check radiator, heater and air con- ditioning hoses for leaks or da-
mage.
Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened
with washer fluid.
Check headlight alignment.
Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year :
Clean body and door drain holes.
Lubricate door hinges and checks,and hood hinges.
Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Check the power steering fluid level.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.

Maintenance
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Changing the engine oil and filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by
an authorized KIA dealer accordingto the Maintenance Schedule at thebeginning of this section. The high-pressure cooling system
has a reservoir filled with year-round
antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is
filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once a week, atthe beginning of the winter season,
and before traveling to a colder cli-
mate.
Checking the coolant level
WARNING
Used engine oil may cause irri- tation or cancer of the skin if left
in contact with the skin for pro-
longed periods of time. Used
engine oil contains chemicals
that have caused cancer in lab-
oratory animals. Always protect
your skin by washing your
hands thoroughly with soap and
warm water as soon as possibleafter handling used oil.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING - Removing
radiator cap
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine
is operating or hot. Doing somight lead to cooling system
and engine damage and could
result in serious personal
injury from escaping hotcoolant or steam.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Turn the engine off and waituntil it cools down. Even then,
use extreme care when
removing the radiator cap.
Wrap a thick towel around it,
and turn it counterclockwise
slowly to the first stop. Step
back while the pressure is
released from the cooling sys-
tem. When you are sure all thepressure has been released,
press down on the cap, using
a thick towel, and continue
turning counterclockwise to
remove it.
Even if the engine is not oper- ating, do not remove the radi-ator cap or the drain plugwhile the engine and radiator
are hot. Hot coolant and steam
may still blow out under pres-
sure, causing serious injury.