Maintenance
87
At least monthly:
• Check coolant level in the coolantrecovery reservoir.
• Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn sig-
nals and hazard warning flashers.
• 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 condi- tioning hoses for leaks or damage.
• Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper blades
with clean cloth dampened with wash-
er 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, andhood hinges.
• Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
• Lubricate door rubber weatherstrips.
• Check the air conditioning system before the warm weather season.
• Check the power steering fluid level.
• Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
• Clean battery and terminals.
• Check the brake fluid level.
Maintenance
127
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
The high-pressure cooling system has a
reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze
coolant. The reservoir is filled at the fac-
tory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once a year, at the
beginning of the winter season, and
before traveling to a colder climate.
Checking the coolant level
Check the condition and connections of
all cooling system hoses and heater
hoses. Replace any swollen or deterio-
rated hoses.
The coolant level should be filled
between F and L marks on the level
gauge attached to the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is cool.
If the coolant level is low, add enough
specified coolant to provide protection
against freezing and corrosion. Bring the
level to F, but do not overfill. If frequent
additions are required, see an Authorized
Kia Dealer for a cooling system inspec-
tion.WARNING- Removing
radiator cap
• Never attempt to remove the radi-
ator cap while the engine i s oper-
ating or hot. Doing so might lead
to cooling s ystem and engine
damage and could result in seri-
ous per sonal injury from escap-
ing hot coolant or steam.
(Continued)
(Continued)
• Turn the engine off and wait untilit cools down. Even then, use
extreme care when removing the
radiator cap. Wrap a thick towel
around it, and turn it counter-
clockwise slowly to the fir st stop.
Step back while the pressure is
released from the cooling system.
When you are sure all the pres-
s ure has been releas ed, press
down on the cap, using a thick
towel, and continue turning coun-
terclockwise to remove it.
• Even if the engine i s not operat-
ing, do not remove the radiator
cap or the drain plug while the
engine and radiator are hot. Hot
coolant and steam may still blow
out under pressure, causing seri-
ous injury.
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