
Maintenance36
74. Tire ply composition and materialThe number of layers or plies of rub-
ber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
The letter "R" means radial ply con-
struction; the letter "D" means diago-
nal or bias ply construction; and the
letter "B" means belted-bias ply con-
struction.
5. Maximum permissible inflation
pressureThis number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure. Refer
to the Tire and Loading Information
label for recommended inflation
pressure.6. Maximum load ratingThis number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that
can be carried by the tire. When
replacing the tires on the vehicle,
always use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installed
tire.7. Uniform tire quality grading The following information relates to
the tire grading system developed by
the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) for grading
tires by tread wear, traction and tem-
perature performance. Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified govern-
ment test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one-and-a-
half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions
of their use. However, performance
may differ from the norm because of
variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
These grades are molded on the
side-walls of passenger vehicle tires.
The tires available as standard or
optional equipment on Kia vehicles
may vary with respect to grade.
WARNING
Tires degrade over time, even
when they are not being used.
Regardless of the remaining
tread, it is recommended that
tires generally be replaced after
six (6) years of normal service.
Heat caused by hot climates or
frequent high loading condi-
tions can accelerate the aging
process. Failure to follow this
warning can result in sudden
tire failure, which could lead to a
loss of control and an accident
involving serious injury or
death.

737
Maintenance
Traction - AA, A, B & C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C. The
grades represent the tires ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on spec-
ified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction perform-
ance.
Temperature -A, B & C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C. The grades repre-
sent the tire’s resistance to the gen-
eration of heat and its ability to dissi-
pate heat when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tires to
degenerate and reduce tires life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tires failure. Grade C corre-
sponds to a level of performance
which all passenger vehicle tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by the law.Tire terminology and definitions
Air Pressure: The amount of air
inside the tire pressing outward on
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in
pounds per square inch (psi) or kilo-
pascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
: This means the
combined weight of optional acces-
sories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmis-
sion, power seats, and air condition-
ing.
Aspect Ratio : The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords
that is located between the plies and
the tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead: The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that
hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire : A pneumatic tire in
which the plies are laid at alternate
angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
WARNING
- Tire temperature
The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
build-up and possible sudden
tire failure. This can cause loss
of vehicle control and serious
injury or death.

Maintenance40
7Snow tires
If you equip your car with snow tires,
they should be the same size and
have the same load capacity as the
original tires. Snow tires should be
installed on all four wheels; other-
wise, poor handling may result.
Snow tires should carry 4 psi (28
kPa) more air pressure than the
pressure recommended for the stan-
dard tires on the tire label on the dri-
ver's side of the center pillar, or up to
the maximum pressure shown on the
tire sidewall, whichever is less.
Do not drive faster than 75 mph (120
km/h) when your car is equipped with
snow tires.
Tire chains
Tire chains, if necessary, should be
installed on the drive wheels (front
wheel).
Be sure that the chains are installed
in accordance with the manufactur-
er's instructions.
To minimize tire and chain wear, do
not continue to use tire chains when
they are no longer needed.
✽ ✽
NOTICE• If you hear noise caused by chains
contacting the body, retighten the
chain to avoid contact with the
vehicle body.
• To prevent body damage, retight- en the chains after driving 0.3 ~
0.6 miles (0.5 ~ 1.0 km).
WARNING
- Snow or ice
When driving on roads cov- ered with snow or ice, drive at
less than 20 mph (30 km/h).
Use the SAE “S” class or wire chains.
Do not use tire chains on vehi- cles equipped with aluminum
wheels. In unavoidable cir-
cumstance, use a wire type
chain.
Use wire chains less than 15mm to prevent damage to
the chain’s connection.

741
Maintenance
BULB REPLACEMENT Use only the bulbs of the specifiedwattage.
Headlight bulb replacement ✽
✽ NOTICEAfter heavy, driving rain or washing,
headlight and taillight lenses could
appear frosty. This condition is caused by
the temperature difference between the
lamp inside and outside. This is similar
to the condensation on your windows
inside your vehicle during the rain and
doesn’t indicate a problem with your
vehicle. If the water leaks into the lamp
bulb circuitry, have the vehicle checked
by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
WARNING
- Working on
the lights
Prior to working on the light, firmly
apply the parking brake and ensure
that the ignition switch is turned to
the “LOCK” position to avoid sud-
den movement of the vehicle and
burning your fingers or receiving an
electric shock.
CAUTION
If you don’t have necessary tools,
the correct bulbs and the expertise,consult an Authorized Kia Dealer. In many cases, it is difficult to replacevehicle light bulbs because otherparts of the vehicle must beremoved before you can get the bulb. Especially if you must removethe front bumper to replace the lightbulbs in the front of the vehicle. This may result in damage to thevehicle.
OGH056016
➀ Headlight (High)
➁ Headlight (Low)
➂ Front fog light
➃ Position light
➄ Front turn signal light
\b Side mark light
WARNING
- Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs contain pressur-
ized gas that will produce flying
pieces of glass if broken.
Always handle them carefully, and avoid scratches and abra-
sions. If the bulbs are lit, avoid
contact with liquids. Never touch
the glass with bare hands.
Residual oil may cause the bulb
to overheat and burst when lit. A
bulb should be operated only
when installed in a headlight.
(Continued)
G270A03ON

Maintenance42
7
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the engine compartment
shroud.
3. Remove the headlight bulb cover by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Disconnect the headlight bulb assem- bly by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Install a new headlight bulb assembly.
6. Install the headlight bulb cover by turn- ing it clockwise.
Headlight (HID type), position and
front fog light, turn signal light
and side mark light bulb replace-
mentIf the light bulb is not operating, have the
vehicle checked by an authorized Kia
Dealer.
* HID : High Intensity Discharge
(Continued)
If a bulb becomes damaged orcracked, replace it immediately
and carefully dispose of it.
Wear eye protection when chang- ing a bulb. Allow the bulb to cool
down before handling it.
OMG075038N
WARNING
- HID Headlight
low beam (if equipped)
Do not attempt to replace or inspect
the low beam (XENON bulb) due to
electric shock danger. If the low
beam (XENON bulb) is not working,
have your vehicle checked by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.

743
Maintenance
Interior light bulb replacement1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gentlypry the lens from the interior light
housing.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
3. Install a new bulb.
4. Align the lens tabs with the interior light housing notches and snap the
lens into place.
2GHA424
OFFDOORON
2GHA746
1GHA5611GHA4311GHA432
Front map lamp
Center dome lamp
Vanity mirror lampTrunk room lampGlove box lamp
WARNING
- HID Headlight
low beam (if equipped)
Prior to working on the Interior
Lights, ensure that the “OFF” but-
ton is depressed to avoid burning
your fingers or receiving an electric
shock.

Maintenance48
7EXTERIOR CARE Exterior general caution It is very important to follow the label
directions when using any chemical
cleaner or polish. Read all warning and
caution statements that appear on the
label.Finish maintenanceWashing To help protect your vehicle’s finish from
rust and deterioration, wash it thoroughly
and frequently at least once a month with
lukewarm or cold water.
If you use your vehicle for off-road driv-
ing, you should wash it after each off-
road trip. Pay special attention to the
removal of any accumulation of salt, dirt,
mud, and other foreign materials. Make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are kept
clear and clean. Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial pollution and similar deposits
can damage your vehicle’s finish if not
removed immediately.
Even prompt washing with plain water
may not completely remove all these
deposits. A mild soap, safe for use on
painted surfaces, may be used.
After washing, rinse the vehicle thor-
oughly with lukewarm or cold water. Do
not allow soap to dry on the finish.
CAUTION
Do not use strong soap, chemical
detergents or hot water, and do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlightor when the body of the vehicle is warm.
WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the
brakes while driving slowly to see if
they have been affected by water. If
braking performance is impaired,
dry the brakes by applying them
lightly while maintaining a slow for-
ward speed.
CAUTION
Water washing in the engine com- partment including high pressurewater washing may cause the fail-ure of electrical circuits located in the engine compartment.
Never allow water or other liquids come in contact with electrical/electronic components inside thevehicle as this may damage them.
OJB037800

Maintenance50
7Underbody maintenanceCorrosive materials used for ice and
snow removal and dust control may col-
lect on the underbody. If these materials
are not removed, accelerated rusting can
occur on underbody parts such as the
fuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust
system, even though they have been
treated with rust protection.
Thoroughly flush the vehicle underbody
and wheel openings with lukewarm or
cold water once a month, after off-road
driving and at the end of each winter. Pay
special attention to these areas because
it is difficult to see all the mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet down
the road grime without removing it. The
lower edges of doors, rocker panels, and
frame members have drain holes that
should not be allowed to clog with dirt;
trapped water in these areas can cause
rusting.
Aluminum wheel maintenance The aluminum wheels are coated with a
clear protective finish.
Do not use any abrasive cleaner, pol-
ishing compound, solvent, or wire
brushes on aluminum wheels. They
may scratch or damage the finish.
Use only a mild soap or neutral deter- gent, and rinse thoroughly with water.
Also, be sure to clean the wheels after
driving on salted roads. This helps pre-
vent corrosion.
Avoid washing the wheels with high- speed car wash brushes.
Do not use any acid detergent. It may damage and corrode the aluminum
wheels coated with a clear protective
finish.
WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the
brakes while driving slowly to see if
they have been affected by water. If
braking performance is impaired,
dry the brakes by applying them
lightly while maintaining a slow for-
ward speed.