2010 KIA Forte power steering

537
Driving your vehicle
Remember, your vehicle does notrequire extended warm-up. After the
engine has started, allow the engine to
run for 10 to 20 seconds prior to plac-
ing the vehicle in gear. In very cold
weather, however, give your engine a
slightly longer warm-up period.
Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine. Lugging is driving too slowly in a very
high gear resulting in engine bucking. If
this happens, shift to a lower gear.
Over-revving is racing the engine
beyond its safe limit. This can be
avoided by shifting at the recommend-
ed speed. Use your air conditioning sparingly.
The air conditioning system is operat-
ed by engine power so your fuel econ-
omy is reduced when you use it.
Open windows at high speeds can reduce fuel economy.
Fuel economy is less in crosswinds and headwinds. To help offset some of
this loss, slow down when driving in
these conditions.
Keeping a vehicle in good operating con-
dition is important both for economy and
safety. Therefore, have an authorized KIA
dealer perform scheduled inspections
and maintenance.
WARNING
- Engine off dur- ing motion
Never turn the engine off to coast
down hills or anytime the vehicle is
in motion. The power steering and
power brakes will not function
properly without the engine run-
ning. Instead, keep the engine on
and downshift to an appropriate
gear for engine braking effect. In
addition, turning off the ignition
while driving could engage the
steering wheel lock resulting in
loss of vehicle steering which
could cause serious injury or
death.

What to do in an emergency16
6When towing your vehicle in an emer-
gency without wheel dollies :
1. Set the ignition switch in the ACC posi-
tion.
2. Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
3. Release the parking brake.
F080300ATD-EUEmergency towingIf 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 towing 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 communicate with each other frequent-
ly.
CAUTION
Failure to place the transaxle shiftlever in N (Neutral) may cause inter-nal damage to the transaxle.
OHD066005OMG065013
FrontRear (if equipped)

What to do in an emergency18
6F080301AUN-EUEmergency towing precautions Turn the ignition switch to ACC so the
steering wheel isn’t locked.
Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
Release the parking brake.
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.
F080400ATDTie-down hook
(for flatbed towing, if equipped)
CAUTION
- Automatictransaxle
If the vehicle is being towed with
all four wheels on the ground, itcan be towed only from the front.Be sure that the transaxle is in neutral. Do not tow at speedsgreater than 40 km/h (25 mph) and for more than 25 km (15 miles). Besure the steering wheel is unlocked by placing the ignitionswitch in the ACC position. A driv-er must be in the towed vehicle to operate the steering wheel andbrakes.
Before towing, check the level of the automatic transaxle fluid. If itis below the "HOT" range on the dipstick, add fluid. If you cannotadd fluid, a towing dolly must be used.
WARNING
Do not use the tie-down hooks for
towing purposes. These hooks are
designed ONLY for transport tie-
down. If the tie-down hooks are
used for towing, the tie-down hooks
or front bumper will be damaged
and this could lead to serious
injury.
OTD069013N

7
Engine compartment / 7-2
Maintenance services / 7-3
Owner maintenance / 7-4
Maintenance schedule / 7-6
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-10
Engine oil / 7-13
Engine coolant / 7-14
Brake/clutch fluid / 7-17
Power steering fluid / 7-18
Automatic transaxle fluid / 7-19
Washer fluid / 7-21
Parking brake / 7-21
Air cleaner / 7-22
Climate control air filter / 7-22
Wiper blades / 7-23
Battery / 7-25
Tires and wheels / 7-28
Fuses / 7-41
Appearance care / 7-50
Emission control system / 7-56
Maintenance

Maintenance27ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake/clutch* fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Fuse box
6. Positive battery terminal
7. Negative battery terminal
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Automatic transaxle dipstick*
12. Power steering fluid reservoir*
* : if equipped
OTD079055N
B010000ATD
* The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.

75
Maintenance
G030102ATDWhile operating your vehicle: Note any changes in the sound of theexhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes
in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering
effort or looseness in the steering
wheel, or change in its straight-ahead
position.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when trav-
eling on smooth, level road.
When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side,
increased brake pedal travel or “hard-
to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the oper- ation of your transaxle occurs, check
the transaxle fluid level.
Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
Check the parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air condition-
ing system during or after use is nor-
mal).
G030103AHMAt least monthly: Check the coolant level in the enginecoolant 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.G030104AHMAt least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall) : Check the radiator, heater and air con- ditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean the wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
Check the headlight alignment.
Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
G030105ATD At least once a year : Clean the body and door drain holes.
Lubricate the door hinges and checks,and hood hinges.
Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Check the power steering fluid level.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake/clutch fluid level.

Maintenance87Chassis and body (Continued)
Kilometers or time in months, whichever comes first
× 1,000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96 104 112 120 128
# Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64
Automatic transaxle fluid* (1) I I I I I I IIIIIRI III
Chassis & underbody bolts & nuts I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Tire condition & inflation pressure I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Wheel alignment (4)
Tire rotation
Steering operation & linkage I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Power steering fluid & lines* I I I IIIII
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I I
Seat belts, buckles & anchors I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Lock, hinges & hood latch L L L L L L LLLLLLL LLL
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
Inspect when abnormal condition noted
Rotate the tires every 12,000 km
* : if equipped

Maintenance12
7G051800APARear brake drums and linings
(if equipped)Check the rear brake drums and linings
for scoring, burning, leaking fluid, broken
parts, and excessive wear.G051900ATDBrake pads, calipers and rotorsCheck the pads for excessive wear, discs
for run out and wear, and calipers for fluid
leakage.G052100AUNSuspension mounting boltsCheck the suspension connections for
looseness or damage. Retighten to the
specified torque.
G052200AUNSteering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball jointWith the vehicle stopped and engine off,
check for excessive free-play in the
steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or damage.
Check the dust boots and ball joints for
deterioration, cracks, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts.G052400AUNDrive shafts and bootsCheck the drive shafts, boots and clamps
for cracks, deterioration, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts and, if nec-
essary, repack the grease.G052500AUNAir conditioning refrigerant
(if equipped)Check the air conditioning lines and con-
nections for leakage and damage.
G052300AENPower steering pump, belt and
hoses (if equipped)Check the power steering pump and
hoses for leakage and damage. Replace
any damaged or leaking parts immedi-
ately. Inspect the power steering belt (or
drive belt) for evidence of cuts, cracks,
excessive wear, oiliness and proper ten-
sion. Replace or adjust it if necessary.