Page 224 of 394

53
Driving your vehicle
Before entering vehicle
• Be sure that all windows, outside mir-ror(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 controls areeasily reached.
 Buckle your seat belt.
 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 light goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are famil-
iar with your vehicle and its equipment.
BEFORE DRIVING
WARNING - Distracted
driving
Focus on the road while driving.
The driver's primary responsibility
is in the safe and legal operation of
the vehicle. Use of any handled
devices, other equipment or vehicle
systems that distract the drive
should not be used during vehicle
operation.
WARNING - Check 
surrounding
Always check the surrounding
areas near your vehicle for people,
especially children, before putting a
vehicle into D (Drive) or R
(Reverse). 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 257 of 394

Driving your vehicle
36
5
Highway driving
Tires 
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to
specification. Low tire inflation pressures
will result in overheating and possible
failure of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires which
may result in reduced traction or tire fail-
ure.
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure shown on the tires.
Driving off-road
Drive carefully off-road because your
vehicle may be damaged by rocks of
roots of trees. Become familiar with the
off-road conditions where you are going
to drive before you begin driving.
Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil
High speed travel consumes more fuel
than urban motoring. Do not forget to
check both the engine coolant and
engine oil.
Drive belt
A loose or damaged drive belt may over-
heat the engine.
WARNING - Under/over
inflated tires
Always check the tires for proper
inflation before driving.
Underinflated or overinflated tires
can cause poor handling, loss of
vehicle control, and sudden tire fail-
ure leading to accidents, injuries,
and even death. For proper tire
pressures, refer to “Tires and
wheels” in section 8.
WARNING - Tire  tread
Always check the tire tread before
driving your vehicle. Worn-out tires
can result in loss of vehicle control.
Worn-out tires should be replaced
as soon as possible. For further
information and tread limits, refer
to "Tires and wheels" in section 7. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 259 of 394

Driving your vehicle
38
5
Use high quality ethylene glycol
coolant
Your vehicle is delivered with high quality
ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling
system. It is the only type of coolant that
should be used because it helps prevent
corrosion in the cooling system, lubri-
cates the water pump and prevents
freezing. Be sure to replace or replenish
your coolant in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in section 7.
Before winter, have your coolant tested to
assure that its freezing point is sufficient
for the temperatures anticipated during
the winter.
Check battery and cables
Winter puts additional burdens on the
battery system. Visually inspect the bat-
tery and cables as described in section
7. Never attempt to check the Hybrid
High Voltage Battery. The level of charge
in your battery can be checked by an
authorized Kia dealer or a service sta-
tion.
Change to "winter weight" oil if
necessary
In some climates it is recommended that
a lower viscosity "winter weight" oil be
used during cold weather. See section 8
for recommendations. If you aren't sure
what weight oil you should use, consult
an authorized Kia dealer.
Check spark plugs and ignition
system
Inspect your spark plugs as described in
section 7 and replace them if necessary.
Also check all ignition wiring and compo-
nents to be sure they are not cracked,
worn or damaged in any way.
To keep locks from freezing
To keep the locks from freezing, squirt an
approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into
the key opening. If a lock is covered with
ice, squirt it with an approved de-icing
fluid to remove the ice. If the lock is
frozen internally, you may be able to thaw
it out by using a heated key. Handle the
heated key with care to avoid injury.
Use approved window washer
anti-freeze in system
To keep the water in the window washer
system from freezing, add an approved
window washer anti-freeze solution in
accordance with instructions on the con-
tainer. Window washer anti-freeze is
available from an authorized Kia dealer
and most auto parts outlets. Do not use
engine coolant or other types of anti-
freeze as these may damage the paint
finish. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 270 of 394

What to do in an emergency
46
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
If the engine doesn't turn over orturns over slowly
1. If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, be sure the shift lever is in N
(Neutral) or P (Park) and the emer-
gency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to be sure they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims or goes out when you operate the
starter, the battery is discharged.
4. Check the starter connections to be sure they are securely tightened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it. See instructions for "Jump starting".
If engine turns over normally butdoes not start
1. Check fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in the LOCK position, check all connectors at the
ignition coil and spark plugs.
Reconnect any that may be discon-
nected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine com- partment.
4. If the engine still does not start, call an authorized Kia dealer or seek other
qualified assistance.
WARNING - Push/pull start
Do not push or pull the vehicle to
start it. Push or pull starting may
cause the catalytic converter to
overload and create a fire hazard. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 294 of 394
7
Engine compartment / 7-2
Maintenance services / 7-3
Owner maintenance / 7-5
Scheduled maintenance service / 7-7
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-19
Engine oil / 7-22
Coolant / 7-24
Brake fluid / 7-28
Washer fluid / 7-29
Parking brake / 7-29
Air cleaner / 7-30
Climate control air filter / 7-31
Wiper blades / 7-32
Battery / 7-35
Tires and wheels / 7-38
Fuses / 7-51
Appearance care / 7-61
Emission control system / 7-68
Maintenance 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 295 of 394
Maintenance
27
ENGINE COMPARTMENT 
OYFH071001
❈The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration. 1. Sub relay box
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
4. Radiator cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner
9. Fuse box
10. Inverter coolant 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 298 of 394

75
Maintenance
OWNER MAINTENANCE 
The following lists are vehicle checks and
inspections that should be performed by
the owner or an authorized Kia dealer at
the frequencies indicated to help ensure
safe, dependable operation of your vehi-
cle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your dealer as
soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks are
generally not covered by warranties and
you may be charged for labor, parts and
lubricants used.Owner maintenance schedule 
When you stop for fuel:
 Check the engine oil level.
 Check the coolant level in coolantreservoir.
 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 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).
 Check inverter coolant.
WARNING - Hot coolant
Be careful when checking your
engine or inverter coolant level
when the engine is hot. Scalding
hot coolant and steam may blow
out under pressure. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 301 of 394

Maintenance
87
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance. Keep receipts for all
vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the frequency of service is deter-
mined by whichever occurs first.
24,000 km or 12 months
❑Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect HSG belt (24,000 km or 24 months)
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑Inspect brake hoses and lines
❑Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers and rotors
❑Inspect rear brake disc/pads
(Continued) 
(Continued)
❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball
joint, upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑Replace climate control air filter 
(for evaporator and blower unit)
❑Replace engine oil and filter (24,000 km or 24 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *1 (Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
36,000 km or 18 months
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect HSG belt (36,000 km or 36 months)
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑Replace engine oil and filter (36,000 km or 36 months)
❑Add fuel additive *1 (Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
12,000 km or 6 months
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect HSG belt (12,000 km or 12 months)
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑Replace engine oil and filter (12,000 km or 12 months)
❑Add fuel additive *1 (Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
*1: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of addi-
tive is recommended. Additives are available from your authorized
Kia dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix
other additives.
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.