2014 KIA Forte Owner's Manual

75
Maintenance
Owner maintenance precau-
tions
Improper or incomplete service may
result in problems. This section gives
instructions only for the maintenance
items that are easy to perform.
As explained earlier in this section,
several procedures can be done only
by an authorized Kia dealer with spe-
cial tools.
✽ ✽NOTICE
Improper owner maintenance dur-
ing the warranty period may affect
warranty coverage. For details, read
the separate Warranty & Consumer
Information manual provided with
the vehicle. If you're unsure about
any servicing or maintenance proce-
dure, have it done by an authorized
Kia dealer.
WARNING- Maintenance
work
Do not wear jewelry or loose
clothing while working under
the hood of your vehicle with
the engine running. These can
become entangled in moving
parts, if you must run the
engine while working under the
hood, make certain that you
remove all jewelry (especially
rings, bracelets, watches, and
necklaces) and all neckties,
scarves, and similar loose
clothing before getting near the
engine or cooling fans.

Maintenance
67
OWNER MAINTENANCE
The following lists are vehicle checks
and inspections that should be per-
formed by the owner or an author-
ized 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 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.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 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, 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 operation 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
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
WARNING - Hot coolant
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot
coolant and steam may blow
out under pressure.

77
Maintenance
At least monthly:
Check the coolant level in theengine 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 the radiator, heater and air conditioning 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.
At least once a year :
Clean the body and door drainholes.
Lubricate the door hinges and check the 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.

Maintenance
87
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the vehicle is usually
operated where none of the following
conditions apply. If any of the following
conditions apply, follow the
Maintenance Under Severe Usage
Conditions.
Repeated short distance driving.
Driving in dusty conditions orsandy areas.
Extensive use of brakes.
Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used.
Driving on rough or muddy roads.
Driving in mountainous areas.
Extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
Driving for a prolonged period in cold temperatures and/or extreme-
ly humid climates.
More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather
above 32°C (90°F).If your vehicle is operated under theabove conditions, you shouldinspect, replace or refill more fre-quently than the following NormalMaintenance Schedule. After 120months or 240,000 km (150,000miles) continue to follow the pre-scribed maintenance intervals.

79
Maintenance
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 determined by whichever occurs first.
*1: Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free\
but periodic inspection is recommended for this mainte-nance schedule depends on fuel quality. If there are some important safety matters like fuel flow restriction, surging, loss of
power, hard starting problem etc, replace the fuel filter immediately regardless of maintenance schedul\
e and consult an author-
ized Kia dealer for details.
*
2: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is recommended. Additives are available from your authorized Kia dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
*
3: The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced excessively.

Maintenance
10
7
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 6 months
❑ Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
2
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 12 months
❑Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ 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 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)
❑ Inspect rear brake disc/pads, parking brake
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 24 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
2
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
❑ Inspect all latch, hinges and locks
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.
❈Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.

711
Maintenance
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
36,000 km (22,500 miles) or 18 months
❑Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(36,000 km (22,500 miles) or 36 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
2
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
❑ Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ 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 steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball
joint, upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑ Inspect brake/clutch (if equipped) fluid
❑ Inspect fuel filter *
1
❑Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
❑ Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *1
❑Inspect rear brake disc/pads, parking brake
❑ Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
❑ Replace climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)
❑ Replace air cleaner filter
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 48 months)
(Continued)
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.

Maintenance
12
7
72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months
❑ Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ 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 steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball
joint, upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Replace climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)
❑ Inspect rear brake disc/pads, parking brake
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 72 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
2
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
❑ Inspect all latch, hinges and locks
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.
60,000 km (37,500 miles) or 30 months
❑Rotate tire
❑ Inspect battery condition
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Inspect manual transaxle fluid (if equipped)
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(60,000 km (37,500 miles) or 60 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
2
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
(Continued)
❑Add fuel additive *2
(12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months)
❑ Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑ Inspect brake pedal free play
❑ Inspect all latch, hinges and locks
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.