Driving your vehicle
4
6
Before entering vehicle
• Be sure that all windows, outside
mirror(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 chapter 8,“Maintenance”.
Before starting
Close and lock all doors.
Position the seat so that all con-
trols are easily reached.
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 lightgoes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and itsequipment.
BEFORE DRIVING
WARNING
Driving while distracted can
result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol, that may lead to an acci-
dent, severe personal injury,
and death. The driver’s primary
responsibility is in the safe and
legal operation of a vehicle, and
use of any handheld devices,
other equipment, or vehicle sys-
tems which take the driver’s
eyes, attention and focus away
from the safe operation of a
vehicle or which are not permis-
sible by law should never beused during operation of the
vehicle.
Driving your vehicle
78
6
Use high quality ethylene gly- col coolant
Your vehicle is delivered with high
quality ethylene glycol coolant in the
cooling system. It is the only type ofcoolant that should be used because
it helps prevent corrosion in the cool-
ing system, lubricates the water
pump and prevents freezing. Be sure
to replace or replenish your coolantin accordance with the maintenance
schedule in chapter 8. 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 battery and cables as described
in chapter 8. We recommend that the
level of charge in your battery be
checked by an authorized Kia dealer. 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
chapter 9 for recommendations. If
you aren't sure what weight oil you
should use, we recommend that you
consult an authorized Kia dealer.
Check spark plugs and ignition system
Inspect your spark plugs as
described in chapter 8 and replace
them if necessary. Also check all
ignition wiring and components 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 heat-
ed 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 instruc-
tions on the container. Window wash-
er 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 fin-ish.
What to do in an emergency
8
7
IF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
If your temperature gauge indicates
overheating, you will experience a
loss of power, or hear loud pinging or
knocking, the engine is probably too
hot. If this happens, you should:
1. Pull off the road and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. Place the shift lever in P (Park) and set the parking brake. If the air
conditioning is on, turn it off.
3. If engine coolant is running out under the vehicle or steam iscoming out from the hood, stop
the engine. Do not open the hood
until the coolant has stopped run-ning or the steaming has stopped.
If there is no visible loss of engine
coolant and no steam, leave the
engine running and check to be
sure the engine cooling fan is
operating. If the fan is not running,
turn the engine off.
4. Check to see if the water pump drive belt is missing. If it is not miss-
ing, check to see that it is tight. If the drive belt seems to be satis-
factory, check for coolant leaking
from the radiator, hoses or under
the vehicle. (If the air conditioning
had been in use, it is normal for
cold water to be draining from it
when you stop).
5. If the water pump drive belt is bro- ken or engine coolant is leakingout, stop the engine immediately
and we recommend that you call
an authorized Kia dealer. 6. If you cannot find the cause of the
overheating, wait until the engine
temperature has returned to nor-
mal. Then, if coolant has been lost,carefully add coolant to the reser-
voir to bring the fluid level in the
reservoir up to the halfway mark.
7. Proceed with caution, keeping alert for further signs of overheat-
ing. If overheating happens again,
we recommend that you call an
authorized Kia dealer.
CAUTION
Serious loss of coolant indi-
cates there is a leak in thecooling system and we recom- mend that the system bechecked by an authorized Kiadealer.
When the engine overheats from low engine coolant, sud-denly adding engine coolantmay cause cracks in theengine. To prevent damage, add engine coolant slowly insmall quantities.
WARNING
While the engine is running,
keep hair, hands and clothing
away from moving parts suchas the fan and drive belts to pre-
vent injury.
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot. This can
allow coolant to blow out of theopening and cause serious
burns.
Maintenance
8
8
OWNER MAINTENANCE
The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be per-
formed at the frequencies indicated
to help ensure safe, dependable
operation of your vehicle.
If you have any question, we recom-
mend that you consult an authorized
Kia dealer.
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 the
coolant reservoir.
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, levelroad.
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
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot
coolant and steam may blow out
under pressure. This could cause
burns or other serious injury.
89
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 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 the automat- ic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.
811
Maintenance
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.*1
: Check the engine oil level and leak every 500 km (350 miles) or before starting a long trip.
* 2
: Middle East includes India, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Egypt and Iran.
* 3
: When adding coolant, use only deionized water or soft water for your vehicle and never mix hard water in the coolant filled at the factory. An
improper coolant mixture can result in serious malfunction or engine damage.
* 4
: For your convenience, it can be replaced prior to it's interval when you do maintenance of other items.
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Number of months or driving distance, whichever comes first
Months1224364860728496
Miles×1,0001020304050607080
Km×1,000153045607590105120
Engine oil and engine oil filter *
1GasolineExcept Middle East* 2RRRRRRRR
For Middle East*2Replace every 10,000 km (6,500 miles) or 12 months
DieselFor EuropeReplace every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or 12 months
Except EuropeReplace every 10,000 km (6,500 miles) or 12 months
Coolant (Engine) * 3At first, replace at 210,000 km (140,000 miles) or 120 months:
after that, replace every 30,000 km (20,000 miles) or 24 months * 4
Drive belts
GasolineFor EuropeII
Except EuropeIIII
DieselAt first, inspect at 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 48 months
after that, every inspect 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or 12 months
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE ITEM
Maintenance
14
8
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change. NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
Number of months or driving distance, whichever comes first
Months1224364860728496
Miles×1,0001020304050607080
Km×1,000153045607590105120
Cooling systemInspect “Coolant level and leak” every day
Inspect “Water pump” when replacing the drive belt or timing belt
Air conditioner refrigerant (if equipped)IIIIIIII
Air conditioner compressor (if equipped)IIIIIIII
Climate control air filter (if equipped)RRRRRRRR
Brake discs and padsIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsIIIIIIII
Brake pedalIIII
Brake fluidIIIIIIII
Parking brakeIIII
Steering gear rack, linkage and bootsIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid and hosesIIIIIIII
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE ITEM
Maintenance
20
8
Valve clearance
(for gasoline engine)
Inspect for excessive valve noise
and/or engine vibration and adjust if
necessary. We recommend that the
system be serviced by an authorized
Kia dealer. Cooling system
Check the cooling system compo-
nents, such as the radiator, coolant
reservoir, hoses and connections for
leakage and damage. Replace any
damaged parts. Coolant The coolant should be changed at
the intervals specified in the mainte-
nance schedule. Automatic transaxle fluid (if equipped)
Automatic transaxle fluid should not
be checked under normal usage
conditions.
We recommend that the automatic
transmission fluid changed by an
authorized Kia dealer according to
the maintenance schedule.
✽✽
NOTICE
Automatic transaxle fluid color is
basically red.
As the vehicle is driven, the auto-
matic transaxle fluid will begin to
look darker. It is normal condition
and you should not judge the need to
replace the fluid based upon the
changed color.
Brake hoses and lines
Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and
any leakage. Replace any deteriorat-
ed or damaged parts immediately. Brake fluid (if equipped)
Check the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. The level should
be between “MIN” and “MAX” marks
on the side of the reservoir. Use only
hydraulic brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification.
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake pedal
and cables.
CAUTION
The use of a non-specified fluid could result in transaxle mal-function and failure.
Use only specified automatictransaxle fluid. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants andcapacities” in chapter 9.)