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5113
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 placing 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 recommended speed. Use your air conditioning sparingly.
The air conditioning system is
operated by engine power so your
fuel economy 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
condition is important both for econ-
omy and safety. Therefore, have an
authorized Kia dealer perform
scheduled inspections and mainte-
nance.
WARNING - Engine off
during 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 running. In addition, turn-
ing off the ignition while driving
could lead to out of working
power driven steering wheel and
hard to control steering wheel.
Keep the engine on and down-
shift to an appropriate gear for
an engine braking effect.
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75
Maintenance
(Continued)
• Wash the undercarriage of yourvehicle regularly during the win-
ter and whenever your vehicle has
been exposed to such salts or
chemicals.
• Do a thorough washing of the undercarriage at the end of the
winter.
• Use professional service techni- cians or governmental inspection
stations to annually inspect for
corrosion.
• Immediately seek an inspection of your vehicle if you become visual-
ly aware of corrosion flaking or
scaling or if you become aware of
a change in vehicle performance,
such as soft or spongy brakes, flu-
ids leaking, impairment of direc-
tional control, suspension noises
or rattling metal straps.
NHTSA further advises that after
a vehicle is 7 years old, it is essen-
tial that you take these indicated
maintenance steps to ensure that
you protect yourself from unsafe
corrosion conditions.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.
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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.
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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.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.
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Maintenance
10
7
Number of months or driving distance, whichever comes first
Months1224364860728496108120132144156168180
Miles×1,0007.51522.530 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5
Km×1,00012 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180
Rotate tiresRotate every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Climate control air filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Vacuum hoseIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Coolant (Engine)At first, replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
after that, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Battery conditionIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake discs and padsIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering gear rack, linkage and bootsIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Driveshaft and boots-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-
Suspension ball jointsIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Air conditioner compressor/refrigerantIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Exhaust systemIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
Normal Maintenance Schedule - Non Turbo Models(CONT.)
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
Page 412 of 518
Maintenance
12
7
Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions - Non Turbo Models
The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer
to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals.
R : Replace I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if neces\
sary
MAINTENANCE ITEMMAINTENANCE
OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVALSDRIVING
CONDITION
Engine oil and engine oil
filterLambda II 3.3L GDIREvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsA, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K
Air cleaner filterRMore frequentlyC, E
Spark plugs RMore frequentlyA, B, F, G, H, I, K
Automatic transmission fluidREvery 60,000 miles (96,000 km)A, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J
Brake discs and pads, calipers and rotorsIMore frequentlyC, D, E, G, H
Parking brake (Foot Type)IMore frequentlyC, D, G, H
Steering gear rack, linkage and bootsIMore frequentlyC, D, E, F, G
Suspension ball jointsIMore frequentlyC, D, E, F, G
Page 413 of 518
713
Maintenance
Severe driving conditions
A - Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km)in normal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in freez-
ing temperature
B - Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long dis- tances
C - Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt- spread roads
D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather E - Driving in heavy dust condition
F - Driving in heavy traffic area
G- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road repeatedly
H - Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack
I - Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle
towing
J - Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h)
K - Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions
MAINTENANCE ITEMMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVALSDRIVING
CONDITION
Drive shafts and bootsIMore frequentlyC, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
Climate control air filterRMore frequentlyC, E, G
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715
Maintenance
Vacuum crankcase ventilation
hoses
Inspect the surface of hoses for evi-
dence of heat and/or mechanical
damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and
excessive swelling indicate deterio-
ration. Particular attention should be
paid to examine those hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such
as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect the hose routing to assure
that the hoses do not come in con-
tact with any heat source, sharp
edges or moving component which
might cause heat damage or
mechanical wear. Inspect all hose
connections, such as clamps and
couplings, to make sure they are
secure, and that no leaks are pres-
ent. Hoses should be replaced
immediately if there is any evidence
of deterioration or damage.
Air cleaner filter
A Genuine Kia air cleaner filter is rec-
ommended when the filter is replaced.
Spark plugs
Make sure to install new spark plugs
of the correct heat range.
Valve clearance (if equipped)
Inspect excessive valve noise and/or
engine vibration and adjust if neces-
sary. An authorized Kia dealer
should perform the operation.
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
Automatic transaxle fluid should not
be checked under normal usage
conditions.
But in severe conditions, the fluid
should be changed at an authorized
Kia dealer in accordance to the
scheduled maintenance at the begin-
ning of this chapter.
✽ ✽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.