2020 KIA FORTE Owners Manual

Maintenance
20
7
Severe driving conditions
A - Repeatedly driving short distances of less than 8 km (5
miles) in normal temperature or less than 16 km (10 miles)
in freezing 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 distances
F - Driving in heavy traffic areas
G- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain roads 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 170 km/h (106 mph)
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

721
Maintenance
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Engine oil and filter
The engine oil and filter should be
changed at the intervals specified in
the maintenance schedule. If the
vehicle is being driven in severe con-
ditions, more frequent oil and filter
changes are required.
Drive belts
Inspect all drive belts for evidence of
cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil
saturation, and replace if necessary.
Drive belts should be checked peri-
odically for proper tension and
adjusted as necessary.
Fuel filter (for gasoline)
This gasoline powered vehicle is
equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that
is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replace-
ment is not needed; however, the
quality of fuel used may impact the
frequency of maintenance needed. If
there are any fuel related problems
like fuel flow restriction, surging, loss
of power, hard starting problem, etc.,
fuel filter inspection or replacement
may be needed.
The fuel filter be inspected or
replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.
Fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nections
Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses and
connections for leakage and dam-
age. Have an authorized Kia dealer
replace any damaged or leaking
parts immediately.
Vapor hose and fuel filler cap
The vapor hose and fuel filler cap
should be inspected at the intervals
specified in the maintenance sched-
ule. Make sure that a new vapor hose
or fuel filler cap is installed correctly.

Maintenance
22
7
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.
Pay particular attention to the hose
surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
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.
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.
Dual clutch transmission fluid
(if equipped)
Inspect the dual clutch transmission
fluid according to the maintenance
schedule.
Intelligent Variable
Transmission (IVT) fluid
The Intelligent Variable Transmission
(IVT) 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.
(Refer to the “Maintenance Under
Severe Usage Conditions” section in
Chapter 7.)
✽ ✽
NOTICE
The Intelligent Variable
Transmission (IVT) fluid color is
amber.
As the vehicle is driven, the
Intelligent Variable Transmission
(IVT) fluid will begin to look darker.
This is normal, and you should not
judge the need to replace the fluid
based upon the changed color.

723
Maintenance
Manual transmission fluid
(if equipped)
Inspect the manual transmission
fluid according to the maintenance
schedule.
Brake hoses and lines
Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and
any leakage. Replace any deteriorat-
ed or damaged parts immediately.CAUTION
Use only specified IntelligentVariable Transmission (IVT)fluid. The use of non-specifiedfluid (even marked as compati-ble with genuine) could resultin shift quality deteriorationand vibrations, and eventually,transmission failure. (Refer tothe “Recommended lubricantsand capacities” section inChapter 8.)
OBD078066

Maintenance
24
7
Brake fluid
Check the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. The level should
be between the “MIN” and “MAX”
marks on the side of the reservoir.
Use only hydraulic brake fluid con-
forming to DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifi-
cation.
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake lever and
cables.
Brake discs, pads, calipers
and rotors
Check the pads and discs for exces-
sive wear and calipers for fluid leak-
age.
Exhaust pipe and muffler
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes,
muffler and hangers for cracks, dete-
rioration, or damage. Start the
engine and listen carefully for any
exhaust gas leakage. Tighten con-
nections or replace parts as neces-
sary.
Suspension mounting bolts
Check the suspension connections
for looseness or damage. Retighten
to the specified torque.

725
Maintenance
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball joint
With the vehicle stopped and engine
off, check for excessive free-play in
the steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or dam-
age. Check the dust boots and ball
joints for deterioration, cracks, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts.
Drive shafts and boots
Check the drive shafts, boots and
clamps for cracks, deterioration, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts and, if necessary, repack the
grease.
Air conditioning refrigerant
Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and damage.When checking engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid,
always be sure to clean the area
around any filler plug, drain plug, or
dipstick before checking or draining
any lubricant or fluid. This is espe-
cially important in dusty or sandy
areas and when the vehicle is used
on unpaved roads. Cleaning the plug
and dipstick areas will prevent dirt
and grit from entering the engine and
other mechanisms that could be
damaged.

Maintenance
26
7
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on level
ground. 2. Start the engine and allow it to
reach normal operating tempera-
ture.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for
the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should
be between F and L.
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to
bring the level to F.Do not overfill.
CAUTION - Replacing
engine oil
Do not overfill the engine oil. It
may damage the engine.
WARNING- Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may
be hot enough to burn you.
OBD078103L
■Nu 2.0L MPI Engine (Gasoline)
OBD078124L
■Gamma 1.6L T-GDI Engine (Gasoline)
OBD078105L
■Nu 2.0L MPI Engine (Gasoline)
OBD078125L
■Gamma 1.6L T-GDI Engine (Gasoline)

727
Maintenance
Use a funnel to help prevent oil
from being spilled on engine com-
ponents.
Use only the specified engine oil.(Refer to the “Recommended lubri-cants and capacities” section inChapter 8.)
Changing the engine oil and
filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by
an authorized Kia dealer according
to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this chapter.
WARNING- Used engine
oil
Used engine oil may cause irri-
tation or cancer of the skin if
left in contact with the skin for
prolonged periods of time.
Always protect your skin by
washing your hands thoroughly
with soap and warm water as
soon as possible after handling
used oil.