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.
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
32
7
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Checking the brake/clutch
fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir
periodically. The fluid level should be
between the MAX (Maximum) and
MIN (Minimum) marks on the side of
the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap
and adding brake/clutch fluid, clean
the area around the reservoir cap
thoroughly to prevent brake/clutch
fluid contamination. If the level is low, add fluid until you
reach the MAX (Maximum) level.
The level will fall with accumulated
mileage. This is a normal condition
associated with the wear of brake lin-
ings. If the fluid level is excessively
low, have the brake system checked
by an authorized Kia dealer.
Use only the specified brake/clutch
fluid. (Refer to the "Recommendedlubricants and capacities" section inChapter 8.)
Never mix different types of fluid.
In the event the brake system
requires frequent additions of fluid,
the vehicle should be inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.
When changing and adding
brake/clutch fluid, handle it carefully.
Do not let it come in contact with
your eyes. If brake/clutch fluid should
come in contact with your eyes,
immediately flush them with a large
quantity of fresh tap water. Have your
eyes examined by a doctor as soon
as possible.
Brake/clutch fluid which has been
exposed to open air for an extended
time should never be used as its
quality cannot be guaranteed. It
should be disposed of properly.
OBD078007CAUTION - Brake/clutch fluid
Do not allow brake/clutch fluid tocontact the vehicle's body paint,as paint damage will result.
CAUTION - Proper fluid
Only use brake/clutch fluid inbrake system. Small amounts ofimproper fluids (such as engineoil) can cause damage to thebrake system.
Maintenance
36
7
✽ ✽
NOTICE
Insert the hinge(1) and engage the
clips when mounting the air cleaner
cover.
Replace the filter according to the
Maintenance Schedule.
If the vehicle is operated in extreme-
ly dusty or sandy areas, replace the
element more often than the usual
recommended intervals. (Refer to the
“Maintenance under severe usage
conditions” section in this Chapter.)
OBD078068
CAUTION - Air filter
maintenance
Do not drive with the air clean-
er removed; this will result inexcessive engine wear.
When removing the air cleaner filter, be careful that dust ordirt does not enter the airintake, or damage may result.
Use a Kia genuine part. Use of a non-genuine part coulddamage the air flow sensor.
Maintenance
48
7
Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem. Press the tire gauge firm-
ly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the tire and loading
information label, no further adjust-
ment is necessary. If the pressure is
low, add air until you reach the rec-
ommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by
pushing on the metal stem in the
center of the tire valve. Recheck the
tire pressure with the tire gauge. Be
sure to put the valve caps back on
the valve stems.
Without the valve cap, dirt or mois-
ture could get into the valve core and
cause air leakage. If a valve cap is
missing, install a new one as soon as
possible. Inspect your tires frequently for
proper inflation as well as wear and
damage. Always use a tire pres-
sure gauge.
Tires with too much or too little pressure can cause tires to wear
unevenly, causing poor handling,
loss of vehicle control and sudden
tire failure leading to accidents,
injuries, and even death. The rec-
ommended cold tire pressure for
your vehicle can be found in this
manual and on the tire label locat-
ed on the driver's side center pillar.
Remember to check the pressure of your spare tire. Kia recommends
that you check the spare every
time you check the pressure of the
other tires on your vehicle.Tire rotation
To equalize tread wear, it is recom-
mended that the tires be rotated
every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or
sooner if irregular wear develops.
During rotation, check the tires for
correct balance.
When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tire pres-
sure, improper wheel alignment, out-
of-balance wheels, severe braking or
severe cornering. Look for bumps or
bulges in the tread or side of the tire.
Replace the tire if you find either of
these conditions. Replace the tire if
fabric or cord is visible. After rotation,
be sure to bring the front and rear tire
pressures to specification and check
lug nut tightness.
Refer to the “Ties and wheels” sec-
tion in Chapter 8.
755
Maintenance
Temperature -A, B & C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C, and represent the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of perform-
ance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.Tire terminology and definitions
Air Pressure:
The amount of air
inside the tire pressing outward on
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in
kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per
square inch (psi).
Accessory Weight: This means the
combined weight of optional acces-
sories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, intelligent variable
transmission, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords
that is located between the plies and
the tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead: The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that
hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in
which the plies are laid at alternate
angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure:
The amount of
air pressure in a tire, measured in
kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per
square inch (psi), before a tire has
built up heat from driving.
Curb Weight: This means the weight
of a motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment, including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT Markings: The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric des-
ignator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
Maintenance
58
7
All season tires
Kia specifies all season tires on
some models to provide good per-
formance for use all year round,
including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All season tires are identified
by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud
and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow
tires have better snow traction than
all season tires and may be more
appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
Kia specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior perform-
ance on dry roads. Summer tire per-
formance is substantially reduced in
snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M+S
(Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions, Kia recom-
mends the use of snow tires or all
season tires on all four wheels.
Snow tires
If you equip your car with snow tires,
they should be the same size and
have the same load capacity as the
original tires. Snow tires should be
installed on all four wheels; other-
wise, poor handling may result.
Snow tires should carry 28 kPa (4
psi) more air pressure than the pres-
sure recommended for the standard
tires on the tire label on the driver's
side of the center pillar, or up to the
maximum pressure shown on the tire
sidewall, whichever is less.
Do not drive faster than 120 km/h (75
mph) when your vehicle is equipped
with snow tires.
Maintenance
60
7
Low aspect ratio tire
(if equipped)
Low aspect ratio tires, whose aspect
ratio is lower than 50, are provided
for sporty looks.
Because the low aspect ratio tires
are optimized for handling and brak-
ing, they may be more uncomfortable
to ride in and more noisy when com-
pared with normal tires. Tire damage can be difficult to
identify; therefore, in the event that
the tire is impacted, it is recom-
mended to have the tire checked or
replaced to prevent potential air
leakage.
If the tire is damaged by driving on a rough road, off road, pothole,
manhole, or curb stone, the dam-
age will not be covered by the war-
ranty.
You can find out tire information on the tire sidewall.
CAUTION
Because the sidewall of a lowaspect ratio tire is shorter thannormal, the wheel and tire of alow aspect ratio tire is more eas-ily damaged. Therefore, followthe instructions below.
- When driving on a rough road or off road, drive cautiouslybecause the tires and wheelsmay become damaged. Andafter driving, inspect the tiresand wheels.
- When passing over a pothole, speed bump, manhole, or curbstone, drive slowly so that thetires and wheels are not dam-aged.
- If the tire is impacted, we rec- ommend that you inspect thetire condition or contact anauthorized Kia dealer.
- To prevent damage to the tire, inspect the tire condition andpressure every 3,000 km