Engine cooling system
The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate.
WARNING - Removing
radiator cap
• Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap while the engine is operating
or hot. Doing so might lead
to cooling system and engine
damage and could result in serious
personal injury from escaping
hot coolant or steam.
• Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down. Use extreme care when removing the radiator cap.
Wrap a thick towel around it, and turn it counterclockwise slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, press down on the cap, using a thick towel, and continue turning counterclockwise to remove it.
• Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the radiator cap or the drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.
Checking the coolant level
Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses.
The coolant level should be filled between F and L marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.
If the coolant level is low, add enough specified coolant to provide protection against freezing and corrosion. Bring the level to F, but do not overfill. If frequent additions are required, see an authorized Kia dealer for a cooling system inspection.
Engine coolant
Have coolant changed by an authorized
Kia dealer according to the Maintenance
Schedule at the beginning of this section.
• Use only soft (de-mineralized) water in the coolant mixture.
• The engine in your vehicle has aluminum engine parts and must be protected by an ethylene-glycol-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
• Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, which would reduce the effectiveness of the solution.
For mixture percentage, refer to the following table.
WARNING - Radiator cap Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure causing serious injury.
See also:
Interior care
Interior general precautions
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Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle operation
The highly efficient automatic transaxle
has 5 forward speeds and one reverse
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Maintenance services
You should exercise the utmost care
to prevent damage to your vehicle
and injury to yourself whenever performing
any maintenance or inspection
procedures.
Should you have any doubts concerning
t ...