Maintenance

Description of Scheduled Maintenance Items

~5min read

Engine Oil and Filter

Engine oil and filter must be changed at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is operated under severe conditions, more frequent oil and filter changes are required.

Seat Belts

Inspect all drive belts for cuts, cracks, excessive wear, or oil saturation, and replace as necessary. Drive belts should be periodically checked for proper tension and adjusted as necessary.

Fuel Filter (for Gasoline Engine)

Gasoline Kia vehicles are equipped with a lifetime fuel filter integrated with the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not required, but depends on fuel quality. If there are any important safety concerns, such as restricted fuel flow, surging, loss of power, starting problems, etc., the fuel filter requires inspection or replacement.

Have the fuel filter inspected or replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.

Fuel Lines, Fuel Hoses, and Connections

Inspect the fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections for leaks and damage. Have an authorized Kia dealer replace any damaged or leaking parts immediately.

Vapor Hose and Fuel Tank Cap

The vapor hose and fuel tank cap should be inspected at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. Make sure that a new vapor hose or fuel tank cap is correctly installed when replaced.

Crankcase Ventilation Hoses

Inspect the surface of the hoses for signs of heat and/or mechanical damage. Hardened and brittle rubber, cracks, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swelling indicate deterioration. Pay particular attention to inspecting hose surfaces closest to heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.

Inspect the hose routing to make sure the hoses do not contact any heat source, sharp edges or moving components that could cause heat damage or mechanical wear. Inspect all hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure and that there are no leaks. Hoses must be replaced immediately if there is any evidence of deterioration or damage.

Air Cleaner Filter

It is recommended to use a genuine Kia air filter when replacing the filter.

Spark Plugs

Be sure to install new spark plugs of the correct heat range.

Valve Clearance (if equipped)

Check for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. An authorized Kia dealer must perform this operation.

Cooling System

Inspect the cooling system components, such as the radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and connections for leaks and damage. Replace any damaged parts.

coolant

Engine coolant should be replaced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Schedule.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

The automatic transmission fluid does not need to be checked under normal operating conditions.

However, under severe conditions, the fluid should be changed at an authorized Kia dealer in accordance with the scheduled maintenance at the beginning of this chapter.

✽ NOTICE

The automatic transmission fluid color is normally red. As the vehicle is driven, the automatic transmission fluid will begin to look darker. This is a normal condition, and you should not judge the need to change the fluid based on color change.

CAUTION

Use only the specified automatic transmission fluid. Using a non-specified fluid may cause transmission malfunction and failure. (Refer to "Recommended Lubricants and Capacities" in Chapter 8.)

Brake Hoses and Lines

Visually inspect for proper installation, wear, cracks, deterioration, and any leakage. Replace any damaged or worn parts immediately.

✽ NOTICE - NHTSA Safety Warning on Corrosion

NHTSA advises all vehicle owners of all brands to maintain their vehicles in a manner that will prevent brake hose and brake line failures due to corrosion when such vehicles are exposed to winter road salt and related chemicals. While severe corrosion conditions typically only present as safety concerns after 7 years of vehicle service, the corrosion process begins immediately, and therefore underbody cleaning maintenance should begin with your vehicle's first exposure to road salts and chemicals. NHTSA recommends that vehicle owners take the following steps to prevent corrosion:

1. Wash the undercarriage of your vehicle regularly during winter and perform a thorough wash in spring to remove road salt and other de-icing chemicals.

2. Monitor the brake system for signs of corrosion during regular professional inspections, and watch for signs of problems, including loss of brake fluid, unusual leaks, and a soft or spongy feel of the brake pedal.

3. Replace the entire brake tube assembly if you find severe corrosion causing scaling or flaking of brake components.

Brake fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. The level must be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the side of the reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake fluid that meets DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification.

Parking Brake

Inspect the parking brake system, including the parking brake pedal and cables.

Brake Pads, Discs, Calipers and Rotors

Check the pads for excessive wear, the discs for runout and wear, and the calipers for fluid leakage.

Exhaust Pipe and Muffler

Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, mufflers and hangers for cracks, wear or damage. Start the engine and listen carefully for exhaust leaks. Tighten connections or replace parts as necessary.

Suspension Mounting Bolts

Check the suspension connections for looseness or damage. Tighten to the specified torque.

Steering Gear Box, Linkage and Lower Arm Boots/Ball Joint

With the vehicle stopped and the engine off, check for excessive play in the steering wheel. Check the connection for bends or damage. Check the dust boots and ball joint seals for wear, cracks, or damage. Replace any damaged parts.

Drive Shafts and Boots

Check the drive shafts, boots and clamps for cracks, wear or damage. Replace any damaged parts and, if necessary, repack grease.

Air Conditioning Refrigerant

Check the air conditioning lines and connections for leaks and damage.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.