Checking the Coolant Level

WARNING

Removing the Radiator Cap

• Never attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine is running or hot. This may cause damage to the cooling system and engine, and may result in serious injury from escaping hot coolant or steam.
• Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down. Be extremely careful when removing the radiator cap. Wrap it with a thick towel and turn it counterclockwise slowly to the first stop. Step back until the pressure in the cooling system is released.
  When you are sure all 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 running, do not remove the radiator cap or drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still burst out under pressure, which may result in serious injury.

WARNING

The electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes operate even when the engine is not running. Be extremely careful when working near the cooling fan blades to avoid injury from rotating fan blades. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the electric motor automatically turns off. This is normal.

If your vehicle is equipped with GDI, the electric motor (cooling fan) may continue to operate until you disconnect the negative battery cable.

Inspect the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or worn hoses.

With the engine cold, the coolant level should be between the F (MAX) and L (MIN) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir.

If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) water. Bring the level up to F (MAX), but do not overfill. If frequent coolant top-up is required, we recommend having the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Recommended Engine Coolant

• When adding coolant, use only deionized or soft water for your vehicle, and never mix hard water with the factory-filled coolant. An improper coolant mixture may cause serious malfunction or damage to the engine.
• Your engine contains aluminum components and must be protected with ethylene glycol phosphate-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol based coolant, and do not mix them with the specified coolant.
• Do not use a solution containing more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

Refer to the following table for the mixture percentage.

WARNING Radiator Cap

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may be ejected under pressure, which can cause serious injury.