Engine Coolant

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 start of the winter season, and before driving in a colder climate.

Checking the Coolant Level

WARNING

Removing the Radiator Cap

Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is running or hot. Doing so may cause damage to the cooling system and engine, and may result in serious injury from scalding coolant or steam.

• Turn off the engine and wait until it cools. Be extremely careful when removing the radiator cap. Wrap it in a thick towel and slowly turn it counterclockwise to the first stop. Step back while pressure is released from the cooling system. 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 is running or the radiator is hot. Hot coolant and steam may still be under pressure and may cause serious injury.

CAUTION - Cooling Fan

Use caution when working near the cooling fan blades. The cooling fan electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes run even when the engine is not running.

■ Nu 2 L MPI Engine (Gasoline)

■ Gamma 1.6 L TGDI Engine (Gasoline)

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

The coolant level must be filled between the F and L marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold.

If the coolant level is low, add the specified coolant in sufficient quantity to provide protection against freezing and corrosion. Bring the level up to F, but do not overfill. If frequent addition is required, have the cooling system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

✽ NOTICE

Make sure the coolant cap is closed properly after adding coolant. Otherwise, the engine may overheat while driving.

■ Rear view of engine compartment - Gamma 1.6 L TGDI (Gasoline) Engine

1. Make sure the small tabs inside the coolant reservoir cap are securely engaged.

Recommended Engine Coolant

• When adding coolant, use only deionized water or soft water for your vehicle, and never mix water with the coolant already filled at the factory. An incorrect coolant mixture may cause serious malfunction or engine damage.
• Your vehicle's engine is made of aluminum. Engine parts must be protected with phosphate-based ethylene glycol coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol based coolant, or mix them with the specified coolant.
• Do not use a solution containing more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze. This would reduce the efficiency of the solution.

✽ NOTICE

Make sure the coolant reservoir cap is correctly closed after filling the coolant. Otherwise, the engine may overheat while driving.

Refer to the following table for the mixture percentage.

■ Nu 2 L MPI Engine (Gasoline)

■ Gamma 1.6 L TGDI Engine (Gasoline)

WARNING Radiator Cap

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

Coolant Replacement

Have the coolant replaced by an authorized Kia dealer in accordance with the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

CAUTION

Place a thick cloth or rag around the radiator cap before adding coolant to prevent overflow of coolant onto engine components such as the alternator.