Maintenance

Description of Scheduled Maintenance Items

~4min 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 if necessary. Drive belts should be checked periodically for proper tension and adjusted as necessary.

Fuel Filter (for Gasoline Engine)

This gasoline engine vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not required; however, the quality of fuel used may affect the required maintenance frequency. If there are fuel-related problems such as fuel flow restriction, surging, loss of power, hard starting, etc., the fuel filter may need to be inspected or replaced.

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 a new vapor hose or fuel tank cap is installed correctly.

Crankcase Ventilation Hoses

Inspect the hose surfaces for signs of heat and/or mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracks, tears, cuts, abrasions and excessive swelling indicate deterioration.

Pay particular attention to the hose surfaces closest to high-temperature 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.

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.

Dual clutch transmission fluid (if equipped)

Inspect the dual clutch transmission fluid according to the maintenance schedule.

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Fluid

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) fluid should not be checked under normal driving 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.

(Refer to "Maintenance under Severe Duty" in Chapter 7.)

✽ NOTICE

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) fluid color is amber.

As the vehicle is driven, 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 on changed color.

CAUTION

Use only the specified Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) fluid. Using unspecified fluid (even if labeled as compatible with genuine) may result in deteriorated shift quality, vibration and eventually transmission failure. (Refer to "Recommended Lubricants and Capacities" in Chapter 8.)

Manual transmission fluid (if equipped)

Inspect the manual transmission fluid according to the maintenance schedule.

Brake Hoses and Lines

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

Brake fluid

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

Parking Brake

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

Brake Pads, Discs, Calipers and Rotors

Check the pads and discs for excessive 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 joint for bending or damage. Check the 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 Forte BD quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.