If the engine overheats

If your temperature gauge indicates overheating, you experience a loss of power, or you hear a loud knocking or pinging from the engine, the engine is probably overheating. If this happens, you should:

1. Pull off the road and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.

2. Shift the transmission to P (for dual clutch transmission / Intelligent Variable Transmission) or to Neutral (manual transmission) and apply the parking brake. If the air conditioner is on, turn it off.

3. If engine coolant is dripping under the vehicle or steam is coming from under the hood, stop the engine. Do not open the hood until the coolant stops dripping or the steam has stopped. If there is no visible coolant loss and no steam, leave the engine running and make sure the engine cooling fan is operating. If the fan is not operating, turn off the engine.

4. Check whether the water pump drive belt is present. If the belt is not missing, make sure it is tight. If the drive belt appears satisfactory, check for coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, or under the vehicle. (If the air conditioner was in use, it is normal for cold water to drain from it when you stop.)

WARNING - Under the hood

While the engine is running, keep hair, hands, and clothing away from moving parts such as the fan and drive belts to prevent injury.

5. If the water pump drive belt has broken or engine coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately and call the nearest authorized Kia dealer for assistance.

WARNING - Radiator Cap

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out of the opening and cause serious burns.

6. If you cannot find the cause of overheating, wait until the engine temperature has returned to normal. If coolant has been lost, carefully add coolant to the reservoir until the level reaches the halfway mark.

7. Proceed carefully, observing for further signs of overheating. If overheating recurs, contact an authorized Kia dealer for assistance.

Significant loss of coolant indicates a leak in the cooling system, which must be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.