Engine Cooling System

The engine cooling system of the Kia Opirus uses a year-round antifreeze coolant based on ethylene glycol. This section shows how to check the coolant level in the expansion tank and, when necessary, how to top it up safely. It also contains important warnings about opening the radiator cap on a hot engine and about the properties of suitable coolants. Observing these rules reliably protects the engine from overheating and corrosion, even in extreme conditions.

Your vehicle's pressurized cooling system is filled at the factory with a year-round coolant containing antifreeze.

Check the antifreeze protection and the coolant level at least once a year, preferably before winter begins and before driving in colder regions.

Checking the coolant level

• NEVER try to remove the radiator cap while the engine is running or hot. This could cause damage to the cooling system and the engine. In addition, hot escaping coolant and escaping steam can cause serious injury.
• Switch off the engine and wait until it has cooled down. Even then, be very careful when removing the radiator cap. Wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap and slowly turn it counterclockwise until it first reaches a stop. Step back and wait until residual pressure has escaped. When you are sure that no more pressure is escaping, press the radiator cap down with the wrapped cloth and continue turning it counterclockwise to unscrew it.
• Even when the engine is switched off, never remove the radiator cap or open the drain plug while the engine and radiator are still hot. Boiling hot coolant and hot steam can escape under pressure. There is a risk of scalding.

Check the condition and connections of all coolant and radiator hoses.

Replace hoses that are swollen or otherwise worn.

With the engine cold, check that the coolant level is between the 'F' (Full) and 'L' (Low) marks on the expansion tank. The level marks are located on the side of the coolant expansion tank under the cap.

If the coolant level is too low, add specified coolant that provides adequate protection against frost and corrosion. Fill coolant up to the 'F' mark, but do not overfill.

If you frequently need to top up coolant, have the engine cooling system checked by an authorized KIA dealer.

Engine coolant

NOTE

We recommend having the following work carried out by your KIA dealer as part of the scheduled inspections.

Have the engine coolant replaced according to the schedule in the maintenance plan.

• Mix the coolant only with demineralized water.
• The aluminum components of your vehicle's engine must be protected against corrosion and frost with an ethylene glycol-based coolant.
• NEVER use alcohol- or methanol-based coolant, and never mix these liquids with the specified coolant.
• Do not use a coolant mixture containing more than 60% or less than 35% antifreeze, as this would reduce the effectiveness of the mixture.

Mix engine coolant according to the specifications in the following table.

Checking the brake fluid level

Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are still hot.

Boiling hot coolant and hot steam can escape under pressure.

There is a risk of scalding.

Regularly check the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level must be between the MAX and MIN marks. The marks are located on the side of the brake fluid reservoir.

The engine cooling system of the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 maintains the optimum operating temperature and protects the engine from overheating. Using specified coolant with antifreeze and corrosion protection is essential for trouble-free operation.

Regularly checking the coolant level and the condition of the hoses helps keep the cooling system reliable and efficient. This keeps the Kia Opirus a safe vehicle, even in extreme conditions.

Observing the radiator cap instructions protects against scalding and damage to the system.