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 beginning of the winter season, and before driving in colder climates.

Checking the Coolant Level

WARNING: Radiator Cap Removal

• 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 the engine off 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 cooling fan motor is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes run even when the engine is off. Be extremely careful when working near the cooling fan blades to avoid injury from the rotating blades. As the engine coolant temperature drops, the electric fan motor automatically turns off. This is normal. If your vehicle is equipped with GDI, the electric cooling fan motor may keep running 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.

The coolant level should be 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 enough of the specified coolant to provide protection against freezing and corrosion.

Fill the level to F, but do not overfill. If frequent addition is required, have the cooling 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 has aluminum components and must be protected with ethylene glycol-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 released under pressure and cause serious injury.

Coolant Replacement

Replace the engine coolant at an authorized Kia dealer in accordance with the schedule at the beginning of this section.

CAUTION

Before adding coolant, cover the radiator cap with a thick cloth to prevent coolant from spilling onto engine components such as the alternator.

WARNING - Coolant

• Do not add engine coolant or antifreeze to the washer fluid reservoir.
• Engine coolant can severely impair visibility when sprayed onto the windshield and may cause loss of vehicle control or damage to paint and body trim.