Maintenance

Explanation of Items to Be Serviced

~5min read

Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Engine oil and the oil filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is operated under severe conditions, oil and filter replacement may be required more frequently.

Drive Belt

Inspect all drive belts for cracks, excessive wear and oil contamination, and replace them if necessary. Drive belt tension must be checked regularly and adjusted if necessary.

DANGER

When inspecting the seat belts, set the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF or ACC position.

Fuel Filter Cartridge (Diesel)

A clogged filter may affect vehicle speed, damage the emission control system and cause various other problems, such as difficult starting. If foreign matter accumulates in the fuel tank in excessive amounts, the filter should be replaced more frequently.

After installing a new filter, run the engine for several minutes and check the connections for leaks. Have the fuel filter replaced by a qualified workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer/service partner.

Fuel filter (gasoline)

Gasoline Kia vehicles have a lifetime fuel filter. The fuel filter is integrated with the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not required, but depends on fuel quality. If safety problems occur, such as reduced fuel economy, engine stalling, loss of performance, or starting problems, inspect the fuel filter and replace it as necessary.

Leave the fuel filter inspection or replacement to a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer/service partner.

fuel lines, hoses and their connections

Inspect the fuel lines and hoses and their connections for leaks and damage. Have the fuel lines, fuel hoses and connectors replaced by a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer/service partner.

WARNING

Diesel only

Never work on the fuel injection system while the engine is running or within 30 seconds after the engine is turned off. The injection pump, distribution pipe, injectors and their lines remain under high pressure after the engine is turned off. Leaking high-pressure fuel can cause serious injury if it contacts the body. People with pacemakers must keep away from the engine compartment with the engine running. The control unit and wiring harness in the engine compartment generate large currents and strong magnetic fields, so do not approach closer than 30 cm.

fuel vapor return hose (for gasoline engine) and fuel tank cap

Check the breather hose and fuel tank cap against the requirements specified in the maintenance schedule intervals. Be sure to install a new breather hose or fuel tank cap correctly.

vacuum crankcase ventilation hoses (if equipped)

Inspect the hose surfaces for signs of heat damage and/or mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, abrasion and excessive swelling are signs of aging. Inspect hose surfaces located near hot components (exhaust manifold, etc.) especially carefully.

Check the hose routing to make sure the hoses do not contact hot, sharp or moving components and are not damaged or worn by them. Check that all hose connections, clamps and fittings are secure and leak-free. Replace hoses at the first sign of wear or damage.

air filter element

Leave the air filter replacement to a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer/service partner.

spark plugs (gasoline engine)

Be careful to install new spark plugs with the correct heat range.

WARNING

Do not connect or check the spark plugs while the engine is hot. You may get burned.

Valve clearance (for Kappa 1 L TGDI engine)

For excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration, inspect and adjust as necessary. Leave this item to a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer/service partner.

cooling system

Inspect cooling system components, such as the radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and connections, for leaks and any damage. Replace any faulty components.

coolant

Coolant must be changed at the intervals prescribed in the maintenance schedule.

manual transmission oil (if equipped)

Check the transmission oil in accordance with the maintenance schedule.

automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)

Automatic transmission fluid must be checked under normal operating conditions.

Drain the automatic transmission fluid in accordance with the maintenance schedule at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer/service partner.

NOTICE

The automatic transmission fluid is originally red. As the vehicle is driven, the fluid in the automatic transmission gradually becomes darker. This is normal. Do not replace the fluid based only on its color.

DANGER

Using an unspecified transmission fluid may cause malfunction and failure of the drive gears. Use only the automatic transmission fluid specified. (Refer to "Recommended Lubricants and Capacities" on pages 9-10.)

Dual clutch transmission fluid (DCT fluid) (if equipped)

Check the clutch fluid in accordance with the dual clutch transmission maintenance schedule.

brake hoses and brake lines

Check them for correct installation, wear, cracks and leaks. Replace any outdated or damaged parts immediately.

brake/clutch fluid (if equipped)

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

Parking Brake

Inspect the parking brake system, including the parking brake lever (or pedal) and cables.

brake discs, brake pads and brake calipers

Check the brake pads for excessive wear. Check the brake discs for runout and wear and the brake calipers for leaks. For more information on inspecting brake discs or brake pads, refer to the Kia website. (http://www.kia-hotline.com)

Suspension mounting bolts

Check the suspension connections for looseness or damage. Retighten loose fasteners to the specified torque.

Steering gear, steering linkage and boots, ball joints

Check the steering wheel for excessive play while the vehicle is parked and the engine is off.

Check the steering linkage for deformation and damage. Check the boots and ball joints for wear, cracking and damage. Replace any faulty components.

drive shafts and boots

Inspect the drive shafts, boots and clamps for cracks, wear or damage. Replace any defective components and replace grease as necessary.

A/C refrigerant (depending on equipment)

Check the A/C lines and connections for leaks and damage.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Stonic quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.