Checking the Coolant Level

WARNING: Removing the radiator cap

• Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is running or hot. This may damage the cooling system and engine and may cause serious personal injury from escaping hot coolant or steam.
• Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down. Be extremely careful when removing the radiator cap. Wrap it in a thick towel and slowly turn it counterclockwise to the first stop. Step back while pressure is released from the cooling system. 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 when the engine is off, do not remove the radiator cap or drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still be under pressure and may spray out, causing serious injury.

WARNING

The cooling fan motor is controlled by the engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes operate even when the engine is not running. Be extremely careful when working near the cooling fan blades to avoid injury from the rotating fan blades. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the cooling fan motor automatically stops. This is normal. If your vehicle is equipped with GDI, the cooling fan motor may continue to operate until the negative battery cable is disconnected.

■ Gasoline Engine • Type A

■ Gasoline Engine • Type B

■ Gasoline Engine • Type C

■ Diesel Engine

Inspect all cooling system hoses and heater hoses for damage and connection condition. Replace any swollen or damaged hoses.

With the engine cold, the coolant level should be between the F (MAX) and L (MIN) marks on the coolant reservoir.

If the coolant level is low, add sufficient distilled (deionized) water. Bring the level up to F (MAX), but do not overfill. If frequent coolant addition is required, we recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Recommended Engine Coolant

• When adding coolant, use only deionized water or soft water for your vehicle. Never mix hard water into the coolant. The coolant filled at the factory is not to be mixed. An improper coolant mixture may cause serious malfunction or engine damage.
• Your vehicle's engine is made of aluminum. Engine parts must be protected with ethylene glycol coolant containing phosphate to prevent corrosion and freezing.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol based coolant, or mix them with the specified coolant.
• Do not use a solution containing more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, as this reduces 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 expelled under pressure, causing serious injury.