Explanation of maintenance schedule items

Engine oil and oil filter

The engine oil and oil filter should be replaced at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule.

If the vehicle is used under severe service conditions, more frequent changes are required.

Drive belts

Inspect the drive belts for condition (cuts, cracks, excessive wear, or oil saturation) and replace them as necessary. Also check the drive belt tension regularly and adjust it as necessary.

Fuel filter

A clogged filter can limit the vehicle's speed, damage the emission control system, and cause other problems such as hard starting. If an excessive amount of foreign matter accumulates in the filter housing, the filter must be replaced more often.

After installing a new filter, run the engine for a few minutes, then check for leaks at the connections. Filters should be installed by an authorized Kia dealer.

Fuel lines, fuel hoses and fittings

Check the fuel lines, hoses and fittings for leaks or damage. Have any damaged or leaking parts replaced immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Evaporative emission hose and fuel filler cap

Inspect the evaporative emission hose and the fuel filler cap at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule.

If you replace the evaporative emission hose or the fuel filler cap, make sure it is installed correctly.

Crankcase breather hoses

Check the surface of the hoses for mechanical or heat damage. Hard or brittle rubber, cracks, tears, cuts, abrasions and excessive swelling are signs of deterioration. Pay particular attention to hoses located near a high heat source such as the exhaust manifold.

Check the routing of these hoses to make sure they do not touch any heat source, sharp edge or moving part that could cause damage. Check all connections, such as clamps.

Make sure they are tight and not leaking. Hoses should be replaced immediately if they show any sign of deterioration.

Air filter

Replace the air filter with a genuine Kia part.

Spark plugs

Make sure new spark plugs have the correct heat range.

Valve clearance

Check for valve noise or vibration and adjust if necessary. This work should be done by an authorized Kia dealer.

Cooling system

Check the cooling system components, such as the radiator, reservoir tank, hoses and connections. Replace any damaged parts.

Coolant

The coolant should be replaced at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule.

Manual transmission fluid (if equipped)

Inspect the manual transmission fluid according to the maintenance schedule.

Automatic transaxle fluid (if equipped)

Under normal driving, the automatic transaxle fluid level does not need to be checked.

However, under severe service conditions, the fluid should be drained by an authorized Kia dealer according to the maintenance schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

NOTICE

Automatic transaxle fluid is normally red.

Over time in service, the color of the fluid will become darker. This is normal, and you should not use a color change as a reason to drain the automatic transaxle fluid.

Brake hoses and lines

Perform a visual inspection for chafing, cracks, deterioration or leaks. Have any damaged or deteriorated parts replaced immediately.

Brake/Clutch Fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the side of the reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake fluid that meets DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications.

Parking brake

Inspect the parking brake components, including the lever and cables.

Brake pads, calipers and rotors

Check whether the pads are severely worn, whether the discs are worn or off-center, and whether the calipers are leaking.

Exhaust pipe and muffler

Perform a visual inspection of the exhaust pipes, muffler and hangers. Look for signs of cracks, deterioration or damage.

Start the engine and listen for any leak noise. Tighten the connections or replace parts as necessary.

Suspension mounting bolts

Check whether the suspension connections are loose or damaged. Tighten them to the specified torque.

Steering gear, linkage and lower arm ball joint boots

With the vehicle stationary and the engine off, check for excessive play in the steering wheel.

Check the condition of the linkage (folds, damage). Check the boots and ball joints (deterioration, cracks, damage). Replace any damaged parts.

Drive Shafts and Boots

Inspect the drive shafts, boots and clamps for cracks, deterioration and damage. Replace any damaged parts and, if necessary, repack with grease.

Air Conditioning Refrigerant

Inspect the lines and fittings for signs of leaks or damage.