Engine Coolant (Kappa 1.0L T-GDI)

The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.

Check the freeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate.

CAUTION

• If the engine overheats due to low engine coolant level, adding engine coolant suddenly may cause engine cracks. To prevent damage, add engine coolant slowly in small amounts.
• Do not drive without engine coolant. This may cause the water pump to fail, engine seizure, etc.

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. In addition, hot coolant or steam may cause serious injury.
• Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down. Be extremely careful when removing the radiator cap. Wrap it with a thick towel and slowly turn it counterclockwise to the first stop. Step back while the 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 if the engine is not running, do not remove the radiator cap or drain plug while the engine is running and the radiator is hot. Hot coolant and steam may still be under pressure and may blow out, causing serious injury.

WARNING

The electric cooling fan motor is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure, and vehicle speed.

It may sometimes operate even when the engine is not running. Use extreme caution when working near the cooling fan blades to avoid injury from the rotating fan blades. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the electric fan motor will automatically turn off. This is a normal condition.

Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or damaged hoses.

The coolant level should be between the MAX and MIN marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold.

If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) or soft water. Bring the level up to MAX, but do not overfill. If frequent addition is required, have the system inspected by a qualified workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

NOTICE

Make sure the coolant cap is closed properly after refilling the coolant. Otherwise, the engine may overheat while driving.

1. Check that the label on the radiator cap is not damaged and is located directly in front.

2. Make sure the small tabs inside the coolant cap are securely locked.

Recommended Engine Coolant

• When adding coolant, use only deionized water or soft water for your vehicle and never mix hard water with the coolant filled at the factory. An improper coolant mixture may cause serious malfunction or engine damage.
• Your engine is made of aluminum. Engine parts must be protected with ethylene glycol phosphate-based coolant 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 will reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

Refer to the following table for the mixture percentage.

Coolant Replacement

Have the coolant replaced by a qualified workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

CAUTION

Cover the radiator cap with a thick cloth before adding coolant in order to prevent coolant from contacting engine components such as the alternator.

WARNING

Engine coolant

• Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid reservoir.
• Radiator coolant can severely obstruct visibility when sprayed on the windshield and may cause loss of vehicle control or damage the body paint and trim.