Engine coolant

The high-pressure cooling system is equipped with a reservoir filled with all-season antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.

Check the antifreeze protection and the coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before every trip to colder areas.

WARNING

• When the engine overheats due to low coolant level, adding coolant immediately may cause cracks in the engine. To avoid damage, add engine coolant slowly and in small quantities. Do not drive without engine coolant. This may cause engine seizure, water pump damage, etc.

Checking the coolant level

WARNING - Removing the radiator cap

• Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is running or very hot. This may cause damage to the cooling system and engine, as well as serious personal injury from steam or coolant spraying out of the cap.
• Turn off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Take extreme care when removing the radiator cap.

Wrap a thick rag around the cap and slowly turn it counterclockwise to the first stop. Hold it there while the pressure in the cooling system is released. When you are sure the system has depressurized, press down on the cap, using a thick rag, and continue turning it counterclockwise until it comes off.

Even if the engine is not running, do not remove the radiator cap or the drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Steam and boiling coolant may still be expelled violently under pressure, causing serious burns.

WARNING The electric motor (radiator fan) is controlled by the engine coolant temperature, the refrigerant pressure and the vehicle speed. It may sometimes run even with the engine off. Use extreme caution when working near the radiator fan blades to avoid injury from their rotation. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the electric motor will switch off automatically. This is normal.

Check the condition and connections of all hoses of the cooling system and heater.

Replace any hoses that show swelling or deterioration.

With the engine cold, the coolant level must be between the F (Full) and L (Low) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir.

If the coolant level is low, add distilled (deionized) or soft water to maintain protection against freezing and corrosion.

Bring the level up to F (Full), without exceeding it. If frequent top-ups are required, have the cooling system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Recommended engine coolant

• When topping up coolant, use only deionized or soft water. Never add hard (non-distilled) water to the coolant. An inappropriate coolant mixture may cause serious operating problems or engine damage.
• The engine of this vehicle includes aluminum components and must be protected with an 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% or less than 35% antifreeze, as this would reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

For the mixture ratio, refer to the table below.

WARNING - Radiator cap Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are very hot. Steam and boiling coolant can escape violently under pressure, causing serious burns.

Replacing the coolant

Contact an authorized Kia dealer to have the engine coolant replaced as indicated in the Scheduled Maintenance at the beginning of this section.

CAUTION Wrap a cloth or thick towel around the radiator cap before adding coolant, to prevent coolant from spilling onto engine components such as the alternator.

WARNING - Coolant

• Do not pour radiator coolant or antifreeze into the washer fluid reservoir.
• • Radiator coolant can seriously impair visibility when sprayed onto the windshield, with the possible loss of control, and damage to the paint and bodywork.