Explanation of scheduled maintenance items

~4min read

Engine oil and filter The engine oil and filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the scheduled maintenance. When the vehicle is used under severe conditions, replacement must be performed more frequently.

Drive belts Inspect the drive belts for cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil contamination, and replace them if necessary. The drive belt tension must be checked and, if necessary, adjusted periodically.

WARNING To inspect the belt, turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF or ACC.

Fuel filter (cartridge) If clogged, the filter may limit the vehicle's maximum driving speed, damage the exhaust system and cause starting difficulties. If there is excessive accumulation of foreign matter in the tank, the filter must be replaced more frequently.

After installing a new filter, let the engine run for several minutes and check for leaks at the fittings. Fuel filter replacement must be performed only by an authorized Kia dealer.

Fuel lines, hoses and fittings Check the rigid and flexible fuel lines and fittings for leaks and damage. Have any damaged or leaking components replaced immediately by a qualified technician.

Evaporative emission hose and fuel filler cap The evaporative emission hose and the fuel filler cap must be checked at the intervals specified in the scheduled maintenance. When replacing them, make sure the new hose or new cap is of the correct type.

Air filter For air filter replacement, it is recommended to use a genuine Kia part.

Spark plugs Make sure to install new spark plugs of the correct heat range.

CAUTION Do not disconnect and inspect the spark plugs when the engine is hot. You may burn yourself.

Valve clearance Check for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and, if necessary, perform the required adjustments. This work must be performed by an authorized Kia dealer.

Cooling system Check the cooling system components, such as radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and fittings, for leaks and damage. Replace any damaged components.

Coolant The coolant must be replaced at the intervals specified in the scheduled maintenance.

Manual transmission fluid (if equipped) Check the manual transmission fluid according to the scheduled maintenance requirements.

Automatic transmission fluid (if equipped) Under normal operating conditions, the automatic transmission fluid does not require checking. Under severe operating conditions, the fluid must be replaced by an Authorized Kia Dealer according to the maintenance schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

Brake pipes and hoses Visually check for correct installation and any signs of rubbing, cracks, deterioration or leaks. Replace any deteriorated or damaged components immediately.

Brake fluid Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. The fluid level must be between the "MIN (Minimum)" and "MAX (Maximum)" marks on the side of the reservoir. Use only brake hydraulic fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Parking brake Check the parking brake system, including the parking brake pedal and cables.

Rear brake drums and linings (if equipped) Check the rear brake drums and linings for scoring, burns, fluid leaks, broken parts or excessive wear.

Brake pads, calipers and discs Check for excessive pad wear, disc runout and wear, and caliper leaks.

For further information on checking the pads or the friction material wear limit, refer to the Kia website.

Suspension mounting bolts Check the suspension fittings for looseness or damage. Retighten to the specified torque.

Steering gear box and lower arm boots/ball joint With the vehicle stationary and the engine off, check for excessive steering wheel play.

Check that the tie rod is not bent or damaged. Check for deterioration, cracks or damage to the dust boots and ball joints.

Replace any damaged components.

Driveshafts and boots Check the driveshafts, boots and clamps for cracks, deterioration or damage. Replace any damaged components and, if necessary, re-grease.

Air conditioning refrigerant (if equipped) Check the air conditioning circuits and fittings for leaks and damage.

Test yourself

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