Owner Maintenance
The following lists contain inspections and checks that should be performed by the owner or an authorized Kia dealer at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.
If any unfavorable conditions arise, notify your authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
These maintenance and inspection tasks performed by the owner are not covered by the warranty, and the owner may be charged for labor, parts and lubricants used.
Owner Maintenance Schedule
When stopping for fuel, perform the following checks:
- Check the engine oil level.
- Check the engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
- Check the windshield washer fluid level.
- Check that the tire pressure is not too low.
Check the radiator and condenser.
Check that the front of the radiator and condenser is clean and not blocked by leaves, dirt or insects, etc.
If any part is significantly dirty or the owner is unsure of its condition, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING Take special care when checking the engine coolant level with the engine hot. The system is under pressure, and hot coolant and steam may spray out. This may cause burns and other injuries.While driving the vehicle, be aware of the following:
- Listen for any change in the exhaust system sound and any change in exhaust odor inside the vehicle.
- Watch for steering wheel vibration. Pay attention to any increased steering effort, play in the steering wheel, or change in the position of the wheels when driving straight.
- Check whether the vehicle tends to constantly drift or pull to one side when driving on a level, straight road.
- When stopping, listen and check for unusual noises, pulling to one side, increased brake pedal travel, or difficulty applying the brake pedal.
- If there is any slipping or change in automatic transmission operation, check the transmission fluid level.
- Check the operation of the manual transmission, including the clutch.
- Check the operation of the automatic transmission in P (Park).
- Check the parking brake.
- Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle (water dripping from the air conditioning system during or after normal operation is normal).
At least once a month:
- Check the engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
- Check the operation of all exterior lights, including brake lights, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
- Check the tire pressure on all wheels, including the spare wheel.
At least twice a year (i.e.
every spring and every autumn), perform the following:
- Check the flexible hoses of the radiator, heater and air conditioner for leaks and damage.
- Check the operation of the windshield wipers and washers. Clean the wiper blades with a clean cloth dampened with windshield washer fluid.
- Check the headlight aim.
- Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, heat shields and clamps.
- Check the lap-and-shoulder (three-point) seat belts for proper operation and signs of wear.
- Check that the tires are not excessively worn and that the wheel nuts are not loose.
At least once a year, perform the following:
- Clean the door and body drain holes.
- Lubricate the door hinges, locks and the hood hinges.
- Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
- Lubricate the rubber door seals.
- Check the air conditioning system before the warm season begins.
- Inspect and lubricate the control linkage and cables of the automatic transmission.
- Clean the battery and terminals.
- Check the brake fluid level (and clutch fluid level).
Test yourself
A quick Kia Rio YB quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.