Maintenance

Description of Scheduled Maintenance Items

~5min read

Engine Oil and Filter

Engine oil and oil filter should be replaced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Schedule. If the vehicle is operated under severe conditions, oil and filter changes are required more frequently.

Seat Belts

Inspect all drive belts for cuts, cracks, excessive wear, or oil saturation, and replace if necessary. Drive belts must be periodically checked for proper tension and adjusted if necessary.

CAUTION

When inspecting the belt, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF or ACC position.

Fuel Filter (Cartridge)

A clogged filter can restrict vehicle speed, damage the exhaust system, and cause a number of problems, such as difficult starting. If a large amount of foreign matter accumulates in the fuel tank, the filter may need to be replaced more often.

After installing a new filter, start the engine for a few minutes and check the connections for leaks. Have the fuel filter replaced at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Fuel Filter (for Gasoline Engine)

The gasoline Kia vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter integrated with the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not required, but depends on fuel quality. If there are any important safety-related concerns, such as restricted fuel flow, engine knock, loss of power, starting problems, etc., inspect or replace the fuel filter as necessary. Have the fuel filter inspected or replaced at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Fuel Lines, Fuel Hoses, and Connections

Inspect the fuel lines, fuel hoses, and connections for leaks and damage. Have the fuel lines, fuel hoses, and connections replaced at a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Vapor Hose and Fuel Tank Cap

The evaporative emission hose and fuel tank cap should be inspected at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. Make sure a new evaporative emission hose or fuel tank cap is installed correctly.

Crankcase Ventilation Vacuum Hoses (if equipped)

Inspect the hose surfaces for heat and/or mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swelling indicate deterioration. Pay special attention to inspecting hose surfaces as close as possible to high-temperature sources, such as the exhaust manifold.

Inspect the hose routing to make sure the hoses do not contact any heat sources, sharp edges, or moving components that could cause heat damage or mechanical wear. Inspect all hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure and that there are no leaks. Replace hoses immediately if there are any signs of wear or damage.

Air Cleaner Filter

Have the air cleaner filter replaced at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Spark Plugs (Gasoline Engine)

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

WARNING

Do not disconnect or inspect the spark plugs while the engine is hot. You may burn yourself.

Valve Clearance (Gasoline Engine) (except 2.0 Engine)

Check for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration, and adjust if necessary. In this case, have the system serviced at a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Cooling System

Inspect the cooling system components, such as the radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses, and connections, for leaks and damage. Replace any damaged parts.

coolant

The engine 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 Transmission Fluid (if equipped)

Automatic transmission fluid should not be checked under normal operating conditions.

Have the automatic transmission fluid replaced at a professional workshop according to the maintenance schedule. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

NOTICE

The color of automatic transmission fluid is normally red.

As the vehicle is driven, the automatic transmission fluid will begin to look darker. This is normal, and you should not judge the need to replace the fluid based on color change.

CAUTION

Using a fluid that is not specified may cause transmission malfunction and failure.

Use only the recommended automatic transmission fluid. (See "Recommended Lubricants and Capacities" on page 9-11.)

Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid (if equipped)

Inspect the dual clutch transmission fluid in accordance with the maintenance schedule.

Brake Hoses and Lines

Visually inspect for correct installation, wear, cracks, deterioration, and any other damage or leaks. Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.

Brake fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. The level should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the side of the reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake fluid meeting DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification.

Brake Pads, Calipers, and Discs

Check the brake pads for excessive wear, the discs for runout and wear, and the calipers for fluid leakage. For more information on checking brake pad or lining wear limits, refer to the Kia website. ( https://www.kia-hotline.com )

Suspension Mounting Bolts

Check the suspension connections for looseness or damage. Tighten to the specified torque.

Parking Brake

Inspect the parking brake system, including the parking brake lever, cable, and rear brakes (caliper or drum).

Steering Gear Box, Linkage, and Boots/Lower Arm Ball Joint

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

Check the connection for bends or damage. Check the dust boots and ball joints for wear, cracks, or damage. Replace any damaged parts.

Drive Shafts and Boots

Check the drive shafts, boots and clamps for cracks, wear, or damage. Replace any damaged parts and refill grease as necessary.

Air conditioning refrigerant/compressor (if equipped)

Check the air conditioning lines and connections for leaks and damage.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Soul Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.