Checking the engine coolant level
When adding coolant, use only deionized water, distilled water or soft water for your vehicle and never mix hard water in the coolant filled at the factory.
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An incorrect coolant mixture can result in severe malfunction or engine/hybrid system damage.
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The engine in your vehicle has aluminium engine parts and must be protected by an phosphate-based ethylene glycol coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
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Do not use alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
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Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, which would reduce the effectiveness of the solution.
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Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses. The coolant level should be filled between MAX and MIN marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. If the coolant level is low, add enough specified coolant to provide protection against freezing and corrosion. Bring the level to MAX, but do not overfill. If frequent additions are required, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.
Make sure the engine coolant reservoir cap is properly closed after refill or coolant.
Otherwise the engine could be overheated whilst driving.
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Check if the engine coolant reservoir cap label is straight In front.
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Make sure that the tiny protrusions inside the engine coolant reservoir cap are securely interlocked.
Removing engine coolant reservoir cap
Never attempt to remove the engine coolant reservoir cap whilst the engine is operating or hot. Doing so might lead to cooling system damage and could result in serious personal injury from escaping hot coolant or steam.
Turn the vehicle off and wait until the engine cools down. Use extreme care when removing the engine coolant cap. Wrap a thick towel around it, and turn it slowly to the first stop. Step back whilst the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, press down on the cap, using a thick towel, and continue turning to remove it.
The engine coolant level is influenced by the hybrid system temperature. Before checking or refilling the engine coolant, turn the hybrid vehicle off.
For mixture percentage, refer to the following table.
|
Ambient Temperature |
Mixture Percentage (volume) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Antifreeze |
Water |
|
|
-15 °C (5 °F) |
35 |
65 |
|
-25 °C (-13 °F) |
40 |
60 |
|
-35 °C (-31 °F) |
50 |
50 |
|
-45 °C (-49 °F) |
60 |
40 |
To prevent damage to engine parts, put a thick towel around the engine coolant cap and/or inverter coolant cap before refilling the coolant to prevent the coolant from overflowing into engine parts, such as the alternator.
Changing the coolant
We recommend that the coolant be replaced by an authorised Kia dealer/service partner according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this chapter.
Cooling fan
Use caution when working near the blade of the cooling fan. The electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes operate even when the vehicle is not running.