Exterior care
Use the information in the following sections to maintain the exterior of your vehicle. Keeping the exterior clean is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also helps to prolong the life of your vehicle.
If parking your vehicle around a stainless signboard or glass building etc., the plastic exterior trim (bumper, spoiler, trim, lamp, outside mirror etc.) may be damaged by reflected sunlight from the external structure. To avoid damaging the plastic exterior trim, park the vehicle away from areas where the reflected light may occur or use a vehicle cover (Depending on the vehicle, the type of exterior trim applied such as the spoiler, may differ).
Exterior general caution
It is very important to follow the label directions when using any chemical cleaner or polish. Read all warning and caution statements that appear on the label.
Finish maintenance
To help protect your vehicle’s finish from rust and deterioration, wash it thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water at least once a month.
If using your vehicle for off-road driving, you should wash it after each off-road trip. Pay special attention to the removal of any accumulation of salt, dirt, mud, and other foreign materials. Make sure the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors and rocker panels are kept clear and clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, industrial pollution, and similar deposits can damage your vehicle’s finish if not removed immediately.
Even prompt washing with plain water may not completely remove all of these deposits. Use a mild soap that is safe for painted surfaces.
After you wash the vehicle, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.
After you wash the vehicle, test the brakes while driving slowly to see if they have been affected by water. If the braking performance is impaired, dry the brakes by engaging them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.
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Do not use strong soap, chemical detergents, or hot water, and do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or when the body of the vehicle is warm.
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Be careful when washing the side windows and other gaps (between door and body structure, side windows and exterior) of your vehicle. Especially with high-pressure water. Water may leak through the windows and wet the interior.
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To prevent damage to plastic parts and lamps, do not clean with chemical solvents or strong detergents.
When using high-pressure washers, make sure to maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure can lead to component damage or water penetration.
Do not spray the camera, sensors, or their surrounding areas directly with a high-pressure washer. Shock from high-pressure water may affect these devices’ operation.
Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber including weather strips or plastic covers) or connectors as they may be damaged if they contact the high-pressure water.
After you wash the vehicle, test the brakes while driving slowly to see if they have been affected by water. If the braking performance is impaired, dry the brakes by engaging them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.
Wetting motor compartment
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Water washing in the motor compartment including high pressure water washing may cause the failure of electrical circuits located in the motor compartment.
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Never allow water or other liquids to contact electronic components inside the vehicle, as this may damage them.
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To prevent damage to the charging door, make sure to close and lock the vehicle doors when washing (high-pressure washing, automatic car washing, etc.) the vehicle.
Matte paint finish vehicle (if equipped)
Automatic car wash which uses rotating brushes should not be used as this can damage the surface of your vehicle. A steam cleaner which washes the vehicle surface at high temperature may cause the oil to adhere and leave stains that are difficult to remove.
Use a soft cloth (e.g. microfiber towel or sponge) when washing your vehicle and dry with a microfiber towel. When you handwash your vehicle, you should not use a cleaner that finishes with wax.
Wax the vehicle when water no longer beads on the paint.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing it. Use a high quality liquid or paste wax and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Wax all metal trim to protect it and maintain its luster.
Removing oil, tar, and similar materials with a spot remover will usually strip the wax from the finish. Be sure to re-wax these areas even if the rest of the vehicle does not yet need waxing.
Drying your vehicle
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Wiping dust or dirt off the body of the vehicle with a dry cloth will scratch the finish.
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Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, acid detergents, or strong detergents containing high alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated or anodized aluminum parts. This may result in damage to the protective coating and cause discoloration or paint deterioration.
Matte paint finish vehicle (if equipped)
Do not use any polish protector such as a detergent, an abrasive or a polish. In case wax is applied, remove the wax immediately using a silicon remover and if any tar or tar contaminant is on the surface use a tar remover to clean. However, be careful not to apply too much pressure on the painted area.
Finish damage repair
Deep scratches or stone chips in the painted surface must be repaired promptly. Exposed metal will quickly rust and may cause a major repair expense.
If your vehicle is damaged and requires any metal repair or replacement, be sure the body shop applies anti-corrosion materials to the parts that were repaired or replaced.
Matte paint finish vehicle (if equipped)
In case of matte paint finish vehicles, it is impossible to modify only the damaged area and repair of the whole part is necessary. If the vehicle is damaged and painting is required, have your vehicle maintained and repaired by an authorized Kia dealer. Take extreme care, as it is difficult to restore the quality after the repair.
Bright metal maintenance
To remove road tar and insects, use a tar remover (not a scraper or other sharp object).
To protect the surfaces of bright metal parts from corrosion, apply a coating of wax or chrome preservative and rub it to a high luster.
During winter weather or in coastal areas, cover the bright metal parts with a heavier coating of wax or preservative. If necessary, coat the parts with non-corrosive petroleum jelly or another protective compound.
Underbody maintenance
Road salt and other corrosive chemicals are used in cold weather areas to melt snow and prevent ice accumulation. If these chemicals are not regularly removed, they will corrode the vehicle underbody and over time damage the vehicle suspension, and even the body frame.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned all vehicle owners of all brands of the need to take the following steps:
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Wash the undercarriage of your vehicle regularly during the winter and whenever your vehicle has been exposed to such salts or chemicals.
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Thoroughly wash the undercarriage at the end of the winter.
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Have your vehicle inspected for corrosion annually by a professional service technician or at a governmental inspection station.
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Immediately seek an inspection of your vehicle if you notice corrosion, flaking, scaling or changes in vehicle performance, such as soft or spongy brakes, fluids leaking, impairment of directional control, suspension noises or rattling metal straps.
Aluminum wheel maintenance
The aluminum wheels are coated with a clear protective finish.
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Do not use any abrasive cleaner, polishing compound, solvent, or wire brushes on aluminum wheels. They may scratch or damage the finish.
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Clean the wheel when it is cool.
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Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent and rinse thoroughly with water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels after driving on salted roads to help prevent corrosion.
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Avoid washing the wheels with high-speed vehicle wash brushes.
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Do not use any alkaline or acid detergents. They may damage and corrode aluminum wheels coated with a clear protective finish.
Corrosion protection
Using the most advanced design and construction practices to combat corrosion, Kia produces vehicles of the highest quality. This is only part of the job. To achieve the long-term corrosion resistance your vehicle can deliver, the owner’s cooperation and assistance is also required.
The most common causes of corrosion on your vehicle are:
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Road salt, dirt, and moisture that is allowed to accumulate underneath the vehicle.
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Removal of paint or protective coatings from stones, gravel, abrasions or minor scrapes and dents can leave unprotected metal exposed to corrosion.
If you live in an area that is regularly exposed to corrosive materials, corrosion protection is particularly important. Some of the common causes of accelerated corrosion are road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air and industrial pollution.
Moisture creates the conditions where corrosion is most likely to occur. For example, corrosion is accelerated by high humidity, particularly when temperatures are just above freezing. The corrosive material is kept in contact with the vehicle’s surface by moisture that evaporates slowly.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it dries slowly and holds moisture in the vehicle. Although the mud appears to be dry, it can still retain the moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate corrosion of parts that are not properly ventilated so the moisture can be dispersed. It is particularly important to keep your vehicle clean and free of mud or accumulations of other materials. This applies not only to the visible surfaces but also to the underside of the vehicle.
You can help prevent corrosion from beginning by observing the following:
Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep your vehicle clean and free of corrosive materials. Attention to the underbody of the vehicle is particularly important.
If you live in a high-corrosion area — where road salts are used, near the ocean, areas with industrial pollution, acid rain, etc.—, you should take extra care to prevent corrosion. In winter, hose off the underside of your vehicle at least once a month and be sure to clean the underside thoroughly when winter is over.
When cleaning underneath the vehicle, pay particular attention to the components under the fenders and other areas that are hidden from view. Do a thorough job. Merely dampening the accumulated mud rather than washing it away will accelerate corrosion rather than prevent it. Water under high pressure and steam are particularly effective in removing accumulated mud and corrosive materials.
When cleaning the lower door panels, rocker panels, and frame members, be sure to keep the drain holes open so that moisture can escape instead of staying trapped inside where it can accelerate corrosion.
Keep your garage dry
Don't park your vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated garage. This creates a favorable environment for corrosion. This is particularly true if you wash your vehicle in the garage or drive it into the garage when it is still wet or covered with snow, ice or mud. Even a heated garage can contribute to corrosion unless it is well ventilated.
Keep paint and trim in good condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should be covered with touch-up paint as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of corrosion. If bare metal shows through, the attention of a qualified body and paint shop is recommended.
Bird droppings are highly corrosive and may damage painted surfaces in just a few hours. Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible.
Don't neglect the interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats and carpeting and cause corrosion. Check under the mats periodically to be sure the carpeting is dry. Take particular care if you carry fertilizers, cleaning materials or chemicals in the vehicle.
Only carry these materials in proper containers. Clean up any spills or leaks, then flush the carpeting with clean water and thoroughly dry it.