Snowy or icy conditions

To drive your vehicle in deep snow, you may need to use snow tires or to install tire chains on your tires.

If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size and type as the original ones. Failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.

Speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake engagement, and sharp turns are potentially very hazardous practices in snowy or icy conditions.

When you decelerate, use engine braking fully. Sudden brake engagement on snowy or icy roads may cause skidding. Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Engage the brake pedal gently.

Installing tire chains on the tires allows you to drive with greater force, but does not prevent side skids.

Snow tires

If you install snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load bearing range as the original ones. Install snow tires on all 4 wheels to balance your vehicle’s handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that snow tires may provide lower traction than your original tires on dry roads. Drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.

Do not install studded tires without first checking state, local, and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.

Tire chains

OLQ2A095032

Your warranty does not cover damage to your vehicle caused by improper tire chain use.

When using tire chains, attach them to the drive wheels as follows:

Use high quality ethylene glycol coolant

Your vehicle is equipped with high quality ethylene glycol coolant. This is the only type of coolant that should be used because it helps prevent corrosion in the cooling system, lubricates the water pump, and prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or replenish your coolant in accordance with the schedule in the Maintenance section.

Before winter, have your coolant tested to ensure that its freezing point is sufficient for the anticipated temperatures.

Check 12V battery and cables

Winter puts additional burdens on the 12V battery system. Visually inspect the 12V battery and cables as described in the Maintenance section. Have your battery inspected by an authorized Kia dealer to verify the charge level.

Change to “winter weight” oil if necessary

In some climates, it is recommended that you use a lower viscosity “winter weight” oil during cold weather. See Recommended lubricants and capacities. If you aren’t sure what oil weight you should use, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Check spark plugs and ignition system

Inspect your spark plugs as described in Scheduled maintenance service, and replace them if necessary. Check all ignition wiring and components to make sure they are not cracked, worn, or damaged in any way.

To keep locks from freezing

To keep the locks from freezing, squirt an approved de-icer fluid or glycerin into the key opening. If a lock is covered with ice, squirt an approved de-icing fluid onto the ice to remove it. If the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to thaw it out using a heated key. Handle the heated key with care to avoid injury.

Use approved window washer anti-freeze

To keep the water in the window washer system from freezing, add an approved window washer anti-freeze solution according to the instructions on the container. Window washer anti-freeze is available from authorized Kia dealers and most auto parts stores. Do not use engine coolant or other types of anti-freeze, as these may damage the paint finish.

Don’t let your parking brake freeze

Under some conditions, your parking brake can freeze while it is applied. This is most likely to happen when there is an accumulation of snow or ice around or near the rear brakes, or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk the parking brake may freeze, temporarily apply it with the vehicle in P (Park). Block the rear wheels in advance so that your vehicle will not roll. Then release the parking brake.

Don’t let ice and snow accumulate under your vehicle

Under some conditions, ice and snow can build up under the fenders and interfere with steering. When driving in severe winter conditions where this may happen, periodically check under your vehicle to make sure that ice and snow do not obstruct the movement of the drive wheels and steering components.

Carry emergency equipment

Depending on the severity of the weather, you should carry appropriate emergency equipment. Some of these items include tire chains, tow straps or chains, a flashlight, emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper cables, a window scraper, gloves, a ground cloth, coveralls, a blanket, and so on.

Do not place objects or materials in the engine compartment

Putting objects or materials in the engine compartment may prevent the engine from cooling and cause engine failure or combustion. Your warranty does not cover such damage.

Drive your vehicle when water vapor condenses and accumulates inside the exhaust pipes

When your vehicle is stopped for a long time with the engine running during the winter, water vapor may condense and accumulate inside the exhaust pipes.

Water in the exhaust pipes may cause noise, but drains when you drive at medium or high speeds.