Explanation of scheduled maintenance items
Engine oil and filter
Change the engine oil and filter at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. If you drive your vehicle in severe conditions, more frequent oil and filter changes are required.
Drive belts
Inspect all drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, excessive wear, or oil saturation, and replace them if necessary. Periodically check the drive belts for proper tension, and adjust them if necessary.
When you inspect the drive belt, make sure the vehicle is in OFF or ACC position.
Fuel filter (Gasoline engine)
The fuel filter is considered maintenance-free, but periodic inspection is recommended depending on the quality of the fuel used.
If there are safety risks, such as fuel flow restriction, surging, loss of power, hard starting problems, and so on, replace the fuel filter immediately regardless of the maintenance schedule. Consult an authorized Kia dealer for details.
Fuel lines, fuel hoses, and connections
Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses, and connections for leakage and damage. Have the fuel lines, fuel hoses, and connections replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.
Fuel tank and fuel cap
Inspect the fuel tank and fuel cap at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. Make sure to correctly replace a fuel tank or fuel cap with a new one.
Air cleaner filter
Have the Genuine Kia air cleaner filter replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.
Spark plugs (Gasoline engine)
Install new spark plugs for the correct heat range.
To prevent contamination of the spark plug insulator when assembling parts, use a soft cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the boot bottom of the ignition coil and the spark plug insulator.
Do not disconnect and inspect spark plugs when the engine is hot. You may burn yourself.
Cooling system
Check the cooling system components, such as the radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses, and connections for leakage and damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Coolant/inverter coolant
Change the coolant at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule.
Automatic transmission (AT) fluid
Do not check the automatic transmission fluid under normal usage conditions. Have the automatic transmission fluid changed by an authorized Kia dealer.
The use of a non-specified fluid could result in transmission malfunction and failure. Use only the specified automatic transmission fluid. (Refer to Recommended lubricants and capacities.)
The automatic transmission fluid color is basically red. As the vehicle is driven, the automatic transmission fluid will begin to look darker. This is normal and does not mean that you should replace the fluid based only on the change in color.
Brake hoses and lines
Visually check for proper installation, chafing, cracks, deterioration, and any leakage. Replace any deteriorated or damaged parts immediately.
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system, including the parking brake switch and cables.
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 conforming to DOT 4 specifications.
Exhaust pipe and muffler
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler, and hangers for cracks, deterioration, or damage. Start the engine and listen carefully for any exhaust gas leakage. Tighten connections or replace parts as necessary.
Brake discs, pads, and calipers
Check the pads for excessive wear, discs for run out and wear, and calipers for fluid leakage.
Suspension mounting bolts
Check the suspension connections for looseness or damage. Retighten to the specified torque.
Steering gear box, linkage, boots, and lower arm ball joint
With the vehicle is stopped and is in OFF state, check for excessive free-play in the steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or damage. Check the dust boots and ball joints for deterioration, cracks, or damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Drive shafts and boots
Check the drive shafts, boots, and clamps for cracks, deterioration, or damage. Replace any damaged parts and, if necessary, repack the grease.
Air conditioning refrigerant
Check the air conditioning lines and connections for leakage and damage.
Propeller shaft: (if equipped)
Check the propeller shaft, boots, clamps, rubber coupling, and center bearing rubber for cracks, deterioration, or damage. Replace any damaged parts and, if necessary, repack the grease.
Checking fluid levels
When you check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid, always be sure to clean the area around any filler plug, drain plug, or dipstick before checking or draining any lubricant or fluid. This is especially important in dusty or sandy areas, and when you use the vehicle on unpaved roads. Cleaning the plug and dipstick areas prevents dirt and grit from entering and damaging the vehicle and other mechanisms.