Checking the coolant level

WARNING

Removing the coolant reservoir cap

Never attempt to remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is operating or hot. Doing so might damage the cooling system and engine. Also, hot coolant or steam could cause serious personal injury.

Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down. Use extreme care when removing the coolant reservoir cap. Wrap a thick towel around it and turn it counterclockwise slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system.

When you are sure that all of the pressure has been released, press down on the cap using a thick towel, and continue turning it counterclockwise to remove it.

Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the coolant reservoir cap or the drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.

CAUTION

The electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by the engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure, and vehicle speed. The fan sometimes operates even when the engine is not running. To avoid injury from rotating cooling fan blades, use extreme caution when working near the blades. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the electric motor automatically shuts off. This is normal operation.

The electric motor (cooling fan) may operate until you disconnect the negative 12V battery cable.

Check the conditions and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses.

The coolant level should be filled between the MAX and MIN (F and L) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.

If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) or soft water to bring the level to MAX (F). Do not overfill.

If your vehicle requires frequent coolant refills, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTE

Make sure to properly close the coolant cap after refilling the coolant. Otherwise, the engine could overheat while you drive.

  1. Make sure the coolant reservoir cap label is on straight.
    OLQ2A125029_2
  2. Make sure that the tiny protrusions inside the coolant cap are securely interlocked.
    Figure 1. Engine coolant reservoir
    OLQ2AH125005
    Figure 2. Inverter coolant reservoir
    OLQ2AH125003
Recommended coolant

  • When adding coolant, use only deionized water or soft water for your vehicle. Never mix hard water into the coolant filled at the factory. An improper coolant mixture can result in serious malfunction or engine damage.

  • The engine in your vehicle has aluminum engine parts and must be protected by an ethylene-glycol with phosphate-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.

  • Do not use alcohol or methanol coolant, or mix them with the specified coolant.

  • Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, which would reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

For mixture percentage, refer to the following table:

Ambient Temperature

Mixture Percentage (volume)

Antifreeze

Water

5°F (-15°C)

35

65

-13°F (-25°C)

40

60

-31°F (-35°C)

50

50

-49°F (-45°C)

60

40
WARNING

Coolant reservoir cap

Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.

NOTE

Adding other cooling substances or water might lead to cooling system degradation or even failure.