Kia Rio: Maintenance / Engine coolant
The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year round antifreeze
coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year: at the
beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate.
Checking the coolant level
WARNING
Removing radiator cap
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is operating or
hot. Doing so might lead to cooling system and engine damage and could result in
serious personal injury from escaping hot coolant or steam.
- Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down. Use extreme care when
removing the radiator 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 all the pressure has been released, press
down on the cap, using a thick towel, and continue turning counterclockwise
to remove it.
- Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the radiator 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.
WARNING - Cooling fan
Use caution when working near the blade of the cooling fan.The electric motor
(cooling fan) is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure
and vehicle speed. it may sometimes operate even when the engine is not running.
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 F and L 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 F, but do not overfill. If frequent
additions are required, see an authorized Kia dealer for a cooling system inspection.
Recommended engine coolant
- When adding coolant, use only deionized water or soft water for your vehicle
and never mix hard water in 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. This would reduce the effectiveness of the solution.
✽ NOTICE
Make sure that the coolant cap is properly closed after refilling the coolant.
Otherwise the engine could overheat while driving.
For mixture percentage, refer to the following table.
WARNING
Radiator cap
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding
hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure which may result in serious injury.
Changing the coolant
Have the coolant changed by an authorized Kia dealer according to the Maintenance
Schedule at the beginning of this chapter.
CAUTION
Put a thick cloth or fabric around the radiator cap before refilling the coolant
in order to prevent the coolant from overflowing into engine parts such as the alternator.
Checking the engine oil level
■ Gamma II 1.6L MPI (Gasoline engine)
1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
3. Turn t ...
Checking the brake/clutch fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir periodically. The fluid level should be
between the MAX (Maximum) and MIN (Minimum) marks on the side of the reservoir ...
Other information:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Frame Number
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the number used in registering your
vehicle and in all legal matters pertaining to its ownership, etc.
The number is punched under driver or front passenger seat.
VIN Label
The VIN is also on a pla ...
Stop and tail lamp (LED type) bulb replacement (for 4 door)
If the stop and tail lamp (LED) (1,2) does not operate, have the vehicle checked
by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced as a single component because it is part of
an integrated unit. The LED lamps have to be ...