Checking coolant level
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 MAX and MIN (F and L) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.
If frequent additions are required, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.
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Never attempt to remove the radiator cap whilst the engine is operating or hot. Doing so might lead to cooling system and engine damage. Also, hot coolant or steam could cause serious personal injury. 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 slowly to the first stop. Step back whilst 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 to remove it. Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the radiator cap or the drain plug whilst the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.
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When the engine overheats from low engine coolant, suddenly adding engine coolant may cause cracks in the engine. To prevent damage, add engine coolant slowly in small quantities.
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Do not drive with no engine coolant. It may cause water pump failure and engine seizure, etc.
Make sure the coolant cap is properly closed after refill of coolant. Otherwise the engine could be overheated whilst driving.
Operation
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Check if the radiator cap label is straight In front.
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Make sure that the tiny protrusions inside the coolant cap are securely interlocked.
Recommended engine coolant
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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.
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Do not use alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
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Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze.
Refer to the following table for mixture percentage.
|
Ambient Temperature |
Mixture Percentage (volume) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Antifreeze |
Water |
|
|
-15°C (5°F) |
35 |
65 |
|
-25°C (-13°F) |
40 |
60 |
|
-35°C (-31°F) |
50 |
50 |
|
-45°C (-49°F) |
60 |
40 |
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Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure causing serious injury.
Smartstream G1.5
(Petrol) 1.4 T-GDi
(Diesel) 1.5 VGT
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Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid reservoir.
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Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when sprayed on the windscreen and may cause loss of vehicle control or damage the paint and body trim.