Owner maintenance
The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or an authorized KIA dealer at the frequencies indicated to help ensure safe, dependable operation of your vehicle.
Any adverse conditions should be brought to the attention of your dealer as soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks are generally not covered by warranties and you may be charged for labor, parts and lubricants used.
Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
• Check the engine oil level.
• Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
• Check the windshield washer fluid level.
• Look for low or under-inflated tires.
WARNING
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under
pressure. This could cause burns
or other serious injury.
While operating your vehicle: • Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
• Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in its straight-ahead position.
• Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when traveling on smooth, level road.
• When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side, increased brake pedal travel or “hardto- push” brake pedal.
• If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs, check the transaxle fluid level.
• Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
• Check the parking brake.
• Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air conditioning system during or after use is normal).
At least monthly:
• Check the coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir.
• Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn signals and hazard warning flashers.
• Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year
(i.e., every Spring and Fall):
• Check the radiator, heater and air conditioning
hoses for leaks or damage.
• Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean the wiper blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
• Check the headlight alignment.
• Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
• Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
• Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year:
• Clean the body and door drain holes.
• Lubricate the door hinges and checks, and hood hinges.
• Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
• Lubricate the door rubber weatherstrips.
• Check the air conditioning system.
• Check the power steering fluid level.
• Inspect and lubricate the automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
• Clean the battery and terminals.
• Check the brake/clutch fluid level.
See also:
2010 Kia Soul
Confession time: I’m in the target market for the Kia Soul and the vehicle’s engineers thought of something even I didn’t know I wanted.
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Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(1) TPMS malfunction indicator
(2) Low tire pressure telltale
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommende ...
Overheating
If your temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss
of power, or if you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated. Should any of
these sympto ...