KIA Niro Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 33

8 53

Maintenance

Tire traction

Tire traction can be reduced if you
drive on worn tires, tires that are
improperly inflated or on slippery
road surfaces. Tires should be
replaced when tread wear indicators
appear. Slow down whenever there
is rain, snow or ice on the road, to
reduce the possibility of losing con-
trol of the vehicle.

Tire maintenance

In addition to proper inflation, correct
wheel alignment helps to decrease
tire wear. If you find a tire is worn
unevenly, have your dealer check the
wheel alignment.
When you have new tires installed,
make sure they are balanced. This
will increase vehicle ride comfort and
tire life. Additionally, a tire should
always be rebalanced if it is removed
from the wheel.

Tire sidewall labeling

This information identifies and
describes the fundamental charac-
teristics of the tire and also provides
the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The
TIN can be used to identify the tire in
case of a recall.

1. Manufacturer or brand name

Manufacturer or Brand name is
shown.

CAUTION

- Wheel

Wheels that do not meet Kia's
specifications may fit poorly
and result in damage to the
vehicle or unusual handling and
poor vehicle control.

OJF085008L

Maintenance

54

8

2. Tire size designation

A tire’s sidewall is marked with a tire
size designation. You will need this
information when selecting replace-
ment tires for your car. The following
explains what the letters and num-
bers in the tire size designation
mean.
Example tire size designation:
(These numbers are provided as an
example only; your tire size designa-
tor could vary depending on your
vehicle.)

P205/55R16 89H

P - Applicable vehicle type (tires

marked with the prefix “P’’ are
intended for use on passenger
vehicles or light trucks; however,
not all tires have this marking).

205 - Tire width in millimeters.
55 - Aspect ratio. The tire’s section

height as a percentage of its
width.

R - Tire construction code (Radial).
16 - Rim diameter in inches.

89 - Load Index, a numerical code

associated with the maximum
load the tire can carry.

H - Speed Rating Symbol. See the

speed rating chart in this section
for additional information.

Wheel size designation
Wheels are also marked with impor-
tant information that you need if you
ever have to replace one. The follow-
ing explains what the letters and
numbers in the wheel size designa-
tion mean.

Example wheel size designation:

6.0JX16

6.0 - Rim width in inches.
J - Rim contour designation.
16 - Rim diameter in inches.

Tire speed ratings
The chart below lists many of the dif-
ferent speed ratings currently being
used for passenger vehicles. The
speed rating is part of the tire size
designation on the sidewall of the
tire. This symbol corresponds to that
tire's designed maximum safe oper-
ating speed.

S

112 mph (180 km/h)

T

118 mph (190 km/h)

H

130 mph (210 km/h)

V

149 mph (240 km/h)

Z

Above 149 mph (240 km/h)

Maximum Speed

Speed

Rating

Symbol

8 55

Maintenance

3. Checking tire life (TIN : Tire

Identification Number)

Any tires that are over 6 years old,
based on the manufacturing date,
(including the spare tire) should be
replaced by new ones. You can find
the manufacturing date on the tire
sidewall (possibly on the inside of the
wheel), displaying the DOT Code.
The DOT Code is a series of num-
bers on a tire consisting of numbers
and English letters. The manufactur-
ing date is designated by the last four
digits (characters) of the DOT code.

DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO

The front part of the DOT means a
plant code number, tire size and
tread pattern and the last four num-
bers indicate week and year manu-
factured.
For example:
DOT XXXX XXXX 1617 represents
that the tire was produced in the 16th
week of 2017.

4. Tire ply composition and mate-

rial

The number of layers or plies of rub-
ber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
The letter "R" means radial ply con-
struction; the letter "D" means diago-
nal or bias ply construction; and the
letter "B" means belted-bias ply con-
struction.

5. Maximum permissible inflation

pressure

This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should be put in the
tire. Do not exceed the maximum per-
missible inflation pressure. Refer to
the Tire and Loading Information label
for recommended inflation pressure.

6. Maximum load rating

This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can
be carried by the tire. When replacing
the tires on the vehicle, always use a
tire that has the same load rating as
the factory installed tire.

7. Uniform tire quality grading

Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and maxi-
mum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 440
TRACTION A
TEMPERATURE A

WARNING

- Tire age

Replace tires within the recom-
mended time frame. Failure to
replace tires as recommended
can result in sudden tire failure,
which could lead to a loss of
control and an accident.

Maintenance

56

8

Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified govern-
ment test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one-and-a-
half times (1½) as well on the gov-
ernment course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.

Tires degrade over time, even when
they are not being used. Regardless
of the remaining tread, we recom-
mend that tires be replaced after
approximately six (6) years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates
or frequent high loading conditions
can accelerate the aging process.
These grades are molded on the
side-walls of passenger vehicle tires.
The tires available as standard or
optional equipment on your vehicles
may vary with respect to grade.

Traction - AA, A, B & C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those
grades represent the tires ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on spec-
ified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction perform-
ance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction char-
acteristics.

8 57

Maintenance

Temperature -A, B & C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C cor-
responds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the labora-
tory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.

Tire terminology and defini-
tions

Air Pressure:

The amount of air

inside the tire pressing outward on
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in
kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per
square inch (psi).

Accessory Weight:

This means the

combined weight of optional acces-
sories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, dual clutch trans-
mission, power seats, and air condi-
tioning.

Aspect Ratio:

The relationship of a

tire's height to its width.

Belt:

A rubber coated layer of cords

that is located between the plies and
the tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing materials.

Bead:

The tire bead contains steel

wires wrapped by steel cords that
hold the tire onto the rim.

Bias Ply Tire:

A pneumatic tire in

which the plies are laid at alternate
angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.

Cold Tire Pressure:

The amount of

air pressure in a tire, measured in
kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per
square inch (psi) before a tire has
built up heat from driving.

Curb Weight:

This means the weight

of a motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, but without passengers and
cargo.

DOT Markings:

A code molded into

the sidewall of a tire signifying that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor
vehicle safety standards. The DOT
code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric des-
ignator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.

Maintenance

58

8

GVWR:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

GAWR FRT:

Gross Axle Weight

Rating for the Front Axle.

GAWR RR:

Gross Axle Weight

Rating for the Rear axle.

Intended Outboard Sidewall:

The

side of an asymmetrical tire, that
must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.

Kilopascal (kPa):

The metric unit for

air pressure.

Light truck(LT) tire:

A tire designat-

ed by its manufacturer as primarily
intended for use on lightweight trucks
or multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Load Index:

An assigned number

ranging from 1 to 279 that corre-
sponds to the load carrying capacity
of a tire.

Load ratings:

The maximum load

that a tire is rated to carry for a given
inflation pressure.

Maximum Inflation Pressure:

The

maximum air pressure to which a
cold tire may be inflated. The maxi-
mum air pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.

Maximum Load Rating:

The load

rating for a tire at the maximum per-
missible inflation pressure for that
tire.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:

The sum of curb weight; accessory
weight; vehicle capacity weight; and
production options weight.

Normal Occupant Weight:

The

number of occupants a vehicle is
designed to seat multiplied by 150
lbs. (68kg).

Occupant Distribution:

Designated

seating positions.

Outward Facing Sidewall:

The side

of a asymmetrical tire that has a par-
ticular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The outward
facing sidewall bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same moldings on
the inner facing sidewall.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:

A tire

used on passenger cars and some
light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.

Ply:

A layer of rubber-coated parallel

cords

Pneumatic tire:

A mechanical

device made of rubber, chemicals,
fabric and steel or other materials,
that, when mounted on an automo-
tive wheel, provides the traction and
contains the gas or fluid that sustains
the load.

8 59

Maintenance

Production options weight:

The

combined weight of installed regular
production options weighing over 5
lb.(2.3 kg) in excess of the standard
items which they replace, not previ-
ously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy
duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Recommended Inflation Pressure:

Vehicle manufacturer's recommend-
ed tire inflation pressure and shown
on the tire placard.

Radial Ply Tire:

A pneumatic tire in

which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.

Rim:

A metal support for a tire and

upon which the tire beads are seat-
ed.

Sidewall:

The portion of a tire

between the tread and the bead.

Speed Rating:

An alphanumeric

code assigned to a tire indicating the
maximum speed at which a tire can
operate.

Traction:

The friction between the

tire and the road surface. The
amount of grip provided.

Tread:

The portion of a tire that

comes into contact with the road.

Treadwear Indicators:

Narrow

bands, sometimes called "wear
bars," that show across the tread of a
tire when only 1/16 inch of tread
remains.

UTQGS:

Uniform Tire Quality

Grading Standards, a tire information
system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire's traction, tempera-
ture and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing proce-
dures. The ratings are molded into
the sidewall of the tire.

Vehicle Capacity Weight:

The num-

ber of designated seating positions
multiplied by 150 lbs. (68kg) plus the
rated cargo and luggage load.

Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire:

Load on an individual tire due

to curb and accessory weight plus
maximum occupant and cargo
weight.

Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire:

Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the curb weight,
accessory weight, and normal occu-
pant weight and driving by 2.

Vehicle Placard:

A label permanent-

ly attached to a vehicle showing the
original equipment tire size and rec-
ommended inflation pressure.

Maintenance

60

8

All season tires

Kia specifies all season tires on
some models to provide good per-
formance for use all year round,
including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All season tires are identified
by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud
and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow
tires have better snow traction than
all season tires and may be more
appropriate in some areas.

Summer tires

Kia specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior perform-
ance on dry roads. Summer tire per-
formance is substantially reduced in
snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M+S
(Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions, Kia recom-
mends the use of snow tires or all
season tires on all four wheels.

Snow tires

If you equip your car with snow tires,
they should be the same size and
have the same load capacity as the
original tires. Snow tires should be
installed on all four wheels; other-
wise, poor handling may result.
Snow tires should carry 4 psi (28
kPa) more air pressure than the
pressure recommended for the stan-
dard tires on the tire label on the dri-
ver's side of the center pillar, or up to
the maximum pressure shown on the
tire sidewall, whichever is less.
Do not drive faster than 75 mph (120
km/h) when your vehicle is equipped
with snow tires.

Tire chains

Tire chains, if necessary, should be
installed on the front wheels.
Be sure that the chains are installed
in accordance with the manufactur-
er's instructions.
To minimize tire and chain wear, do
not continue to use tire chains when
they are no longer needed.
• When driving on roads covered

with snow or ice, drive at less than
20 mph (30 km/h).

• Use the SAE “S” class or wire

chains.

• If you hear noise caused by chains

contacting the body, retighten the
chain to avoid contact with the
vehicle body.

• To prevent body damage, retighten

the chains after driving 0.3~0.6
miles (0.5~1.0 km).

• Do not use tire chains on vehicles

equipped with aluminum wheels.
In unavoidable circumstances, use
a wire type chain.

• Use wire chains less than 0.47

inches (12 mm) to prevent damage
to the chain’s connection.

8 61

Maintenance

Radial-ply tires

Radial-ply tires provide improved
tread life, road hazard resistance and
smoother high speed ride. The radi-
al-ply tires used on this vehicle are
of belted construction and are select-
ed to complement the ride and han-
dling characteristics of your vehicle.
Radial-ply tires have the same load
carrying capacity as bias-ply or bias
belted tires of the same size and use
the same recommended inflation
pressure. Mixing of radial-ply tires
with bias-ply or bias belted tires is
not recommended. Any combina-
tions of radial-ply and bias-ply or bias
belted tires when used on the same
vehicle will seriously deteriorate
vehicle handling. The best rule to fol-
low is: identical radial-ply tires should
always be used as a set of four.

Longer wearing tires can be more
susceptible to irregular tread wear. It
is very important to follow the tire
rotation interval shown in this section
to achieve the tread life potential of
these tires. Cuts and punctures in
radial-ply tires are repairable only in
the tread area, because of sidewall
flexing. Consult your tire dealer for
radial-ply tire repairs.

Low aspect ratio tire
(if equipped)

Low aspect ratio tires, whose aspect
ratio is lower than 50, are provided
for sporty looks.
Because the low aspect ratio tires
are optimized for handling and brak-
ing, it may be more uncomfortable to
ride in and there is more noise com-
pare with normal tires.

Maintenance

62

8

• It is not easy to recognize the tire

damage with your own eyes. But if
there is the slightest hint of tire
damage, even though you cannot
see it, have the tire checked or
replaced because the tire damage
may cause air leakage from the tire.

• If the tire is damaged by driving on

a rough road, off road, pothole,
manhole, or curb stone, it will not
be covered by the warranty.

• You can find out the tire information

on the tire sidewall.

CAUTION

Because the sidewall of the low
aspect ratio tire is shorter than
the normal, the wheel and tire of
the low aspect ratio tire is easi-
er to be damaged. So, follow the
instructions below.
• When driving on a rough road

or off road, drive cautiously
because tires and wheels may
be damaged. And after driv-
ing, inspect tires and wheels.

• When passing over a pothole,

speed bump, manhole, or curb
stone, drive slowly so that the
tires and wheels are not dam-
aged.

• If the tire is impacted, we rec-

ommend that you inspect the
tire condition or contact an
authorized Kia dealer.

• To prevent damage to the tire,

inspect the tire condition and
pressure every 1,900 miles
(3,000 km).

8 63

Maintenance

FUSES

❈ Left side : Normal , Right side : Blown

A vehicle’s electrical system is pro-
tected from electrical overload dam-
age by fuses.
This vehicle has 2 (or 3) fuse panels,
one located in the driver’s side panel
bolster, the other in the engine com-
partment near the battery.
If any of your vehicle’s lights, acces-
sories, or controls do not work, check
the appropriate circuit fuse. If a fuse
has blown, the element inside the
fuse will melt.
If the electrical system does not
work, first check the driver’s side
fuse panel.
Always replace a blown fuse with
one of the same rating.
If the replacement fuse blows, this
indicates an electrical problem. Avoid
using the system involved and imme-
diately consult an authorized Kia
dealer.
Three kinds of fuses are used: blade
type for lower amperage rating, car-
tridge type, and multi fuse for higher
amperage ratings.

• Do not arbitrarily modify or add-on

electric wiring to the vehicle.

WARNING

- Fuse replace-

ment

• Never replace a fuse with any-

thing but another fuse of the
same rating.

• A higher capacity fuse could

cause damage and possibly a
fire.

• Never install a wire or alu-

minum foil instead of the
proper fuse - even as a tem-
porary repair. It may cause
extensive wiring damage and
a possible fire.

CAUTION

Do not use a screwdriver or any
other metal object to remove
fuses because it may cause a
short circuit and damage the
system.

OJF075021

■ Blade type

■ Cartridge type

■ Multi fuse

■ BFT

Maintenance

64

8

✽

✽

NOTICE

• When replacing fuse, turn the

ignition “OFF” and turn off
switches of all electrical devices
then remove battery (-) terminal.

• The actual fuse/relay panel label

may differ from equipped items.

Inner panel fuse replacement

1. Turn the engine start/stop button

to the OFF position and all other
switches off.

2. Open the fuse panel cover.
If the switch is located in the “OFF”
position, a caution indicator will be
displayed in the cluster.

WARNING

- Electrical Fire

Always ensure replacements
fuses and relays are securely
fastened when installed. Failure
to do so can result in a vehicle
fire.

CAUTION

• When replacing a blown fuse

or relay, make sure the new
fuse or relay fits tightly into
the clips. Failure to tightly
install the fuse or relay may
cause damage to the wiring
and electric systems.

• Do not remove fuses, relays

and terminals fastened with
bolts or nuts. The fuses, relays
and terminals may not be fas-
tened correctly which may
cause vehicle damage.

ODE076017

8 65

Maintenance

3. Pull the suspected fuse straight

out. Use the removal tool provided
on the engine compartment fuse
panel cover.

4. Check the removed fuse; replace it

if it is blown.

Spare fuses are provided in the
engine compartment fuse panel.

5. Push in a new fuse of the same

rating, and make sure it fits tightly
in the clips.

If it fits loosely, consult an authorized
Kia dealer.

If you do not have a spare, use a
fuse of the same rating from a circuit
you may not need for operating the
vehicle, such as the power outlet
fuse.
If the head lamp, turn signal lamp,
stop signal lamp, fog lamp, DRL, tail
lamp, HMSL do not work and the
fuses are OK, check the fuse panel
in the engine compartment. If a fuse
is blown, it must be replaced.

✽

✽

NOTICE

If the headlamp, fog lamp, turn sig-
nal lamp, or tail lamp malfunction
even without any problem to the
lamps, have the vehicle checked by
an authorized Kia dealer for assis-
tance.

CAUTION -

Fuse Panel
Covers

• Set all switches to ON before

driving.

• If the vehicle is going to be

unused for over 1 month, set
all switches to OFF to prevent
the batteries from draining.

• The contact points of the

switches may wear out with
excessive use. Please refrain
from excessive use of the
switches (except for long-term
parking for over 1 month).

ODE076020

Maintenance

66

8

Fuse switch

Always set the fuse switch to the ON
position before using the vehicle.
If you move the switch to the OFF
position, some items such as audio
and digital clock must be reset and
transmitter (or smart key) may not
work properly. When the switch is
Off, the caution indicator will be dis-
played on the instrument cluster.
Always place the fuse switch in the
ON position while driving the vehicle.
If the switch is located in the “OFF”
position, a caution indicator will be
displayed in the cluster.

Engine compartment fuse
replacement

1. Turn the engine start/stop button

to the OFF position and all other
switches off.

2. Remove the fuse panel cover by

pressing the tab and pulling the
cover up. When the blade type
fuse is disconnected, remove it by
using the clip designed for chang-
ing fuses located in the engine
compartment fuse box. Upon
removal, securely insert reserve
fuse of the same rating.

3. Check the removed fuse; replace it

if it is blown. To remove or insert
the fuse, use the fuse puller in the
engine compartment fuse panel.

4. Push in a new fuse of the same

rating, and make sure it fits tightly
in the clips. If it fits loosely, consult
an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

After checking the fuse panel in
the engine compartment,
securely install the fuse panel
cover through the audible click-
ing sound.
If not, electrical failures may
occur from water contact.

ODE076018

ODE076021

8 67

Maintenance

Multi fuse

If the multi fuse is blown, it must be
removed as follows:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Disconnect the negative battery

cable.

3. Remove the nuts shown in the pic-

ture above.

4. Replace the fuse with a new one

of the same rating.

5. Reverse these steps to reinstall

the multi fuse.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Do not disassemble nor assemble the
multi fuse when it is secured with
nuts and bolts. Incorrect or partial
assembly torque may cause a fire.
Have the vehicle checked by an
authorized Kia dealer.

Main fuse (Plug-in Hybrid)

If the multi fuse is blown, it must be
removed as follows:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Disconnect the negative battery

cable.

3. Remove the nuts shown in the pic-

ture above.

4. Replace the fuse with a new one

of the same rating.

5. Reverse these steps to reinstall

the multi fuse.

ODE076022

ODE076023

Maintenance

68

8

✽

✽

NOTICE

The electronic system may not func-
tion correctly even when the engine
compartment and internal fuse
box’s individual fuses are not dis-
connected. In such case the cause of
the problem may be disconnection
of the main fuse (BFT type), which is
located inside the positive battery
terminal (+) cap.
Since the main fuse is designed more
intricately than other parts, have the
vehicle checked by an authorized
Kia dealer.

✽

✽

NOTICE

- Remodeling

Prohibited

Do not rewire your vehicle in any
way as doing so may affect the per-
formance of several safety features
in your vehicle. Rewiring your vehi-
cle may also void your warranty and
cause you to be responsible for any
subsequent vehicle damage which
may result.

CAUTION

Visually inspect the battery cap
to ensure it is securely closed.
If the battery cap is not securely
closed, moisture may enter the
system and damage the electri-
cal components.

WARNING

- Random

wiring prohibited when
retrofitting equipment

Use of random wiring in the
vehicle might cause danger due
to failure and damage of the
vehicle’s performance.
Using random wires especially
when retrofitting AVN or theft
alarm system, remote engine
control, car phone or radio
might damage the vehicle or
cause fire.