Kia Soul (2020 year). Owner's manual — part 28

Maintenance

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7

Air cleaner filter

Air cleaner filter

A Genuine Kia air cleaner filter is
recommended when the filter is
replaced.

Replacing air cleaner filter

Air cleaner filter must be replaced
when necessary, and should not be
washed.

You can clean the filter when
inspecting the air cleaner element.
Clean the filter by using compressed
air.
1. Loosen the air cleaner cover

attaching clips and open the cover.

2. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner.

3. Replace the air cleaner filter.
4. Lock the cover with the cover

attaching clips.

Replace the filter according to the
Maintenance Schedule.

If the vehicle is operated in
extremely dusty or sandy areas,
replace the element more often
than the usual recommended inter-
vals. (Refer to "Maintenance Under
Severe Usage Conditions - Non
Turbo Models" on page 7-11.)

CAUTION

Air filter maintenance
䳜 Do not drive with the air cleaner

removed; this will result in exces-
sive engine wear.

䳜 When removing the air cleaner fil-

ter, be careful that dust or dirt
does not enter the air intake, or
damage may result.

䳜 Use a Kia genuine part. Use of a

non-genuine part could damage
the air flow sensor.

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7

Maintenance

Climate control air filter

Climate control air filter

The climate control air filter should
be replaced according to the main-
tenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated in severely air-polluted
cities or on dusty rough roads for a
long period, it should be inspected
more frequently and replaced ear-
lier.

Inspecting and replacing climate
control air filter

When you replace the climate con-
trol air filter, replace it performing
the following procedure, and be
careful to avoid damaging other
components.

1. Open the glove box.

2. With the glove box open, pull the

support strap (1). Push in Both
sides (2) of the glove box as
shown.

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Maintenance

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Wiper blades

3. Replace the climate control air fil-

ter.

4. Reassemble in the reverse order

of disassembly.

When replacing the climate control
air filter install it properly. Other-
wise, the system may produce noise
and the effectiveness of the filter
may be reduced.

Wiper blades

When the wipers no longer clean
adequately, the blades may be worn
or cracked, and require replacement.

To prevent damage to the wiper
arms or other components, do not
attempt to move the wipers manu-
ally.

The use of a non-specified wiper
blade could result in wiper malfunc-
tion and failure.

Blade inspection

Commercial hot waxes applied by
automatic vehicle washes have been
known to make the windshield diffi-
cult to clean.

Contamination of either the wind-
shield or the wiper blades with for-
eign matter can reduce the
effectiveness of the windshield wip-
ers. Common sources of contamina-
tion are insects, tree sap, and hot
wax treatments used by some com-
mercial vehicle washes. If the blades

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7

7

Maintenance

Wiper blades

are not wiping properly, clean both
the window and the blades with a
good cleaner or mild detergent, and
rinse thoroughly with clean water.

CAUTION

Wiper blades
To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gasoline, kero-
sene, paint thinner, or other sol-
vents on or near them.

Replacing front windshield wiper
blade

Type A
1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the

wiper blade assembly to expose
the plastic locking clip.

CAUTION

Wiper arms
䳜 Do not allow the wiper arm to fall

against the windshield, since it
may chip or crack the windshield.

䳜 Do not pull wiper arm forward,

since arm could chip hood paint.

2. Compress the clip and slide the

blade assembly downward.

3. Lift it off the arm.

4. Install the blade assembly in the

reverse order of removal.

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Maintenance

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Wiper blades

Type B
1. Raise the wiper arm.
2. Lift up the wiper blade clip. Then

pull down the blade assembly and
remove it.

3. Install the new blade assembly.

4. Return the wiper arm on the

windshield.

5. Turn ignition to the ON position

and wiper arms will return to the
normal operating position.

Replacing rear window wiper blade
1. Raise the wiper arm and pull out

the wiper blade assembly.

2. Install the new blade assembly by

inserting the center part into the
slot in the wiper arm until it clicks
into place.

3. Make sure the blade assembly is

installed firmly by trying to pull it
slightly.

To prevent damage to the wiper
arms or other components, have an
authorized Kia dealer replace the
wiper blade.

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7

7

Maintenance

Battery

Battery

The battery powers the engine in
order to move the vehicle as well as
supplying power to the various
devices installed in the vehicle.

For best battery service

䳜 Keep the battery securely

mounted.

䳜 Keep the battery top clean and

dry.

䳜 Keep the terminals and connec-

tions clean, tight, and coated with
petroleum jelly or terminal
grease.

䳜 Rinse any spilled electrolyte from

the battery immediately with a
solution of water and baking soda.

䳜 If the vehicle is not going to be

used for an extended time, dis-
connect the battery cables.

WARNING

Risk of explosion

Keep lit cigarettes and all
other flames or sparks
away from the battery.

The battery contains
hydrogen -- a highly com-
bustible gas which will

explode if it comes in contact with a
flame or spark.

Keep batteries out of the
reach of children because
batteries contain highly
corrosive SULFURIC ACID

and electrolytes. Do not allow bat-
tery acid to contact your skin, eyes,
clothing or paint finish.

Wear eye protection when
charging or working near a
battery. Always provide
ventilation when working

in an enclosed space.

Always read the following
instructions carefully when
handling a battery.

If any electrolyte gets into
your eyes, flush your eyes
with clean water for at

least 15 minutes and get immediate
medical attention. If electrolyte gets
on your skin, thoroughly wash the
contacted area. If you feel pain or
burning sensation, get medical
attention immediately.

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Maintenance

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Battery

An inappropriately dis-
posed battery can be
harmful to the environ-
ment and human health.

Dispose the battery according to
your local law(s) or regulation.

The battery contains lead.
Do not dispose of it after
use. Please return the bat-

tery to an authorized Kia dealer to
be recycled.

Never attempt to recharge the bat-
tery when the battery cables are
connected.

WARNING

Risk of electrocution
Never touch the electrical ignition
system while the vehicle is running.
This system works with high volt-
age which can "zap" you.

NOTICE

If you connect unauthorized elec-
tronic devices to the battery, the
battery may be discharged. Never
use unauthorized devices.

WARNING

Recharging battery
Never attempt to recharge the bat-
tery when the battery cables are
connected.

WARNING

Battery lead compound
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.

Battery recharging

Your vehicle has a maintenance-
free, calcium-based battery
䳜 If the battery becomes discharged

in a short time (because, for
example, the headlights or inte-
rior lights were left on while the
vehicle was not in use), recharge it
by slow charging (trickle) for 10
hours.

䳜 If the battery gradually dis-

charges because of high electric
load while the vehicle is being
used, recharge it at 20~30 A for
two hours.

When recharging the battery,
observe the following precautions:
䳜 The battery must be removed

from the vehicle and placed in an
area with good ventilation.

䳜 Do not allow cigarettes, sparks, or

flame near the battery.

䳜 Watch the battery during

charging, and stop or reduce the
charging rate if the battery cells
begin gassing (boiling) violently or
if the temperature of the electro-

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Maintenance

Tires and wheels

lyte of any cell exceeds 49 C (120

F).

䳜 Wear eye protection when check-

ing the battery during charging.

䳜 Disconnect the battery charger in

the following order.
1. Turn off the battery charger

main switch.

2. Unhook the negative clamp

from the negative battery ter-
minal.

3. Unhook the positive clamp from

the positive battery terminal.

䳜 Before performing maintenance

or recharging the battery, turn
off all accessories and stop the
vehicle.

䳜 The negative battery cable must

be removed first and installed last
when the battery is disconnected.

Reset items

The following items should be reset
after the battery has been dis-
charged or the battery has been
disconnected.
䳜 Auto up/down window (Refer to

"Window opening and closing" on
page 4-26)

䳜 Trip computer (Refer to "Trip

information (Trip computer)" on
page 4-62)

䳜 Climate control system (Refer to

"Automatic climate control sys-
tem" on page 4-118)

Tires and wheels

For proper maintenance, safety, and
maximum fuel economy, you must
always maintain recommended tire
inflation pressures and stay within
the load limits and weight distribu-
tion recommended for your vehicle.

Recommended cold tire inflation
pressures

All tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. "Cold Tires"
means the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours or
driven less than 1.6 km (1 mile).

Recommended pressures must be
maintained for the best ride, vehicle
handling, and minimum tire wear.

For recommended inflation pres-
sure, refer to "Tires and wheels" on
page 8-4.

All specifications (sizes and pres-
sures) can be found on a label
attached to the driver's side center
pillar.

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Maintenance

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Tires and wheels

WARNING

Tire underinflation
Inflate your tires consistent with
the instructions provided in this
manual. Regularly check the tire
inflation pressure, and correct it as
needed: at least twice a month and
before any long trips on the road. If
you fail to observe this precaution,
you may be driving on underinflated
tires, which may not only compro-
mise your vehicle's driving stability,
but also lead to tire damage and the
risk of an accident. This risk is much
higher on hot days and when driving
for long periods at high speeds.

Failure to maintain specified pres-
sure may result in excessive wear,
poor handling, reduced fuel econ-
omy, deformation of tire and/or
wheel, harsh ride conditions, possi-
bility for additional damage from
road hazards, or result in tire failure.

Tire pressure

Always observe the following:
䳜 Check tire pressure when the tires

are cold. (After vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or
hasn't been driven more than 1.6
km (1 mile) since startup.)

䳜 Check the pressure of your spare

tire each time you check the pres-
sure of other tires.

䳜 Never overload your vehicle. Be

careful not to overload a vehicle
luggage rack if your vehicle is
equipped with one.

䳜 Warm tires normally exceed rec-

ommended cold tire pressures by
28 to 41 kPa (4 to 6 psi). Do not
release air from warm tires to
adjust the pressure or the tires
will be underinflated.

WARNING

Tire Inflation
Overinflation or underinflation can
reduce tire life, adversely affect
vehicle handling, and lead to sudden
tire failure. This could result in loss
of vehicle control and potential
injury.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Check your tires once a month or
more.

Use a good quality gauge to check
tire pressure. You cannot tell if your
tires are properly inflated simply by
looking at them. Radial tires may
look properly inflated even when
they're underinflated.

Check the tire's inflation pressure
when the tires are cold. "Cold"
means your vehicle has been sitting
or at least three hours or driven no
more than 1.6 km (1 mile).

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Maintenance

Tires and wheels

1. Remove the valve cap from the

tire valve stem.

2. Press the tire gauge firmly onto

the valve to get a pressure mea-
surement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recom-
mended pressure on the tire and
loading information label, no fur-
ther adjustment is necessary.

3. If the pressure is low, add air until

you reach the recommended
amount.

4. If you overfill the tire, release air

by pushing on the metal stem in
the center of the tire valve.

5. Recheck the tire pressure with

the tire gauge.

6. Be sure to put the valve caps back

on the valve stems. They help
prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.

Inspect your tires frequently for
proper inflation as well as wear and
damage. Always use a tire pressure
gauge.

Tires with too much or too little
pressure wear unevenly causing
poor handling, loss of vehicle con-
trol, and sudden tire failure leading
to accidents, injuries, and even
death. The recommended cold tire
pressure for your vehicle can be
found in this manual and on the tire
label located on the driver's side
center pillar.

Tire rotation

To equalize tread wear, it is recom-
mended that the tires be rotated
every 10,000 km (6,500 miles) or
sooner if irregular wear develops.

During rotation, check the tires for
correct balance.

When rotating tires, check for
uneven wear and damage. Abnormal
wear is usually caused by incorrect
tire pressure, improper wheel align-
ment, out of-balance wheels, severe
braking or severe cornering. Look
for bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of tire. Replace the tire if you
find either of these conditions.
Replace the tire if fabric or cord is
visible. After rotation, be sure to
bring the front and rear tire pres-
sures to specification and check lug
nut tightness.

Refer to "Tires and wheels" on page
8-4.

Disc brake pads should be inspected
for wear whenever tires are
rotated.

Rotate radial tires that have an
asymmetric tread pattern only from
front to rear and not from right to
left.

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Tires and wheels

WARNING

Mixing tires
Do not mix bias ply and radial ply
tires under any circumstances. This
may cause unusual handling charac-
teristics.

Wheel alignment and tire balance

The wheels on your vehicle were
aligned and balanced carefully at the
factory to give you the longest tire
life and best overall performance.

In most cases, you will not need to
have your wheels aligned again.
However, if you notice unusual tire
wear or your vehicle pulling one way
or the other, the alignment may
need to be reset.

If you notice your vehicle vibrating
when driving on a smooth road,
your wheels may need to be rebal-
anced.

CAUTION

Wheel weight
Improper wheel weights can dam-
age your vehicle's aluminum wheels.
Use only approved wheel weights.

Tire replacement

If the tire is worn evenly, a tread
wear indicator will appear as a solid
band across the tread.

This shows there is less than 1.6
mm (1/16 inch) of tread left on the
tire. Replace the tire when this hap-
pens.

Do not wait for the band to appear
across the entire tread before
replacing the tire.

The ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
works by comparing the speed of
the wheels. The tire size affects
wheel speed. When replacing tires,
all 4 tires must use the same size
originally supplied with the vehicle.
Using tires of a different size can
cause the ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys-
tem) and ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) to work irregularly.

It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possi-
ble, or necessary, then replace the
two front or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle's handling.

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7

Maintenance

Tires and wheels

NOTICE

We recommend that when replac-
ing tires, use the same originally
supplied with the vehicles. If not,
that affects driving performance.

Wheel replacement

When replacing the metal wheels
for any reason, make sure the new
wheels are equivalent to the original
factory units in diameter, rim width
and offset.

A wheel that is not the correct size
may adversely affect wheel and
bearing life, braking and stopping
abilities, handling characteristics,
ground clearance, body-to-tire
clearance, snow chain clearance,
speedometer and odometer calibra-
tion, headlight aim and bumper
height.

CAUTION

Wheels
Wheels that do not meet Kia specifi-
cations may fit poorly and result in
damage to the vehicle or unusual
handling and poor vehicle control.

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 control of the vehicle.

Tire maintenance

In addition to proper inflation, cor-
rect 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.

Maintenance

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7

Tires and wheels

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.

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 vehicle. The fol-
lowing explains what the letters and
numbers in the tire size designation
mean.

Example tire size designation:

(These numbers are provided as an
example only; your tire size desig-
nator could vary depending on your
vehicle.)

P235/65R17 108T
䳜 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).

䳜 235: Tire width in millimeters.
䳜 65: Aspect ratio. The tire's section

height as a percentage of its
width.

䳜 R: Tire construction code (Radial).
䳜 17: Rim diameter in inches.
䳜 108: Load Index, a numerical code

associated with the maximum
load the tire can carry.

䳜 T: Speed Rating Symbol. See the

speed rating chart in this section
for additional information.

Wheel size designation

Wheels are also marked with
important information that you
need if you ever have to replace one.
The following explains what the let-
ters and numbers in the wheel size
designation mean.
Example wheel size designation:
7.0JX17
䳜 7.0: Rim width in inches.
䳜 J: Rim contour designation.
䳜 17: Rim diameter in inches.

Tire speed ratings

The chart below lists many of the
different speed ratings currently
being used for passenger vehicle
tires. 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 operating speed.

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Maintenance

Tires and wheels

3. Checking tire life (TIN: Tire Iden

-

tification Number)

Any tires that are over 6 years old,
based on the manufacturing date,
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 numbers on a tire consisting of
numbers and English letters. The
manufacturing 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
numbers indicate week and year
manufactured.

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1619 represents
that the tire was produced in the
16th week of 2019.

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.

4. Tire ply composition and mate

-

rial

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

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 maxi-
mum permissible inflation pressure.
Refer to "Tire and loading informa-
tion label" on page 5-144 for rec-
ommended inflation pressure.

Speed Rating

Symbol

Maximum Speed

S

180 km/h (112 mph)

T

190 km/h (118 mph)

H

210 km/h (130 mph)

V

240 km/h (149 mph)

Z

Above 240 km/h (149 mph)

Maintenance

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Tires and wheels

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:
䳜 TREADWEAR 200
䳜 TRACTION AA
䳜 TEMPERATURE A

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 nor-
mal service. Heat caused by hot cli-
mate or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the aging
process.

Tread wear

The tread wear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate
of the tire when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified
government test course. For exam-
ple, a tire graded 150 would wear
one-and-a-half times (1 ) as well

on the government 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.
These grades are molded on the
side-walls of passenger vehicle
tires. The tires available as standard
or optional equipment on your vehi-
cle 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 tire's 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 perfor-
mance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction char-
acteristics.

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 labora-
tory test wheel.

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Maintenance

Tires and wheels

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. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.

Tire terminology and definitions

Refer to the following for detailed
definitions of the terms that are
found in the tire description.

Air Pressure The amount of air
inside the tire pressing outward on
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in
pounds per square inch (psi) or kilo-
pascal (kPa).

Accessory Weight This means the
combined weight of optional acces-
sories. Some examples of optional
accessories are automatic
transmission, power seats, and air
conditioning.

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
pounds per square inch (psi) or kilo-
pascals (kPa) 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 The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Num-
ber (TIN), an alphanumeric designa-
tor which can also identify the tire
manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.

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.