KIA Niro Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Instruction — part 31

8 21

Maintenance

Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions

Severe Driving Conditions

A - Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in nor-

mal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in freezing temperature

B - Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances
C - Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt- spread roads
D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold

weather

E - Driving in heavy dust condition.
F - Driving in heavy traffic area.
G - Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain roads repeatedly.
H - Towing a trailer or using a camper on roof rack.
I - Driving for patrol car, taxi, other commercial use of vehicle towing.
J - Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h).
K - Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions.

The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer

to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals.
R : Replace I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary

MAINTENANCE ITEM

MAINTENANCE

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVALS

DRIVING CONDITION

Engine oil and filter

R

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months

A, B, C, D, E, F, G,
H, I, J, K

Air cleaner filter

R

More frequently

C, E

Spark plugs

R

More frequently

B, H

Dual clutch transmission fluid

R

Every 75,000 miles (120,000 km)

C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J

HSG (Hybrid Starter & Generator) belt

R

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months C, D, E, K

I

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months

C, D, E, K

Front brake disc/pads, calipers

I

More frequently

C, D, G, H

Rear brake disc/pads

I

More frequently

C, D, G, F

Parking brake

I

More frequently

C, D, G, H

Steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball
joint, upper arm ball joint

I

More frequently

C, D, E, F, G, H, I

Drive shafts and boots

I

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months

C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J

Climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)

R

More frequently

C, E

Suspension mounting bolts

I

More frequently

C, D, E, F, G, H, I

Maintenance

22

8

EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS

Engine oil and filter

The engine oil and filter should be
changed at the intervals specified in
the maintenance schedule. If the
vehicle is being driven in severe con-
ditions, more frequent oil and filter
changes are required.

HSG (Hybrid starter & genera-
tor) belt

The HSG belt should be changed at
the intervals specified in the mainte-
nance schedule.

Fuel filter (for gasoline)

Kia gasoline vehicle is equipped a
lifetime fuel filter that integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance
or replacement is not needed but
depends on fuel quality. If there are
some important safety matters like
fuel flow restriction, surging, loss of
power, hard starting problem etc, fuel
filter inspection or replace is needed.
The fuel filter be Inspected or
replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.

Fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nections

Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses and
connections for leakage and dam-
age. Have an authorized Kia dealer
replace any damaged or leaking
parts immediately.

Vapor hose and fuel filler cap

The vapor hose and fuel filler cap
should be inspected at those inter-
vals specified in the maintenance
schedule. Make sure that a new
vapor hose or fuel filler cap is cor-
rectly replaced.

8 23

Maintenance

Vacuum crankcase ventilation
hoses

Inspect the surface of hoses for evi-
dence of heat and/or mechanical
damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and
excessive swelling indicate deterio-
ration. Particular attention should be
paid to examine those hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such
as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect the hose routing to assure
that the hoses do not come in con-
tact with any heat source, sharp
edges or moving component which
might cause heat damage or
mechanical wear. Inspect all hose
connections, such as clamps and
couplings, to make sure they are
secure, and that no leaks are pres-
ent. Hoses should be replaced
immediately if there is any evidence
of deterioration or damage.

Air cleaner filter

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

Spark plugs

Make sure to install new spark plugs
of the correct heat range.

Cooling system

Check the cooling system compo-
nents, such as the radiator, coolant
reservoir, hoses and connections for
leakage and damage. Replace any
damaged parts.

Coolant (Engine / Inverter)

The coolant should be changed at
the intervals specified in the mainte-
nance schedule.

Dual clutch transmission Fluid

Inspect the dual clutch transmission
fluid according to the maintenance
schedule.

Brake hoses and lines

Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and
any leakage. Replace any deteriorat-
ed or damaged parts immediately.

Maintenance

24

8

✽

✽

NOTICE -

NHTSA Safety
Corrosion Alert

NHTSA has warned all vehicle own-
ers of all brands that they must main-
tain their vehicles in a manner which
will prevent brake hose and brake line
failures due to corrosion when such
vehicles are exposed to winter road
salt and related chemicals. While seri-
ous corrosion conditions typically only
manifest themselves as safety issues
after 7 years of vehicle use, the corro-
sion process starts immediately and
thus underbody cleaning maintenance
must commence from your vehicle's
first exposure to road salts and chem-
icals. NHTSA urges vehicle owners to
take the following steps to prevent
corrosion:

(Continued)

(Continued)
1. Wash the undercarriage of your

vehicle regularly throughout the
winter and do a thorough washing
in the spring to remove road salt
and other de-icing chemicals.

2. Monitor the brake system for

signs of corrosion by having regu-
lar professional inspections and
watching for signs of problems,
including loss of brake fluid,
unusual leaks and soft or spongy
feel in the brake pedal.

3. Replace the entire brake pipe

assembly if you find severe corro-
sion that causes scaling or flaking
of brake components.

Brake fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. The level should
be between “MIN” and “MAX” marks
on the side of the reservoir. Use only
hydraulic brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification.

Parking brake

Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake pedal
and cables.

Brake discs, pads, calipers
and rotors

Check the pads for excessive wear,
discs for run out and wear, and
calipers for fluid leakage.

8 25

Maintenance

Exhaust pipe and muffler

Visually inspect the exhaust pipes,
muffler and hangers for cracks, dete-
rioration, or damage. Start the
engine and listen carefully for any
exhaust gas leakage. Tighten con-
nections or replace parts as neces-
sary.

Suspension mounting bolts

Check the suspension connections
for looseness or damage. Retighten
to the specified torque.

Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball joint

With the vehicle stopped and engine
off, check for excessive free-play in
the steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or dam-
age. Check the dust boots and ball
joints for deterioration, cracks, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts.

Drive shafts and boots

Check the drive shafts, boots and
clamps for cracks, deterioration, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts and, if necessary, repack the
grease.

Air conditioning refrigerant

Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and dam-
age.

When checking engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid,
always be sure to clean the area
around any filler plug, drain plug, or
dipstick before checking or draining
any lubricant or fluid. This is espe-
cially important in dusty or sandy
areas and when the vehicle is used
on unpaved roads. Cleaning the plug
and dipstick areas will prevent dirt
and grit from entering the engine and
other mechanisms that could be
damaged.

CHECKING FLUID LEVELS

Maintenance

26

8

ENGINE OIL

Checking the engine oil level

1. Be sure the vehicle is on level

ground.

2. Start the engine and allow it to

reach normal operating tempera-
ture.

3. Turn the engine off and wait for a

few minutes (about 5 minutes) for
the oil to return to the oil pan.

4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean,

and reinsert it fully.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and

check the level. The level should
be between F and L.

If it is near or at L, add enough oil to
bring the level to F.

Do not overfill.

Use a funnel to help prevent oil
from being spilled on engine com-
ponents.

Use only the specified engine oil.
(Refer to “Recommended lubricants
and capacities” in chapter 9.)

CAUTION -

Replacing
engine oil

Do not overfill the engine oil. It
may damage the engine.

WARNING

- Radiator hose

Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may
be hot enough to burn you.

ODE076002

■

Gasoline Engine (Kappa 1.6L-GDI)

ODE076003

■

Gasoline Engine (Kappa 1.6L-GDI)

8 27

Maintenance

Changing the engine oil and
filter

Have engine oil and filter changed by
an authorized Kia dealer according
to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this chapter.

CALIFORNIA PROPO-

SITION 65 WARNING

Engine oil contains chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects
and reproductive harm. Used
engine oil may cause irritation or
cancer of the skin if left in con-
tact with the skin for prolonged
periods of time. Always protect
your skin by washing your
hands thoroughly with soap and
warm water as soon as possible
after handling used oil.

Maintenance

28

8

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 cli-
mate.

Checking the coolant level

• 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 cool-
ing 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.
The engine coolant and/or inverter
coolant level is influenced by the
hybrid system temperature. Before
checking or refilling the engine
coolant and/or inverter coolant,
turn the hybrid vehicle off.

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.

CAUTION -

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.

8 29

Maintenance

Engine coolant

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 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 protec-
tion against freezing and corrosion.
Bring the level to MAX, but do not
overfill. If frequent additions are
required, see an authorized Kia deal-
er for a cooling system inspection.

Inverter coolant

The coolant level should be filled
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the coolant reservoir when
the engine is cool.

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 pres-
sure and vehicle speed. it may
sometimes operate even when
the engine is not running.

ODE076005

ODE076053

■

Hybrid

ODEP077053

■

Plug-in Hybrid

Maintenance

30

8

If the coolant level is low, add enough
specified coolant to provide protec-
tion against freezing and corrosion.
Bring the level to MAX, but do not
overfill. If frequent additions are
required, see an authorized Kia deal-
er for a cooling system inspection.

Recommended 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 fac-
tory. An improper coolant mixture
can result in serious malfunction or
engine damage.

• The engine in your vehicle has alu-

minum 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 spec-
ified 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.

For mixture percentage, refer to the
following table.

Ambient

Temperature

Mixture Percentage

(volume)

Antifreeze

Water

5°F (-15°C)

35

65

-13°F (-25°C)

40

60

-31°F (-35°C)

50

50

-49°F (-45°C)

60

40

8 31

Maintenance

✽

✽

NOTICE

Make sure the coolant cap is proper-
ly closed after refill of coolant.
Otherwise the engine could be over-
heated while driving.

1. Check if the radiator cap label is

straight In front.

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.

■

Inverter coolant reservoir cap (Hybrid)

■

Engine coolant reservoir cap

ODE076004

■

Inverter coolant reservoir cap (Plug-in Hybrid)

ODEP077004

ODE076006

OQL075072

■ Engine room front view

Maintenance

32

8

2. Make sure that the tiny protru-

sions inside the coolant cap
should be securely interlocked.

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 over-
flowing into engine parts such
as the generator.

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■ Engine room rear view

8 33

Maintenance

BRAKE FLUID

Checking the brake fluid level

Check the fluid level in the reservoir
periodically. The fluid level should be
between MAX (Maximum) and MIN
(Minimum) marks on the side of the
reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap
and adding brake fluid, clean the
area around the reservoir cap thor-
oughly to prevent brake fluid contam-
ination.

If the level is low, add fluid to the
MAX (Maximum) level. The level will
fall with accumulated mileage. This is
a normal condition associated with
the wear of brake linings. If the fluid
level is excessively low, have the
brake system checked by an author-
ized Kia dealer.

Use only the specified brake fluid.
(Refer to “Recommended lubricants
and capacities” in chapter 9.)

Never mix different types of fluid.

In the event the brake system
requires frequent additions of fluid,
the vehicle should be inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.
When changing and adding brake
fluid, handle it carefully. Do not let it
come in contact with your eyes. If
brake fluid should come in contact
with your eyes, immediately flush
them with a large quantity of fresh
tap water. Have your eyes examined
by a doctor as soon as possible.

Brake fluid, which has been exposed
to open air for an extended time
should never be used as its quality
cannot be guaranteed. It should be
disposed of properly.

CAUTION

- Brake fluid

Do not allow brake fluid to con-
tact the vehicle's body paint, as
paint damage will result.

CAUTION

- Proper fluid

Only use brake fluid in brake
system.

Small amounts of

improper fluids (such as engine
oil) can cause damage to the
brake system.

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Maintenance

34

8

ENGINE CLUTCH ACTUATOR FLUID

Checking the engine clutch
actuator fluid level

In normal driving conditions, the
actuator fluid level does not go down
rapidly. However, oil consumption
rate may rise as vehicle mileage
increases, and leakage in actuator
related parts may result in increased
consumption of the engine clutch
actuator oil. Regularly check and
make sure the engine clutch actuator
oil fluid level is between [MIN] and
[MAX] marks.
If the oil level is below [MIN] mark,
we recommend that your vehicle be
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

If the fluid level is excessively low, we
recommend that the system be
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Use only the specified engine clutch
actuator fluid.
(Refer to “Recommended lubricants
or capacities” in chapter 9.)

Never mix different types of fluid.

✽

✽

NOTICE

- Loss of engine

clutch actuator fluid

In the event the engine clutch actua-
tor requires frequent additions of
fluid, we recommend that the system
be inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer.

WARNING

- Engine clutch

actuator fluid

When changing and adding
engine clutch actuator fluid,
handle it carefully. Do not let it
come in contact with your eyes.
If engine clutch actuator fluid
should come in contact with
your eyes, immediately flush
them with a large quantity of
fresh tap water. Have your eyes
examined by a doctor as soon
as possible.

ODE076057

8 35

Maintenance

CAUTION

Do not allow engine clutch actu-
ator fluid to contact the vehi-
cle's body paint, as paint dam-
age will result. The engine
clutch actuator fluid, which has
been exposed to open air for an
extended time should never be
used as its quality cannot be
guaranteed. It should be proper-
ly disposed. Don't put in the
wrong kind of fluid. A few drops
of mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in your engine clutch
actuator system can damage
engine clutch actuator system
parts.

Maintenance

36

8

WASHER FLUID

Checking the washer fluid
level

The reservoir is translucent so that
you can check the level with a quick
visual inspection.
Check the fluid level in the washer
fluid reservoir and add fluid if neces-
sary. Plain water may be used if
washer fluid is not available.
However, use washer solvent with
antifreeze characteristics in cold cli-
mates to prevent freezing.

WARNING

- Flammable

fluid

Do not allow the washer fluid to
come in contact with open
flames or sparks.The windshield
washer fluid reservoir is flamma-
ble under certain circumstances.
This can result in a fire.

WARNING

- Windshield

fluid

Do not drink the windshield
washer fluid. The windshield
washer fluid is poisonous to
humans and animals.

WARNING

- Coolant

• Do not use radiator coolant or

antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir.

• Radiator coolant can severely

obscure visibility when sprayed
on the windshield and may
cause loss of vehicle control.

ODE076009