Kia Sportage: Checking tyre inflation pressure

• Remove the cap from the tyre valve. Press a tyre pressure gauge firmly onto the valve stem to obtain a reading. If the pressure is below the recommended level, inflate the tyre until it reaches the specified pressure.

• If you add too much air, press the metal pin in the centre of the valve to release some. After checking or adjusting the pressure, refit the valve cap securely.

Warning

• Tyres that are overinflated or underinflated may wear out sooner, affect vehicle handling and fail suddenly. A tyre failure can cause loss of control and injury.

• Severe underinflation of 70 kPa (10 psi) or more can cause excessive heat build-up. This may lead to a blowout, tread separation or another tyre failure, potentially resulting in loss of control, serious injury or death. The risk increases in hot weather and during prolonged high-speed driving.

• Check tyre pressure, wear and condition frequently, and always use a tyre pressure gauge rather than relying on appearance.

• Incorrect tyre pressure can cause uneven wear, poor handling, loss of control or sudden tyre failure, which may lead to an accident, injury or death. The recommended cold tyre pressures for the Kia Sportage are listed in this manual and on the tyre label on the driver’s side centre pillar.

• Worn or damaged tyres can cause accidents. Replace tyres that are worn, unevenly worn or damaged.

• Check the spare tyre’s pressure as well. Kia recommends checking it whenever you check the other tyres.

Caution

• Underinflation increases tyre wear, worsens handling and reduces fuel economy. It can also deform the wheel. Maintain the specified pressure. If a tyre repeatedly needs air, have it inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

• Overinflation can make the ride harsh, wear the centre of the tread excessively and increase the chance of damage from road hazards.

• Warm tyres normally have a pressure 28–41 kPa (4–6 psi) above the recommended cold pressure. Do not release air from warm tyres to bring them down to the cold-pressure specification; they may then be underinflated once cold.

• Always refit the valve caps. Without a cap, dirt or moisture can enter the valve core and cause air to leak. Replace a missing cap as soon as possible.

• Follow these practices when checking and maintaining tyre pressure:

  • Check pressure only when the tyres are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or has been driven less than 1.6 km (one mile) since starting.

  • Check the spare tyre whenever you check the pressure of the other tyres.

  • Do not exceed the vehicle’s load limit. If the Kia Sportage has a luggage rack, take care not to overload it.

  • Old or badly worn tyres can cause accidents. Replace tyres with badly worn tread or visible damage.

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