Kia Sportage: Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Items

Engine oil and filter

Change the engine oil and filter at the intervals listed in the Kia Sportage maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is used in severe driving conditions, replace them more frequently as specified in the schedule.

Drive belts

Inspect all drive belts for cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil contamination. Replace a belt if it is damaged, and check its tension regularly, adjusting it as needed.

Caution

Before inspecting a belt, make sure the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is in the LOCK/OFF or ACC position.

Mild hybrid starter and generator belts

On Kia Sportage models equipped with a mild hybrid system, inspect the starter and generator belts for cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil contamination. Replace damaged belts and check their tension periodically, adjusting it when necessary.

Caution

Before inspecting a belt, make sure the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is in the LOCK/OFF or ACC position.

Fuel filter cartridge (diesel engine)

A clogged fuel filter can restrict vehicle performance, affect the emission control system and cause problems such as difficult starting. If a large amount of foreign matter collects in the fuel tank, the filter may need to be replaced more often than scheduled.

After fitting a new filter, run the engine for several minutes and inspect the connections for leaks. Have the fuel filter replaced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Fuel filter (petrol engine)

Kia petrol vehicles use a lifetime fuel filter integrated into the fuel tank. Routine replacement is not normally required, although fuel quality can affect its condition. If you notice restricted fuel flow, surging, loss of power or difficult starting, have the filter inspected and replaced if necessary.

Have the fuel filter inspected or replaced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Fuel lines, hoses and connections

Inspect the fuel lines, hoses and connections for leaks or damage. If any part is worn or damaged, have it replaced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Warning

Diesel engines only

Never work on the injection system while the engine is running or during the 30 seconds immediately after it has been switched off. The high-pressure pump, fuel rail, injectors and pipes can remain pressurised after the engine stops. Fuel escaping as a high-pressure spray can cause serious injury if it contacts the body. Anyone using a cardiac pacemaker should stay at least 30 cm (12 inches) from the engine control unit and engine-room wiring while the engine is running, because the high currents in the Common Rail system generate strong magnetic fields.

Vapour hose and fuel filler cap (petrol engine)

Inspect the vapour hose and fuel filler cap at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. When replacing either part, make sure the new component is installed correctly.

Vacuum crankcase ventilation hoses

Check the hose surfaces for heat damage or mechanical wear. Hardened or brittle rubber, cracks, tears, cuts, abrasions and excessive swelling are signs of deterioration. Pay particular attention to sections close to heat sources such as the exhaust manifold.

Check that the hoses are routed clear of hot surfaces, sharp edges and moving parts that could cause damage. Inspect clamps and couplings to confirm they are secure and that no leaks are present. Replace any hose immediately if it shows signs of wear or damage.

Air cleaner filter

Have the air cleaner filter replaced by a professional workshop at the interval specified in the maintenance schedule. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Spark plugs (petrol engine)

When replacing the spark plugs, use new plugs with the correct heat range.

During installation, use a soft cloth to clean the inside and outside of the lower ignition-coil boot and the spark-plug insulator. This helps prevent contamination around the insulator.

Warning

Do not disconnect or inspect spark plugs while the engine is hot; hot components can cause burns.

Cooling system

Inspect the radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and connections for leaks or damage. Replace any components that are damaged or leaking.

Coolant

Replace the coolant at the intervals specified in the Kia Sportage maintenance schedule.

Manual transmission fluid (if equipped)

Inspect the manual transmission fluid in accordance with the maintenance schedule.

Dual clutch transmission fluid (if equipped)

Inspect the dual clutch transmission fluid in accordance with the maintenance schedule.

Automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)

Under normal driving conditions, the automatic transmission fluid does not need to be checked. Have it replaced by a professional workshop at the interval specified in the maintenance schedule. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Note

Automatic transmission fluid is normally red. As the vehicle is driven, the fluid may become darker; this is normal. Do not decide whether the fluid needs replacement based on its colour alone.

Caution

Using fluid that is not specified for the vehicle may cause transmission malfunction or damage. Use only the specified automatic transmission fluid. Refer to the “Recommended lubricants and capacities” section.

Brake hoses and lines

Visually inspect the brake hoses and lines for correct installation, rubbing, cracks, deterioration and leaks. Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.

Brake and clutch fluid

Check the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. It must remain between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake or clutch fluid that meets the DOT 4 specification.

Parking brake

Inspect the parking brake system, including the pedal and cables, for condition and proper operation.

Brake discs, pads and calipers

Check the brake pads for excessive wear, the discs for runout and wear, and the calipers for fluid leaks.

For information about checking pad or lining wear limits, refer to the Kia website.

www.kia-hotline.com

Suspension mounting bolts

Inspect suspension connections for looseness or damage. Retighten any fasteners to the specified torque.

Steering system

With the vehicle stationary and the engine off, check the steering wheel for excessive free play.

Inspect the steering linkage for bending or damage. Check the dust boots and ball joints for deterioration, cracks or other damage, and replace any faulty parts.

Drive shafts and boots

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

Air conditioning refrigerant

Inspect the air conditioning lines and connections for leaks or damage.

Propeller shaft

Inspect the propeller shaft, boots, clamps, rubber coupling and centre-bearing rubber for cracks, deterioration or damage. Replace any damaged parts and replenish the grease if necessary.

Checking fluid levels

Before checking or draining engine oil, coolant, brake fluid or washer fluid, clean the area around the filler cap, drain plug or dipstick. This is especially important when driving in dusty or sandy conditions or on unpaved roads. Cleaning these areas helps prevent dirt and grit from entering the engine or other components, where they could cause damage.

Scheduled maintenance service

If your vehicle is operated in any of the severe driving conditions, you should inspect, replace or refill more frequently, using the severe usage maintenance schedule instead of the normal usage m...

Engine oil

Checking engine oil level Engine oil lubricates and cools the engine and helps operate its hydraulic components. Some oil consumption during driving is normal, so check the level regularly and top ...