Kia Sportage: Tyre replacement. Wheel replacement

Tyre replacement

A: Tread wear indicator

When a tyre wears evenly, the tread wear indicators become visible as solid bands running across the tread.

These bands show that less than 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) of tread remains. Replace the tyre as soon as the indicators appear; do not wait until a band is visible across the entire tread.

Compact spare tyre replacement (if equipped)

A compact spare tyre has a shorter tread life than a standard-size tyre. Replace it when its tread wear indicator bars become visible. The replacement must match the size and design of the compact spare supplied with the Kia Sportage and must be fitted to the designated compact spare wheel. A compact spare tyre is not designed to fit a standard-size wheel, and the compact spare wheel is not designed to carry a standard-size tyre.

Warning

Replacing tyres

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury from tyre failure or loss of vehicle control, follow these replacement guidelines:

• Replace tyres that are worn, unevenly worn or damaged. Worn tyres can reduce braking effectiveness, steering control and traction.

• Do not drive with tyres that are underinflated or overinflated. Incorrect pressure can cause uneven wear and may lead to tyre failure.

• Never mix radial-ply and bias-ply tyres on the same Kia Sportage. If changing from radial-ply to bias-ply tyres, replace all tyres, including the spare.

• Replacing all four tyres at the same time is preferable. If this is not possible or necessary, replace the two front tyres or the two rear tyres as a pair.

  Replacing only one tyre can significantly affect the vehicle’s handling.

• Tyres or wheels that differ from the recommended sizes may cause unpredictable handling and reduce control, increasing the risk of a serious accident.

• Wheels that do not meet Kia’s specifications may not fit correctly. Incorrect fitment can damage the vehicle and affect its handling and control.

• The ABS compares wheel speeds, which are affected by tyre size. When replacing tyres, use the same size, type, construction and tread pattern as those originally supplied, and fit matching tyres to all four wheels. Tyres with different specifications may cause the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) to operate irregularly.

Caution

After replacing tyres, check and retighten the wheel nuts after approximately 50 km (31 miles), then check them again after approximately 1,000 km (620 miles). If the steering wheel shakes or the vehicle vibrates while driving, the tyre may be out of balance. Have the wheels balanced. If the vibration continues, contact a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Note

When replacing tyres, Kia recommends using the same type originally fitted to the vehicle. Using different tyres may affect driving performance.

Wheel replacement

If you replace a metal wheel, make sure the new wheel matches the original factory wheel in diameter, rim width and offset.

Warning

A wheel of the wrong size can affect wheel and bearing life, braking and stopping performance, handling, ground clearance, clearance between the body and tyre, snow-chain clearance, speedometer and odometer accuracy, headlight aim and bumper height.

Wheel and tyre installation

When removing or installing a wheel, use the hub-cap removal tool stored in the tool case to remove the hub cap. The tool’s insertion point is at the top or along the edge of the hub cap. Dedicated...

Tyre traction. Tyre maintenance

Tyre traction Traction may decrease when driving on worn or incorrectly inflated tyres, or on slippery surfaces. Replace tyres when their tread wear indicators appear. Reduce speed in rain, snow or...