Kia Rio: Maintenance / Cooling System

Check radiator hoses for the following

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. Make sure it is between the "F" mark and "L" mark.

If the coolant level in the coolant reservoir is at or below the "L" mark, add coolant to bring it between the "L" and "F" marks, then inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Remove the pressure cap.

Check if there are any excessive deposits of rust or scale around the pressure cap sub-assembly and radiator filler hole. Also, the coolant should be free of oil.

If excessively dirty, clean the coolant passage and replace the coolant.

Install the pressure cap.

Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious scalding could be caused by hot fluid under high pressure escaping from the radiator.

When pouring engine coolant, be sure to shut the relay box lid and not to let coolant spill on the electrical parts or the paint. If any coolant spills, rinse it off immediately.

Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.

Remove the radiator cap (A).

[Kappa 1.0 T-GDI]

[Kappa 1.2 MPI, 1.4 MPI / U-2 1.4 TCI]

Remove the engine room under cover.

(Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Engine Room Under Cover")

Loosen the drain plug (A), and drain the coolant.

Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.

Remove, drain and reinstall the reservoir. Fill the tank halfway to the MAX mark with water, then up to the MAX mark with antifreeze.

Fill the radiator with water through the pressure cap and tighten the cap.

To most effectively bleed the air, pour the water slowly and press on the upper / lower radiator hoses.

Start the engine and allow to come to normal operating temperature. Wait for the cooling fans to turn on several times. Accelerate the engine to aid in purging trapped air. Shut engine off.

Wait until the engine is cool.

Repeat steps 1 to 8 until the drained water runs clear.

Fill fluid mixture of coolant and water (45 - 60%) (except for North America, Europe and China : 45 - 50%) slowly through the radiator cap.

Push the upper / lower hoses of the radiator so as to bleed air easily.

• Use only genuine antifreeze/coolant. • For best corrosion protection, the coolant concentration must be maintained year-round at 45 - 60% minimum. Coolant concentrations less than 45 ~ 60% may not provide sufficient protection against corrosion or freezing. • Coolant concentrations greater than 60% will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended.

• Do not mix different brands of antifreeze/coolants. • Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products; they may not be compatible with the coolant.

Start the engine and let coolant to circulate.

When the cooling fan operates and coolant circulates, refill coolant through the radiator cap.

Repeat step 11 until the cooling fan operates 3-5 times and bleed air sufficiently out of the cooling system.

Install the pressure cap and fill the reservoir tank to the "MAX"(or "F") line (A) with coolant.

Run the vehicle under idle until the cooling fan operates 2 - 3 times.

Stop the engine and wait for coolant to cool down.

Repeat 10 to 15 to bleed air out of the cooling system until the coolant level doesn't fall any more.

As it is to bleed air out of the cooling system and refill coolant when coolant cools down completely, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank 2-3 days after replacing coolant.