oil level KIA NIRO 2021 Owners Manual

4111
Features of your vehicle
Engine Oil Pressure
Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
Once you set the ignition switch or
ENGINE START/STOP button to
the ON position.
- It remains on until the engine is
started.
When the engine oil pressure is low.
If the engine oil pressure is low:
1.Drive carefully to the nearest safe
location and stop your vehicle.
2.Turn the engine off and check the
engine oil level (For more details,
refer to “Engine Oil” in chapter 7). If
the level is low, add oil as required.
If the warning light remains on after
adding oil or if oil is not available,
have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer as soon as
possible.If the warning light stays on while the
engine is running, it indicates that
there may be serious engine dam-
age or malfunction. In this case,
1. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
2. Turn off the engine and check the
oil level. If the oil level is low, fill the
engine oil to the proper level.
3. Start the engine again. If the warn-
ing light stays on after the engine
is started, turn the engine off
immediately. In this case, have
your vehicle inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.
Low Fuel Level Warning
Light
This warning light illuminates:
When the fuel tank is nearly empty.
Add fuel as soon as possible.
CAUTION - Engine
damage
If the engine is not stopped
immediately after the engine oil
pressure warning light is illumi-
nated and stays on while the
engine is running, serious
engine damage may result.
CAUTION - Low Fuel
Level
Driving with the Low Fuel Level
warning light on or with the fuel
level below “E” can cause the
engine to misfire and damage
the catalytic converter (if
equipped).

55
Driving your vehicle
Before entering vehicle
• Be sure that all windows, outside
mirror(s), and outside lights are
clean.
Check the condition of the tires.
Check under the vehicle for any
sign of leaks.
Be sure there are no obstacles
behind you if you intend to back up.
Necessary inspections
Fluid levels, such as engine oil,
engine coolant, brake fluid, and
washer fluid should be checked on a
regular basis, at the exact interval
depending on the fluid. Further
details are provided in chapter 7,
“Maintenance”.
Before starting
Close and lock all doors.
Position the seat so that all con-
trols are easily reached.
Buckle your seat belt.
Adjust the inside and outside
rearview mirrors.
Be sure that all lights work.
Check all gauges.
Check the operation of warning
lights when the ignition switch or
ENGINE START/STOP button is in
the ON position.
Release the parking brake and
make sure the brake warning light
goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and its
equipment.
BEFORE DRIVING
WARNING - Distracted
driving
Focus on the road while driving.
The driver's primary responsi-
bility is in the safe and legal
operation of the vehicle. Any
handled devices, other equip-
ment or vehicle systems that
distract the driver should not be
used during vehicle operation.

Driving your vehicle
94 5
DRIVER’S ATTENTION
The driver must be cautious in the
below situations as the function may
not work properly when recognition
of the lane marker is poor or limited
:

When lane and road condition is
poor
• It is difficult to distinguish the lane
marker from road when the lane
marker is covered with dust or
sand.
• It is difficult to distinguish the
color of the lane marker from
road.
• There is something looks like a
lane marker.
• The lane marker is indistinct or
damaged.
• The number of lanes increases/
decreases or the lane lines are
crossing (Driving through a toll
plaza/toll gate, merged/divided
lane).
• There are more than two lane
markers.
• The lane marker is very thick or
thin.
(Continued)(Continued)
• The lane marker is not visible due
to snow, rain, stain, a puddle or
other factors.
• A shadow is on the lane marker
because of a median strip,
guardrail, noise barriers and oth-
ers.
• When the lane markers are com-
plicated or a structure substitutes
for the lines such as a construc-
tion area.
• There are crosswalk signs or other
symbols on the road.
• The lane suddenly disappears
such as at the intersection.
• The lane marker in a tunnel is cov-
ered with dirt or oil and etc.
• The lane is very wide or narrow.

When external condition is inter-
vened
• The brightness of outside changes
suddenly when entering/existing a
tunnel or passing under a bridge.
• The headlamps are not on at night
or in a tunnel, or light level is low.
(Continued)(Continued)
• There is a boundary structure in
the roadway.
• The light of street, sun, or oncom-
ing vehicle reflects from the water
on the road.
• When light shines brightly in the
reverse direction you drive.
• Road surface is not even.
• The distance from the vehicle
ahead is very short or the vehicle
ahead drives hiding the lane line.
• You drive on a steep grade or a
sharp curve.
• The vehicle vibrates heavily.
• The temperature near inside mir-
ror is very high due to direct sun
light and etc.

when front visibility is poor
• The lens or windshield is covered
by strange materials.
• The sensor cannot detect the lane
because of fog, heavy rain or snow.
• The windshield is fogged by
humid air in the vehicle.
• Putting something on the crash
pad and etc.

5191
Driving your vehicle
The use of chains may adversely
affect vehicle handling.
Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer’s recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.
Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, sharp turns, and other road
hazards, which may cause the
vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel
braking.Use high quality ethylene gly-
col coolant
Your vehicle is delivered with high
quality ethylene glycol coolant in the
cooling system. It is the only type of
coolant that should be used because
it helps prevent corrosion in the cool-
ing system, lubricates the water
pump and prevents freezing. Be sure
to replace or replenish your coolant
in accordance with the maintenance
schedule in chapter 8. Before winter,
have your coolant tested to assure
that its freezing point is sufficient for
the temperatures anticipated during
the winter.
Check battery and cables
Winter puts additional burdens on
the battery system. Visually inspect
the battery and cables as described
in chapter 8. The level of charge in
your battery can be checked by an
authorized Kia dealer or a service
station.
Change to "winter weight" oil
if necessary
In some climates it is recommended
that a lower viscosity "winter weight"
oil be used during cold weather. See
chapter 9 for recommendations. If
you aren't sure what weight oil you
should use, consult an authorized
Kia dealer.
Check spark plugs and ignition
system
Inspect your spark plugs as
described in chapter 8 and replace
them if necessary. Also check all
ignition wiring and components to be
sure they are not cracked, worn or
damaged in any way.CAUTION- Snow chains
Chains that are the wrong size
or improperly installed can
damage your vehicle's brake
lines, suspension, body and
wheels.
Stop driving and retighten the
chains any time you hear them
hitting the vehicle.

What to do in an emergency
4 6
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
If engine doesn't turn over or
turns over slowly
1. Be sure the shift lever is in N
(Neutral) or P (Park) and the
emergency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to
be sure they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light
dims or goes out when you oper-
ate the starter, the battery is dis-
charged.
4. Check the starter connections to
be sure they are securely tight-
ened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to
start it. See instructions for "Jump
starting".
If engine turns over normally
but does not start
1. Check the fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in the
LOCK position, check all connec-
tors at the ignition coils and spark
plugs. Reconnect any that may be
disconnected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine
compartment.
4. If the engine still does not start,
call an authorized Kia dealer or
seek other qualified assistance.
WARNING - Push/
pull start
Do not push or pull the vehicle
to start it. Push or pull starting
may cause the catalytic con-
verter to overload and create a
fire hazard.

Maintenance
7
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Maintenance services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
• Owner’s responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
• Owner maintenance precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Owner maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
• Owner maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Scheduled maintenance service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items . . . 7-15
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Engine oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
• Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
• Changing the engine oil and filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
• Checking the coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
• Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
• Inverter coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
• Recommended coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
• Changing the coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
• Checking the brake fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
Engine clutch actuator fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28
• Checking the engine clutch actuator fluid level . . . . 7-28
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30
• Checking the washer fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31
• Checking the parking brake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31
Air cleaner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32
• Filter replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32
Climate control air filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34
• Filter inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36
• Blade inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36
• Blade replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36
Battery (Plug-in Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
• For best battery service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
• Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40
• Reset items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41
Tires and wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42
• Tire care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42
• Recommended cold tire inflation pressures . . . . . . . 7-42
• Tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
• Checking tire inflation pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
• Tire rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
• Wheel alignment and tire balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-45
• Tire replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46
• Wheel replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46
• Tire traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47
• Tire maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47
• Tire sidewall labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47

77
Maintenance
OWNER MAINTENANCE
The following lists are vehicle checks
and inspections that should be per-
formed by the owner or an author-
ized Kia dealer at the frequencies
indicated to help ensure safe,
dependable operation of your vehi-
cle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your deal-
er as soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks
are generally not covered by war-
ranties and you may be charged for
labor, parts and lubricants used.Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
Check the engine oil level.
Check the coolant level in coolant
reservoir.
Check the windshield washer fluid
level.
Look for low or under-inflated tires.
While operating your vehicle:
Note any changes in the sound of
the exhaust or any smell of
exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering
wheel. Notice any increased steer-
ing effort or looseness in the steer-
ing wheel, or change in its straight-
ahead position.
Notice if your vehicle constantly
turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on smooth, level
road.
When stopping, listen and check
for unusual sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel
or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the
operation of your transmission
occurs, check the transmission
fluid level.
Check the dual clutch transmission
P (Park) function.
Check the parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your
vehicle (water dripping from the air
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
WARNING- Hot coolant
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot
coolant and steam may blow
out under pressure.
WARNING
When you open the engine
hood, turn the Hybrid system
off. If not, it may result in death
or serious injury because of the
high voltage flow.

Maintenance
18 7
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

719
Maintenance
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
Engine oil is used for lubrication
and cooling, so it is gradually con-
sumed during driving the vehicle.
Regularly check and manage the
oil level using the following proce-
dure.
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 15 minutes.
(with oil filler cap and dipstick
detached)) for the oil to return to
the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean,
and reinsert it fully.5. Check if the oil level is between
the F-L line and refill it if the oil
level is near the L line.
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 engine oil as it may be
hot enough to burn you.
ODE076002
■(Gasoline) 1.6 GDi

Maintenance
20
7
Check if the oil level is between the
F-L line and refill it if the oil level is
near the L line
Use a funnel to help prevent oil
from being spilled on engine com-
ponents.
Use only the specified engine oil.
(Refer to “Recommended lubricantsand capacities” in chapter 8.)
The engine oil consumption may increase while you break in a new
vehicle and it will be stabilized after
driving 3,750 miles (6,000 km).
The engine oil consumption can be affected by driving habits, climate
conditions, traffic conditions, oil
quality, etc. Therefore, it is recom-
mended that you inspect the
engine oil level regularly and refill it
if necessary.
The engine oil change interval is set for the purpose of preventing oil
deterioration, and is not related the
amount of oil consumption; so,
check and refill the amount of the
oil regularly.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.
If exceeding the maintenanceschedule for replacement of engine
oil, the engine oil performance may
deteriorate and the engine condition
may be affected. Therefore, the
replacement cycle should be
observed.
To keep the engine in optimal condi- tion, use recommended engine oil. If
not using the recommended oil,
replace it according to the severe
usage maintenance conditions.
WARNING - Used engine
oil
Used engine oil may cause irrita-
tion or cancer of the skin if left in
contact with the skin for pro-
longed 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.
ODE076003
■(Gasoline) 1.6 GDi