Kia Optima: 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 steering
effort or looseness in the steering
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 “hardto-
push” brake pedal.
- If any slipping or changes in the operation
of your transaxle occurs, check
the transaxle fluid level.
- Check the automatic transaxle 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).
At least monthly:
- Check the coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir.
- Check the operation of all exterior
lights, including the stoplights, turn signals
and hazard warning flashers.
- Check the inflation pressures of all
tires including the spare.
At least twice a year
- Check the radiator, heater and air conditioning
hoses for leaks or damage.
- Check the windshield washer spray
and wiper operation. Clean the wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
- Check the headlight alignment.
- Check the muffler, exhaust pipes,
shields and clamps.
- Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear
and function.
- Check for worn tires and loose wheel
lug nuts.
At least once a year :
- Clean the body and door drain holes.
- Lubricate the door hinges and checks,
and hood hinges.
- Lubricate the door and hood locks and
latches.
- Lubricate the door rubber weatherstrips.
- Check the air conditioning system.
- Check the power steering fluid level.
- Inspect and lubricate automatic
transaxle linkage and controls.
- Clean the battery and terminals.
- Check the brake/clutch fluid level.
The following lists are vehicle checks and
inspections that should be performed by
the owner or an authorized Kia dealer at
the frequencies indicated to help ensure
safe, dependable operation ...
See also:
Driving at Night
Because night driving presents many more hazards than driving in the daylight,
here are some important tips to remember:
Slow down and keep more distance between you and other vehicles, as it ma ...
Window opening and closing
Type A
The driver’s door has a master power window switch that controls all the windows
in the vehicle.
To open or close a window, press down or pull up the front portion of the corresponding ...
Checking Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir periodically. The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN indicators on the side of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap and adding brake flui ...