Get Maintenance -> Tires and wheels Guide for Kia Sportage SUV Third Generation (2011-2016)

Maintenance

TIRES AND WHEELS

G200100AUN

CAUTION

Tire care

• Underinflation also results in

excessive wear, poor handling

and reduced fuel economy.

Wheel deformation also is

possible. Keep your tire pres-

sures at the proper levels. If a

tire frequently needs refilling,

have it checked by an author-

ized Kia dealer.

For proper maintenance, safety, and

maximum fuel economy, you must

always maintain recommended tire

inflation pressures and stay within

the load limits and weight distribution

recommended for your vehicle.

G200200AUN-EU

Recommended cold tire inflation

pressures

• Overinflation produces

a

OLM089008N

harsh ride, excessive wear at

the center of the tire tread, and

a greater possibility of dam-

age from road hazards.

All specifications (sizes and pres-

sures) can be found on a label

attached to the driver’s side center

pillar.

All tire pressures (including the

spare) should be checked when the

tires are cold. “Cold Tires” means the

vehicle has not been driven for at

least three hours or driven less than

1.6 km (one mile).

Recommended pressures must be

maintained for the best ride, vehicle

handling, and minimum tire wear.

WARNING - Tire under-

inflation

Severe underinflation can lead

to severe heat build-up, causing

blowouts, tread separation and

other tire failures that can result

in the loss of vehicle control

leading to severe injury or

death. This risk is much higher

on hot days and when driving

for long periods at high speeds.

For recommended inflation pressure,

refer to “Tire and wheels” in section

8.

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Maintenance

G200300AUN

CAUTION

CAUTION - Tire pressure

Always observe the following:

Checking tire inflation pressure

Check your tires once a month or

more.

Also, check the tire pressure of the

spare tire.

• Warm tires normally exceed

recommended cold tire pres-

sures by 28 to 41 kPa (4 to 6

psi ). Do not release air from

warm tires to adjust the pres-

sure or the tires will be under-

inflated.

• Be sure to reinstall the tire

inflation valve caps. Without

the valve cap, dirt or moisture

could get into the valve core

and cause air leakage. If a

valve cap is missing, install a

new one as soon as possible.

• Check tire pressure when the

tires are cold. (After vehicle

has been parked for at least

three hours or hasn't been

driven more than 1.6 km (one

mile) since startup.)

• Check the pressure of your

spare tire each time you check

the pressure of other tires.

• Never overload your vehicle.

Be careful not to overload a

vehicle luggage rack if your

vehicle is equipped with one.

• Worn, old tires can cause acci-

dents. If your tread is badly

worn, or if your tires have

been damaged, replace them.

G200301AUN

How to check

Use a good quality gauge to check

tire pressure. You can not tell if your

tires are properly inflated simply by

looking at them. Radial tires may

look properly inflated even when

they're underinflated.

Check the tire's inflation pressure

when the tires are cold. - "Cold"

means your vehicle has been sitting

for at least three hours or driven no

more than 1.6 km (1 mile).

WARNING - Tire Inflation

Overinflation or underinflation

can reduce tire life, adversely

affect vehicle handling, and

lead to sudden tire failure. This

could result in loss of vehicle

control and potential injury.

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Maintenance

G200400AUN

Remove the valve cap from the tire

valve stem. Press the tire gauge firm-

ly onto the valve to get a pressure

measurement. If the cold tire inflation

pressure matches the recommended

pressure on the tire and loading

information label, no further adjust-

ment is necessary. If the pressure is

low, add air until you reach the rec-

ommended amount.

If you overfill the tire, release air by

pushing on the metal stem in the

center of the tire valve. Recheck the

tire pressure with the tire gauge. Be

sure to put the valve caps back on

the valve stems. They help prevent

leaks by keeping out dirt and mois-

ture.

Tire rotation

WARNING

• Inspect your tires frequently

for proper inflation as well as

wear and damage. Always use

a tire pressure gauge.

To equalize tread wear, it is recom-

mended that the tires be rotated

every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or

sooner if irregular wear develops.

During rotation, check the tires for

correct balance.

When rotating tires, check for uneven

wear and damage. Abnormal wear is

usually caused by incorrect tire pres-

sure, improper wheel alignment, out-

of-balance wheels, severe braking or

severe cornering. Look for bumps or

bulges in the tread or side of tire.

Replace the tire if you find either of

these conditions. Replace the tire if

fabric or cord is visible. After rotation,

be sure to bring the front and rear tire

pressures to specification and check

lug nut tightness.

• Tires with too much or too little

pressure wear unevenly caus-

ing poor handling, loss of vehi-

cle control, and sudden tire

failure leading to accidents,

injuries, and even death. The

recommended cold tire pres-

sure for your vehicle can be

found in this manual and on

the tire label located on the dri-

ver's side center pillar.

• Worn tires can cause acci-

dents. Replace tires that are

worn, show uneven wear, or

are damaged.

• Remember to check the pres-

sure of your spare tire. Kia

recommends that you check

the spare every time you

check the pressure of the

other tires on your vehicle.

Refer to “Tire and wheels” in section

8.

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Maintenance

G200500AUN

Disc brake pads should be inspected

for wear whenever tires are rotated.

Without a spare tire

Wheel alignment and tire balance

The wheels on your vehicle were

aligned and balanced carefully at the

factory to give you the longest tire life

and best overall performance.

In most cases, you will not need to

have your wheels aligned again.

However, if you notice unusual tire

wear or your vehicle pulling one way

or the other, the alignment may need

to be reset.

✽

NOTICE

Rotate radial tires that have an

asymmetric tread pattern only from

front to rear and not from right to

left.

S2BLA790A

WARNING

Directional tires (if equipped)

• Do not use the compact spare

tire (if equipped) for tire rota-

tion.

• Do not mix bias ply and radial

ply tires under any circum-

stances. This may cause

unusual handling characteris-

tics that could result in death,

severe injury, or property

damage.

If you notice your vehicle vibrating

when driving on a smooth road, your

wheels may need to be rebalanced.

CAUTION

Improper wheel weights can

damage your vehicle's alu-

minum wheels. Use only

approved wheel weights.

CBGQ0707A

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Maintenance

(Continued)

Tread wear indicator

WARNING - Replacing

tires

To reduce the chance of serious

or fatal injuries from an acci-

dent caused by tire failure or

loss of vehicle control:

• Replace tires that are worn,

show uneven wear, or are

damaged. Worn tires can

cause loss of braking effec-

tiveness, steering control, and

traction.

• Using tires and wheels other

than the recommended sizes

could cause unusual handling

characteristics and poor vehi-

cle control, resulting in a seri-

ous accident.

• Wheels that do not meet Kia’s

specifications may fit poorly

and result in damage to the

vehicle or unusual handling

and poor vehicle control.

OEN076053

G200600AHM-EU

• The ABS works by comparing

the speed of the wheels. The

tire size affects wheel speed.

When replacing tires, all 4

tires must use the same size

originally supplied with the

vehicle. Using tires of a differ-

ent size can cause the

ABS(Anti-lock Brake System)

and ESC(Electronic Stability

Control) to work irregularly.

Tire replacement

• Do not drive your vehicle with

too little or too much pressure

in your tires. This can lead to

uneven wear and tire failure.

• When replacing tires, never

mix radial and bias-ply tires

on the same car. You must

replace all tires (including the

spare) if moving from radial to

bias-ply tires.

If the tire is worn evenly, a tread wear

indicator will appear as a solid band

across the tread. This shows there is

less than 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) of tread

left on the tire. Replace the tire when

this happens.

Do not wait for the band to appear

across the entire tread before replac-

ing the tire.

(Continued)

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Maintenance

G200601AUN

G200700BUN

G200800AHM

Compact spare tire replacement

A compact spare tire has a shorter

tread life than a regular size tire.

Replace it when you can see the

tread wear indicator bars on the tire.

The replacement compact spare tire

should be the same size and design

tire as the one provided with your

new vehicle and should be mounted

on the same compact spare tire

wheel. The compact spare tire is not

designed to be mounted on a regular

size wheel, and the compact spare

tire wheel is not designed for mount-

ing a regular size tire.

Wheel replacement

Tire traction

When replacing the metal wheels for Tire traction can be reduced if you

any reason, make sure the new drive on worn tires, tires that are

wheels are equivalent to the original improperly inflated or on slippery

factory units in diameter, rim width road surfaces. Tires should be

and offset.

replaced when tread wear indicators

appear. Slow down whenever there

is rain, snow or ice on the road to

reduce the possibility of losing con-

trol of the vehicle.

WARNING

A wheel that is not the correct

size may adversely affect wheel

and bearing life, braking and

stopping abilities, handling

characteristics, ground clear-

ance, body-to-tire clearance,

G200900AUN

Tire maintenance

In addition to proper inflation, correct

wheel alignment helps to decrease

tire wear. If you find a tire is worn

unevenly, have your dealer check the

wheel alignment.

snow

chain

clearance,

speedometer and odometer cal-

ibration, headlight aim and

bumper height.

When you have new tires installed,

make sure they are balanced. This

will increase vehicle ride comfort and

tire life. Additionally, a tire should

always be rebalanced if it is removed

from the wheel.

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Maintenance

G201002AHM

98 - Load Index, a numerical code

associated with the maximum

load the tire can carry.

H - Speed Rating Symbol. See the

speed rating chart in this section

for additional information.

1

2. Tire size designation

5,6

A tire’s sidewall is marked with a tire

size designation. You will need this

information when selecting replace-

ment tires for your vehicle. The fol-

lowing explains what the letters and

numbers in the tire size designation

mean.

7

4

Wheel size designation

2

3

Wheels are also marked with impor-

tant information that you need if you

ever have to replace one. The follow-

ing explains what the letters and

numbers in the wheel size designa-

tion mean.

Example tire size designation:

(These numbers are provided as an

example only; your tire size designa-

tor could vary depending on your

vehicle.)

1

I030B04JM

G201000AUN

Tire sidewall labeling

P235/55R18 98H

This information identifies and

describes the fundamental charac-

teristics of the tire and also provides

the tire identification number (TIN)

for safety standard certification. The

TIN can be used to identify the tire in

case of a recall.

Example wheel size designation:

7.0JX18

P - Applicable vehicle type (tires

marked with the prefix “P’’ are

intended for use on passenger

vehicles or light trucks; however,

not all tires have this marking).

7.0 - Rim width in inches.

J - Rim contour designation.

18 - Rim diameter in inches.

235 - Tire width in millimeters.

G201001AUN

55 - Aspect ratio. The tire’s section

height as a percentage of its

width.

R - Tire construction code (Radial).

18 - Rim diameter in inches.

1. Manufacturer or brand name

Manufacturer or Brand name is

shown.

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Maintenance

G201003AHM

Tire speed ratings

3. Checking tire life (TIN :Tire

Identification Number)

WARNING - Tire age

Tires degrade over time, even

when they are not being used.

The chart below lists many of the dif-

ferent speed ratings currently being

used for passenger car tires. The

speed rating is part of the tire size

designation on the sidewall of the

tire. This symbol corresponds to that

tire's designed maximum safe oper-

ating speed.

Any tires that are over 6 years old,

based on the manufacturing date,

(including the spare tire) should be

replaced by new ones. You can find

the manufacturing date on the tire

sidewall (possibly on the inside of the

wheel), displaying the DOT Code.

The DOT Code is a series of num-

bers on a tire consisting of numbers

and English letters. The manufactur-

ing date is designated by the last four

digits (characters) of the DOT code.

Regardless of the remaining

tread, we recommend that tires

be replaced after approximately

six (6) years of normal service.

Heat caused by hot climates or

frequent high loading condi-

tions can accelerate the aging

process. Failure to follow this

warning can result in sudden

tire failure, which could lead to

a loss of control and an acci-

dent involving serious injury or

death.

Speed

Rating

Maximum Speed

Symbol

S

T

H

V

Z

180 km/h (112 mph)

190 km/h (118 mph)

210 km/h (130 mph)

DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO

240 km/h (149 mph)

The front part of the DOT means a

plant code number, tire size and

tread pattern and the last four num-

bers indicate week and year manu-

factured.

240 km/h (Above 149 mph)

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1611 represents

that the tire was produced in the 16th

week of 2011.

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Maintenance

G201004AEN

G201006AUN

Tread wear

4. Tire ply composition and material

6. Maximum load rating

The tread wear grade is a compara-

tive rating based on the wear rate of

the tire when tested under controlled

conditions on a specified govern-

ment test course. For example, a tire

graded 150 would wear one-and-a-

half times (1½) as well on the gov-

ernment course as a tire graded 100.

The relative performance of tires

depends upon the actual conditions

of their use, however, and may

depart significantly from the norm

due to variations in driving habits,

service practices and differences in

road characteristics and climate.

The number of layers or plies of rub- This number indicates the maximum

ber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire load in kilograms and pounds that

manufacturers also must indicate the can be carried by the tire. When

materials in the tire, which include replacing the tires on the vehicle,

steel, nylon, polyester, and others. always use a tire that has the same

The letter "R" means radial ply con- load rating as the factory installed

struction; the letter "D" means diago- tire.

nal or bias ply construction; and the

letter "B" means belted-bias ply con-

G2010007AEN-EU

struction.

7. Uniform tire quality grading

Quality grades can be found where

applicable on the tire sidewall

between tread shoulder and maxi-

mum section width.

G201005AUN

5. Maximum permissible inflation

pressure

These grades are molded on the

side-walls of passenger vehicle tires.

The tires available as standard or

optional equipment on your vehicle

may vary with respect to grade.

This number is the greatest amount

of air pressure that should be put in

the tire. Do not exceed the maximum

permissible inflation pressure. Refer

to the Tire and Loading Information

label for recommended inflation

pressure.

For example:

TREADWEAR 200

TRACTION AA

TEMPERATURE A

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Maintenance

Traction - AA, A, B & C

Temperature -A, B & C

WARNING - Tire

temperature

The traction grades, from highest to The temperature grades are A (the

lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those highest), B and C representing the

grades represent the tire’s ability to tire’s resistance to the generation of

stop on wet pavement as measured heat and its ability to dissipate heat

under controlled conditions on spec- when tested under controlled condi-

ified government test surfaces of tions on a specified indoor laboratory

asphalt and concrete. A tire marked test wheel.

The temperature grade for this

tire is established for a tire that

is properly inflated and not

overloaded. Excessive speed,

underinflation, or excessive

loading, either separately or in

combination, can cause heat

build-up and possible sudden

tire failure. This can cause loss

of vehicle control and serious

injury or death.

C may have poor traction perform-

Sustained high temperature can

ance.

cause the material of the tire to

degenerate and reduce tire life, and

excessive temperature can lead to

WARNING

sudden tire failure. The grade C cor-

The traction grade assigned to

responds to a level of performance

this tire is based on straight-

which all passenger car tires must

ahead braking traction tests,

meet under the Federal Motor

and does not include accelera-

Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.

tion, cornering, hydroplaning,

Grades B and A represent higher

or peak traction characteristics.

levels of performance on the labora-

tory test wheel than the minimum

required by law.

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Maintenance

G201100AAM

Cold Tire Pressure: The amount of Intended Outboard Sidewall: The

Tire terminology and definitions

Air Pressure: The amount of air kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per must always face outward when

inside the tire pressing outward on square inch (psi) before a tire has mounted on a vehicle.

the tire. Air pressure is expressed in built up heat from driving.

kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per

square inch (psi).

Accessory Weight: This means the optional equipment including the

combined weight of optional acces- maximum capacity of fuel, oil and

air pressure in a tire, measured in side of an asymmetrical tire, that

Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for

Curb Weight: This means the weight air pressure.

of a motor vehicle with standard and

Load Index: An assigned number

ranging from 1 to 279 that corre-

sponds to the load carrying capacity

sories. Some examples of optional coolant, but without passengers and

of a tire.

accessories

are,

automatic cargo.

Maximum Inflation Pressure: The

maximum air pressure to which a

cold tire may be inflated. The maxi-

mum air pressure is molded onto the

sidewall.

Maximum Load Rating: The load

rating for a tire at the maximum per-

missible inflation pressure for that

transaxle, power seats, and air con-

ditioning.

DOT Markings: The DOT code

includes the Tire Identification

Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a Number (TIN), an alphanumeric des-

tire's height to its width.

Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords

that is located between the plies and

the tread. Cords may be made from GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

steel or other reinforcing materials.

Bead: The tire bead contains steel Rating for the Front Axle.

wires wrapped by steel cords that

hold the tire onto the rim.

Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in

which the plies are laid at alternate

angles less than 90 degrees to the

centerline of the tread.

ignator which can also identify the

tire manufacturer, production plant,

brand and date of production.

GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight tire.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:

GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight The sum of curb weight; accessory

Rating for the Rear axle.

weight; vehicle capacity weight; and

production options weight.

Normal Occupant Weight: The

number of occupants a vehicle is

designed to seat multiplied by 68 kg

(150 pounds).

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Maintenance

Occupant Distribution: Designated Speed Rating: An alphanumeric Vehicle Maximum Load on the

seating positions.

Outward Facing Sidewall: The side

of a asymmetrical tire that has a par-

code assigned to a tire indicating the Tire: Load on an individual tire due to

maximum speed at which a tire can curb and accessory weight plus

operate.

maximum occupant and cargo

weight.

ticular side that faces outward when Traction: The friction between the

mounted on a vehicle. The outward tire and the road surface. The Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire:

facing sidewall bears white lettering amount of grip provided.

or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or

Load on an individual tire that is

determined by distributing to each

axle its share of the curb weight,

accessory weight, and normal occu-

pant weight and driving by 2.

Vehicle Placard: A label permanent-

ly attached to a vehicle showing the

original equipment tire size and rec-

ommended inflation pressure.

Tread: The portion of a tire that

model name molding that is higher or

deeper than the same moldings on

the inner facing sidewall.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire

used on passenger cars and some

light duty trucks and multipurpose

vehicles.

Recommended Inflation Pressure:

Vehicle manufacturer's recommend-

ed tire inflation pressure and shown

on the tire placard.

comes into contact with the road.

Treadwear Indicators: Narrow

bands, sometimes called "wear

bars," that show across the tread of a

tire when only 2/32 inch of tread

remains.

UTQGS: Uniform Tire Quality

Grading Standards, a tire information

system that provides consumers with All season tires

ratings for a tire's traction, tempera-

ture and treadwear. Ratings are

Kia specifies all season tires on

some models to provide good per-

formance for use all year round,

including snowy and icy road condi-

tions. All season tires are identified

by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud

Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in determined by tire manufacturers

which the ply cords that extend to the using government testing proce-

beads are laid at 90 degrees to the dures. The ratings are molded into

centerline of the tread.

the sidewall of the tire.

Rim: A metal support for a tire and Vehicle Capacity Weight: The num- and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow

upon which the tire beads are seat- ber of designated seating positions tires have better snow traction than

ed.

multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs.) plus the all season tires and may be more

rated cargo and luggage load. appropriate in some areas.

Sidewall: The portion of a tire

between the tread and the bead.

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Maintenance

Summer tires

Longer wearing tires can be more

susceptible to irregular tread wear. It

is very important to follow the tire

rotation interval shown in this section

to achieve the tread life potential of

these tires. Cuts and punctures in

radial-ply tires are repairable only in

the tread area, because of sidewall

flexing. Consult your tire dealer for

radial-ply tire repairs.

Radial-ply tires

Kia specifies summer tires on some

models to provide superior perform-

ance on dry roads. Summer tire per-

formance is substantially reduced in

snow and ice. Summer tires do not

have the tire traction rating M+S

(Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall.

if you plan to operate your vehicle in

snowy or icy conditions. Kia recom-

mends the use of snow tires or all

season tires on all four wheels.

Radial-ply tires provide improved

tread life, road hazard resistance and

smoother high speed ride. The radi-

al-ply tires used on this vehicle are of

belted construction, and are selected

to complement the ride and handling

characteristics of your vehicle.

Radial-ply tires have the same load

carrying capacity, as bias-ply or bias

belted tires of the same size, and use

the same recommended inflation

pressure. Mixing of radial-ply tires

with bias-ply or bias belted tires is

not recommended. Any combina-

tions of radial-ply and bias-ply or bias

belted tires when used on the same

vehicle will seriously deteriorate

vehicle handling. The best rule to fol-

low is: Identical radial-ply tires should

always be used as a set of four.

Snow tires

If you equip your car with snow tires,

they should be the same size and

have the same load capacity as the

original tires. Snow tires should be

installed on all four wheels; other-

wise, poor handling may result.

Snow tires should carry 28 kPa (4

psi) more air pressure than the pres-

sure recommended for the standard

tires on the tire label on the driver's

side of the center pillar, or up to the

maximum pressure shown on the tire

sidewall, whichever is less.

Do not drive faster than 120 km/h (75

mph) when your vehicle is equipped

with snow tires.

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Maintenance -> Tires and wheels for Your Kia Sportage SUV Third Generation (2011-2016)

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