Get Maintenance -> Tires and wheels Guide for Kia Sportage SUV 2020

Maintenance

TIRES AND WHEELS

Tire care

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.

WARNING - Tire underin-

flation

Inflate your tires consistent with

the instructions provided in this

manual. Severe underinflation

(70 kPa (10 psi) or more) can

lead to severe heat build-up,

causing blowouts, tread separa-

tion and other tire failures that

can result in the loss of vehicle

control.This risk is much higher

on hot days and when driving

for long periods at high speeds.

Recommended cold tire infla-

tion pressures

OQL085002L

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 (1 mile).

All specifications (sizes and pres-

sures) can be found on a label

attached to the driver’s side center

pillar.

Recommended pressures must be

maintained for the best ride, top vehi-

cle handling, and minimum tire wear.

For recommended inflation pressure

refer to “Tire and wheels” in chapter 8.

7 46

Maintenance

• Underinflation also results in

excessive wear, poor handling and

reduced fuel economy. Wheel

deformation also is possible. Keep

your tire pressures at the proper

levels. If a tire frequently needs

refilling, have it checked by an

authorized Kia dealer.

• Overinflation produces a harsh

ride, excessive wear at the center

of the tire tread, and a greater pos-

sibility of damage from road haz- • Never overload your vehicle. Be

ards.

• Warm tires normally exceed rec-

ommended cold tire pressures by

28 to 41 kPa (4 to 6 psi). Do not

release air from warm tires to

adjust the pressure or the tires will

be underinflated.

• 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.

Tire pressure

Always observe the following:

Checking tire inflation pres-

sure

Check your tires once a month or

more.

Also, check the tire pressure of the

spare tire.

• Check tire pressure when the tires

are cold. (After the vehicle has

been parked for at least three

hours or hasn't been driven more

than 1.6 km (1 mile) since startup.)

• Check the pressure of your spare

tire each time you check the pres-

sure of other tires.

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).

careful not to overload a vehicle

luggage rack if your vehicle is

equipped with one.

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.

7 47

Maintenance

Remove the valve cap from the tire • Inspect your tires frequently for

Tire rotation

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.

proper inflation as well as wear and

damage. Always use a tire pres-

sure gauge.

To equalize tread wear, it is recom-

mended that the tires be rotated

every 10,000 km (6,500 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 causing

poor handling, loss of vehicle con-

trol, and sudden tire failure leading

to accidents, injuries, and even

death. The recommended cold tire

pressure for your vehicle can be

found in this manual and on the tire

label located on the driver's side

center pillar.

• Remember to check the pressure

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 chapter

8.

7 48

Maintenance

Without a spare tire

Disc brake pads should be inspected

for wear whenever tires are rotated.

Wheel alignment and tire bal-

ance

Rotate radial tires that have an

asymmetric tread pattern only from

front to rear and not from right to left.

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.

If you notice your vehicle vibrating

when driving on a smooth road, your

wheels may need to be rebalanced.

WARNING - Mixing tires

• 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.

S2BLA790A

Directional tires (if equipped)

CAUTION - Wheel weight

Improper wheel weights can

damage your vehicle's alu-

minum wheels. Use only

approved wheel weights.

CBGQ0707A

7 49

Maintenance

The ABS works by comparing the Compact spare tire replacement

Tire replacement

speed of the wheels. The tire size

A compact spare tire has a shorter

affects wheel speed. When replacing

tread life than a regular size tire.

tires, all 4 tires must use the same

Replace it when you can see the

size originally supplied with the vehi-

tread wear indicator bars on the tire.

cle. Using tires of a different size can

The replacement compact spare tire

cause the ABS (Anti-lock Brake

should be the same size and design

System) and ESC (Electronic

tire as the one provided with your

Stability Control) to work irregularly.

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.

✽

NOTICE

We recommend that when replacing

tires, use the same which were origi-

nally supplied with the vehicle. If

not, driving performance could be

altered.

OUM076204L

If the tire is worn evenly, a tread wear

Indicator (A) 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.

7 50

Maintenance

Wheel replacement

Tire traction

Tire sidewall labeling

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.

A wheel that is not the correct size

may adversely affect wheel and

bearing life, braking and stopping

abilities, handling characteristics,

ground clearance, body-to-tire clear-

ance, snow chain clearance,

speedometer and odometer calibra-

tion, headlight aim and bumper

height.

Tire maintenance

OJF085008L

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.

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.

CAUTION - Wheel

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.

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.

1. Manufacturer or brand name

Manufacturer or Brand name is

shown.

7 51

Maintenance

Tire speed ratings

2. Tire size designation

A tire’s sidewall is marked with a tire

size designation. You will need this

89 - Load Index, a numerical code

associated with the maximum

load the tire can carry.

The chart below lists many of the dif-

ferent speed ratings currently being

used for passenger vehicles. 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.

information when selecting replace- H - Speed Rating Symbol. See the

ment tires for your car. The following

explains what the letters and num-

bers in the tire size designation

mean.

speed rating chart in this section

for additional information.

Wheel size designation

Example tire size designation:

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.

(These numbers are provided as an

example only; your tire size designa-

tor could vary depending on your

vehicle.)

Speed

Rating

Maximum Speed

Symbol

S

T

180 km/h (112 mph)

190 km/h (118 mph)

210 km/h (130 mph)

240 km/h (149 mph)

270 km/h (168 mph)

300 km/h (186 mph)

P205/55R16 89H

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).

H

V

Example wheel size designation:

6.0JX16

W

Y

6.0 - Rim width in inches.

J - Rim contour designation.

16 - Rim diameter in inches.

205 - Tire width in millimeters.

55 - Aspect ratio. The tire’s section

height as a percentage of its

width.

R - Tire construction code (Radial).

16 - Rim diameter in inches.

7 52

Maintenance

3. Checking tire life (TIN :Tire

Identification Number)

5. Maximum permissible inflation

pressure

WARNING - Tire age

Replace tires within the recom-

mended time frame. Failure to

replace tires as recommended

can result in sudden tire failure,

which could lead to a loss of

control and an accident.

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.

This number is the greatest amount of

air pressure that should be put in the

tire. Do not exceed the maximum per-

missible inflation pressure. Refer to

the Tire and Loading Information label

for recommended inflation pressure.

6. Maximum load rating

4. Tire ply composition and mate-

rial

This number indicates the maximum

load in kilograms and pounds that can

be carried by the tire. When replacing

the tires on the vehicle, always use a

tire that has the same load rating as

the factory installed tire.

The number of layers or plies of rub-

ber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire

manufacturers also must indicate the

materials in the tire, which include

steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

The letter "R" means radial ply con-

struction; the letter "D" means diago-

nal or bias ply construction; and the

letter "B" means belted-bias ply con-

struction.

DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO

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.

7. Uniform tire quality grading

Quality grades can be found where

applicable on the tire sidewall

between tread shoulder and maxi-

mum section width.

For example:

TREADWEAR 440

TRACTION A

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1619 represents

that the tire was produced in the 16th

week of 2019.

TEMPERATURE A

7 53

Maintenance

Tread wear

Traction - AA, A, B & C

Tires degrade over time, even when

they are not being used. Regardless

of the remaining tread, we recom-

mend that tires be replaced after

approximately six (6) years of normal

service. Heat caused by hot climates

or frequent high loading conditions

can accelerate the aging process.

These grades are molded on the

side-walls of passenger vehicle tires.

The tires available as standard or

optional equipment on your vehicles

may vary with respect to grade.

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 traction grades, from highest to

lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those

grades represent the tires ability to

stop on wet pavement as measured

under controlled conditions on spec-

ified government test surfaces of

asphalt and concrete. A tire marked

C may have poor traction perform-

ance.

The traction grade assigned to this

tire is based on straight-ahead brak-

ing traction tests, and does not

include acceleration, cornering,

hydroplaning, or peak traction char-

acteristics.

7 54

Maintenance

Temperature -A, B & C

Tire terminology and definitions

Cold Tire Pressure: The amount of

air pressure in a tire, measured in

kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per

square inch (psi) before a tire has

built up heat from driving.

Curb Weight: This means the weight

of a motor vehicle with standard and

optional equipment including the

maximum capacity of fuel, oil and

coolant, but without passengers and

cargo.

DOT Markings: The DOT code

includes the Tire Identification

Number (TIN), an alphanumeric des-

ignator which can also identify the

tire manufacturer, production plant,

brand and date of production.

The temperature grades are A (the

highest), B and C representing the

tire’s resistance to the generation of

heat and its ability to dissipate heat

when tested under controlled condi-

tions on a specified indoor laboratory

test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can

cause the material of the tire to

degenerate and reduce tire life, and

excessive temperature can lead to

sudden tire failure. Grades B and A

represent higher levels of perform-

ance on the laboratory test wheel

than the minimum required by law.

Air Pressure: The amount of air

inside the tire pressing outward on

the tire. Air pressure is expressed in

kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per

square inch (psi).

Accessory Weight: This means the

combined weight of optional acces-

sories. Some examples of optional

accessories are, automatic transmis-

sion, power seats and air condition-

ing.

Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a

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

steel or other reinforcing materials.

Bead: The tire bead contains steel

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.

7 55

Maintenance

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Maximum Inflation Pressure: The Occupant Distribution: Designated

maximum air pressure to which a seating positions.

GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight

cold tire may be inflated. The maxi-

Rating for the Front Axle.

Outward Facing Sidewall: The side

of an asymmetrical tire that has a

particular side that faces outward

mum air pressure is molded onto the

sidewall.

GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight

Rating for the Rear axle.

Intended Outboard Sidewall: The

side of an asymmetrical tire, that

must always face outward when

mounted on a vehicle.

Maximum Load Rating: The load when mounted on a vehicle. The out-

rating for a tire at the maximum per- ward facing sidewall bears white let-

missible inflation pressure for that tering or bears manufacturer, brand,

tire.

and/or model name molding that is

higher or deeper than the same

moldings on the inner facing side-

wall.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire

used on passenger cars and some

light duty trucks and multipurpose

vehicles.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:

The sum of curb weight; accessory

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 lbs.).

Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for

air pressure.

Light truck(LT) tire: A tire designat-

ed by its manufacturer as primarily

intended for use on lightweight trucks

or multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Load Index: An assigned number

ranging from 1 to 279 that corre-

sponds to the load carrying capacity

of a tire.

Ply: A layer of rubber-coated parallel

cords

Pneumatic tire:

A

mechanical

device made of rubber, chemicals,

fabric and steel or other materials,

that, when mounted on an automo-

tive wheel, provides the traction and

contains the gas or fluid that sustains

the load.

Load ratings: The maximum load

that a tire is rated to carry for a given

inflation pressure.

7 56

Maintenance

Production options weight: The Speed Rating: An alphanumeric Vehicle Maximum Load on the

combined weight of installed regular code assigned to a tire indicating the Tire: Load on an individual tire due

production options weighing over 5 maximum speed at which a tire can to curb and accessory weight plus

lb.(2.3 kg) in excess of the standard operate.

items which they replace, not previ-

maximum occupant and cargo

weight.

tire and the road surface. The Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire:

Traction: The friction between the

ously considered in curb weight or

accessory weight, including heavy

duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,

heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Recommended Inflation Pressure:

Vehicle manufacturer's recommend-

ed tire inflation pressure and shown

on the tire placard.

Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in

which the ply cords that extend to the

beads are laid at 90 degrees to the

centerline of the tread.

Rim: A metal support for a tire and

upon which the tire beads are seat-

ed.

amount of grip provided.

Tread: The portion of a tire that

comes into contact with the road.

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.

Treadwear Indicators: Narrow

bands, sometimes called "wear

bars," that show across the tread of a

tire when only 1/16 inch of tread

remains.

UTQGS: Uniform Tire Quality

Grading Standards, a tire information

system that provides consumers with

ratings for a tire's traction, tempera-

ture and treadwear. Ratings are

determined by tire manufacturers

Sidewall: The portion of a tire using government testing proce-

between the tread and the bead.

dures. The ratings are molded into

the sidewall of the tire.

Vehicle Capacity Weight: The num-

ber of designated seating positions

multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs.) plus the

rated cargo and luggage load.

7 57

Maintenance

All season tires

Summer tires

Snow tires

Kia specifies all season tires on Kia specifies summer tires on some If you equip your car with snow tires,

some models to provide good per- models to provide superior perform- they should be the same size and

formance for use all year round, ance on dry roads. Summer tire per- have the same load capacity as the

including snowy and icy road condi- formance is substantially reduced in original tires. Snow tires should be

tions. All season tires are identified snow and ice. Summer tires do not installed on all four wheels; other-

by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud have the tire traction rating M+S wise, poor handling may result.

and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow (Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall.

Snow tires should carry 28 kPa (4 psi)

tires have better snow traction than If you plan to operate your vehicle in

more air pressure than the pressure

all season tires and may be more snowy or icy conditions, Kia recom-

recommended for the standard tires

appropriate in some areas.

mends the use of snow tires or all

season tires on all four wheels.

on the tire label on the driver's side of

the center pillar, or up to the maxi-

mum 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.

7 58

Maintenance

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

Low aspect ratio tire

(if equipped)

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 select-

ed to complement the ride and han-

dling 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.

Low aspect ratio tires, whose aspect

ratio is lower than 50, are provided

for sporty looks.

Because the low aspect ratio tires

are optimized for handling and brak-

ing, it may be more uncomfortable to

ride in and there is more noise com-

pare with normal tires.

7 59

Maintenance

• It is not easy to recognize the tire

damage with your own eyes. But if

there is the slightest hint of tire

damage, even though you cannot

see it, have the tire checked or

replaced because the tire damage

may cause air leakage from the tire.

• If the tire is damaged by driving on

a rough road, off road, pothole,

manhole, or curb stone, it will not

be covered by the warranty.

CAUTION

Because the sidewall of the low

aspect ratio tire is shorter than

the normal, the wheel and tire of

the low aspect ratio tire is easi-

er to be damaged. So, follow the

instructions below.

• When driving on a rough road

or off road, drive cautiously

because tires and wheels may

be damaged. And after driv-

ing, inspect tires and wheels.

• You can find out the tire information

on the tire sidewall.

• When passing over a pothole,

speed bump, manhole, or curb

stone, drive slowly so that the

tires and wheels are not dam-

aged.

• If the tire is impacted, we rec-

ommend that you inspect the

tire condition or contact an

authorized Kia dealer.

• To prevent damage to the tire,

inspect the tire condition and

pressure every 3,000 km

(1,900 miles).

7 60

Maintenance -> Tires and wheels for Your Kia Sportage SUV 2020

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