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Useful information about this Asian brand

Kia history

Kia, a bicycle manufacturer, started producing a vehicle in 1971 and two years later the first petrol engine arrived in Korea. This is how the hard-working Asian developed until it entered the German market in 1993. The model was the Sephia, if you don't remember. Then there was the Pride compact car, which was followed by the Sportage. Even if the word 'SUV' had not yet been coined. Karmann in Osnabrück, on the other hand, built the European Sportage. Kia's first steps were not greeted with a smile. Nevertheless, Kia was doomed to failure during the 1998 Asian financial crisis and was eventually taken over by Hyundai. The Ceed, like VW's Skoda, benefits from this merger; the Ceed is almost identical to the i30. And by mid-2012, the Koreans, already viewed with distrust by European carmakers, are said to have shocked the industry: they will provide a full seven-year manufacturer's warranty, up to 150,000 kilometres. This includes all maintenance work and the mobility guarantee comes in handy even if the key is lost.

What Kia models are there

Although many Kia products are similar to Hyundai, some, such as the Soul hatchback, are unique to the brand. Kia SUV highlights include the three-row Telluride and the sub-compact Seltos, but the brand also offers the compact Sportage and mid-sized Sorento. Kia's wide range also includes the Forte, the mid-sized K5 and the performance-oriented Stinger. Electric cars include hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of the Niro hatchback.

Kia database

The overviews below show service intervals, engine oil requirements and tips for the most recent Kia models. The intervals and guidelines are only an indication, circumstances can occur that cause a garage to give a different advice.

Kia chain or belt?

Do you have a Kia and wonder whether it has a timing belt or a timing chain? Most Kia cars have a chain and not a timing belt. Only the following models have a belt:

Kia Picanto 1 litre petrol (2009-2011)
Kia Carnival 2.9 diesel (2001-2009)

Please refer to the following page for more information on the timing belt and chain on Kia models:

Does Kia have a timing belt or chain?

Tyre pressure Kia

The tyre pressure of your Kia should be checked monthly to ensure optimum performance. In addition, incorrect tyre pressure can lead to high fuel consumption and faster or irregular wear of the tyres. On the following pages you will find an overview of the tyre pressures for your Kia.

Lamps for Kia

Want to replace the bulbs on your Kia but don't know what type of car bulb you need? On this Kia car bulbs page, we have collected a list containing all lamps.

Car lamps KIA overview

Known problems and buying advice Kia

For popular Kia models, we have listed the known problems and buying advice. Click on the links below to read on!

Kia Picanto Problems and Buying Advice

Which motor oil for Kia

Changing engine oil on time is crucial for the condition of your engine. In addition, it is important to know which engine oil you need. The service booklet generally always lists the appropriate engine oil. Do you want to know which oil your Kia needs? Then click on your model and you will be directed to a page with the correct oil for each type of Kia.